็็Horace,

Thank you.

A classic looking hat indeed.

I have had white dinner jackets over the years that I’ve liked quite well, but when my most recent iteration went to the charity shop I did not replace it because I’ve decided to have exactly what I want made.  Unlike many of you bespeakers, I have always been quite satisfied to fill my wardrobe with quality RTW.  I’m easy to fit and, indeed, it would be disloyal to my progenitors in the rag trade to do otherwise.  Occasionally I go MTM to get a fabric, detail, or combination of the two that I can’t find on the rack when I want it; but I think my ideal summer black tie rig is going to have to be full custom.  The coat will be of ivory barathea in the 10/11 oz range, 2X1 DB, shawl collared with full bellied lapels in ivory grosgrain (also covering the buttons), self-jetted lower pockets and welt breast pocket.  As to cut, a slightly extended, sloping soft shoulder, closely suppressed waist, straight skirt, and a modicum of draping over the chest and blades.  Trousers will be of black barathea (same weight as the coat) with black grosgrain stripes, full cut and high waisted, deep forward pleats, extension waistband, and side straps.  Of course, I haven’t really thought this through.

I know Lock still sells a pith helmet and a smoking cap with a tassel. I would bet this was Brooks supplier. Brooks did offer an expensive white dinner jacket last year. just saying.