The only guy I know, apart from my Dad, who still makes RL look not only good, but bloody good. Could that picture of the three of them be retrieved from the website and posted?
It was by observing the three of them, either together on a couple of occasions, or Jeff and Ken together, that I began putting more thought into what I was wearing. I walked in one day - John looking sloe-eyed up on the stool there - wearing a yellow Truval shirt, yellow Brooks lambswool cardigan, black fly-fronted wool and cashmere Italian made overcoat with Peter Pan collar, white Levis and desert boots. All acceptable kit, but not in that particular combination. They may have coughed into their fists a bit, but each was far too polite to say anything.
I'll put it this way, sometimes you have to retreat from a former position. My look was contrived, whereas John's was just effortlessly elegant - which must come from long years of selective analysis of detail. Even better, in a sense, Jeff and Ken looked stripped down and absolutely natural: London-American in Jeff's case.
Yet more proof of what a great guy Jeff is - We've been swapping messages over on the JSA Facebook project. For a punter like me... How cool is Jeff for taking the time?
Nice people, those JSA folk.
Jeff's Birthday Today!
A lovely chap who knows his onions.
'Talk Ivy' salutes you!
I'd buy him a drink, definitely. Many of 'em, Jeff.
Happy Birthday Jeff, many more of them
Often wondered about Jeff's background. I guess, as he has a sister in Sheffield, he might pass through my town on the train from time to time.
Wish I hadn't spelled Mr. Garet's name all wrong!
Jeff was just in touch to say thanks for this write up & to offer help with any info he could. A very generous offer.
I won't bombard him with questions all in one go (a bit like Ian Strachan) but it might be nice to discuss his Ivy style with him?
One cares for him very much. He was always kind: to my daughter for example. These things are remembered. Also, he'd suggest somewhere for lunch, or a jazz station I might enjoy listening to. He tended to pack my bags and parcel up stuff coming through the post. I'd like him to know, especially on his birthday, that he's a special feller.
That great photograph of the trio is on Facebook, I see. Be great to get it on this thread, too.
A propos of nothing, just thought it funny to add that the first time I went in J.Simons, shitting myself with excitement and fear, I thought Jeff was the guvnor. He just looked so American. Very cool and laid back. And the glasses!
TM
He's the perfect MC.
I've finally settled on MY Ivy Hero.
Last time I saw him he had THE BD, Shetland, Cords & Loafers. Time before that he was all NYC cool in a vintage overcoat given to him by JS & heading down the underground wishing my daughter a Happy Birthday.
So here's to Jeff. Style with a smile - A lovely person to know.
Jim.
I remember him arguing with Ken over how much they could knock off the price of a Harrington, while a bemused Italian exchanged glances with his wife, who was waiting outside.
He's spot on, but the glasses really make his cool persona don't they?
It almost makes me wish I needed to wear them for more than just reading, but I'd draw the line at wearing specs with plain glass in them, well I think I would!
On him the made for JS 'Geoffrey Scott' OCBD was THE BD - I was amazed when he dropped the name. Looked great on him.
The NYC Cool look had a watch cap & quilted body warmer thingy with it. Very practical. January last, this was.
Nice to hear you sounding chipper this evening, Jim. I was so engrossed I let my chips go cold. Mrs. RPR sends her best.
I think Mrs RPR is lovely.
A quilted body warmer. Mm. I have tried one twice, the first in navy, the second in - I suppose - beige (!). I'll probably stick with the heavy, old, original pea coat, that John Simons once hefted in his hand. Gosh.
Aye. That's why the name shook me when Jeff said it. But on him it looked great. Then again the shirt must be 30+ years old by now. That'll soften up a placket !