You are not logged in.
#1 2007-08-02 03:33:56
- The Style Council
- Member
- From: Nr London, England
- Posts: 100
The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
First issued in 1964, long out of print and sought after by just about everyone with an interest in classic/vintage fashion and style is finally scheduled for a reissue in the coming weeks.
It's re-appearance is down to the V&A, which is reissuing the book as part of its Golden Age of Couture exhibition. If you have any interest in men's fashion, this is pretty much essential, breaking down just about every fashion term and item into an A to Z listing, with descriptions for each in Mr Amies' own witty style.
Can't wait!!
http://www.vandashop.com/product.php?xProd=948&xSec=192&navlock=1
http://www.amazon.co.uk/ABC-Mens-Fashion-Hardy-Amies/dp/1851775285/ref=pd_bowtega_1/026-5825624-6682035?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186047001&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/ABC-Mens-Fashion-Hardy-Amies/dp/0810994607/ref=sr_1_15/103-7988998-7969454?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186047116&sr=8-15
#2 2007-08-02 09:00:06
- Get Smart
- Member
- Posts: 1106
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
Very nice!! Can't wait to finally get a copy of this. September 1st is only a month away
#3 2007-08-02 09:48:59
- Film Noir Buff
- Dandy Nightmare
- From: Devil's Island
- Posts: 9345
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
Different covers for UK and US markets?
Good, thisll offset the 100 dollars I spent on his Englishman's Suit book.
Although I am shocked to see the book of ties is $181 new!? The binding in mine came apart from the spine but for the 20 bucks I paid, I'll deal with it.
#5 2007-08-02 10:04:04
- Film Noir Buff
- Dandy Nightmare
- From: Devil's Island
- Posts: 9345
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
#6 2007-08-02 10:17:29
- Will
- Member
- From: San Francisco
- Posts: 239
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
Will's thoughts on classic men's clothing
http://www.asuitablewardrobe.net/
#7 2007-08-02 15:51:41
- Get Smart
- Member
- Posts: 1106
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
an excerpt from the book courtesy of mod culture forums:
BELL-BOTTOM - The shape of sailor's trousers where they meet the boot. Attempts to bring this shape into civilian clothes have been unsuccessfu l.
BLACK - Only really suitable for dark Latin types.
BOATER - There have been several attempts to revive the poularity of the hard straw hat ; all without success. It is better left to elegant fishmongers, and Harrovians.
FAT MAN - If you are vain enough, as i hope you are,to read this book, surely you can be vain enough to want to make yourself less fat.I am sure that all hints on dieting add up to the simple suggestion 'eat less'.
FLARE - I think I am right in saying that this is an expression more common in the womans world than in the man's.
ITALIAN STYLE - Finally we must agree that the Italian style of dressing and above all their attitude to clothes and the wearing of them have a certain predatorine ss, an air of masculine superiority softened with an almost feminine grace which intrigues women and has proved successful in the great game of sexual attraction.
PURPLE - I can see no use for this handsome, not un-masculine colour except for ties, socks and hankercheif s. If you know how to wear them you don't need my help. If you don't, don't.
SANDALS - Sandals are hell, except on the beach where you want to take them off: or on a boat. And worn with socks are super-hell.
TURNUPS - You can't have any.
WALKING STICK - An excellent and elegant accessory when you've broken your leg.
For holiday tips we have the following:
Always wear a collar and tie in a town, even if it is by the sea, after six o'clock.
Never wear shorts except actually on the beach or on a walking tour. No continental, except a German, will wear shorts even going to a beach. He knows them to be inelegant and often considers them indecent.
#8 2007-08-03 05:22:44
- SubtleCool
- Ivy, but subtle with it.
- Posts: 289
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
I noticed a RTW suit recently made by the Hardy Amies label with single breasted buttons and a double breasted lapel. This reminded me of a line in 'The Englishman's Suit' where Mr Amies describes such a thing as "a sartorial crime".
What would he make of it I wonder?
Last edited by SubtleCool (2007-08-03 05:22:59)
Me? Conspicuous? Lady, I'm the invisible man.
#9 2007-08-03 13:45:42
- Horace
- Member
- Posts: 6433
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
""This is probably the last Deb season...because of the stock market, the economy, Everything..." - W. Stillman.
#10 2007-08-03 14:05:04
- Voltaire's Bastard
- Member
- Posts: 967
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
“You know that saying, 'Caesar's wife is above suspicion'? Well I put an end to all that rubbish!"..”
#13 2007-08-04 04:24:34
- Horace
- Member
- Posts: 6433
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
""This is probably the last Deb season...because of the stock market, the economy, Everything..." - W. Stillman.
#14 2008-05-30 02:14:25
- Moose Maclennan
- Ivy Inspiration
- From: Hernando's Hideaway
- Posts: 4577
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
A deserved wee bump for this one too. This has been standard bogside reading at Maclennan Castle for the last few months. Amies crusty style and his huge enthusiasm for his subject is a real treat.
His campy endorsement of capes, tight breeches tucked into high boots and bow ties is pretty entertaining too.
The best reference to sixties style I have yet read, to boot.
#15 2008-05-30 04:36:36
- Suitedbooted2000
- Member
- Posts: 577
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
I've heard so much about this pook so i'm off to buy myself a copie
#16 2008-05-30 05:39:55
- Brideshead
- Member
- Posts: 417
Re: The ABC of Men's Fashion - Hardy Amies
It is interesting to see how he writes off the shoe - as being on its last legs (pun intended). The boot was so popular back in the early 60s that it threatened to consign the shoe to history.
It's a great book, but set very much in its time.