Bruce

Bruce, NYC, Jan 2012

Dr. Churchwell takes Manhattan

Dr. Andre Churchwell, the esteemed cardiologist from Tennessee, recently visited NYC, and Bruce Boyer thought we should meet.  I think he was right!  Here you see Dr. Churchwell sporting his "mill suit" inspired by the Duke of Windsor, and tailored by Leonard Logsdail.  This suit makes a terrific impression, and it seems to have become quite legendary - I mean, it has it's own name!  He likes to add vintage touches - like these bright yellow felt braces and tie bar - but prefers bespoke suits, as do his two brothers whom I have yet to meet (but you know I will!).




The frames he wears are bespoke, too, inspired by glasses Cary Grant once wore.  This detail goes only part way to describe Dr. Churchwell's fine-tuned fascination with classic films, and the clothes worn by those legends of style.  And as we walk we talk about how being a gentleman is not just in how a person dresses, but in their actions - or as Dr.  Churchwell puts it - in their civility to each other.



Stopping in for a visit to his longtime tailor, Len Logsdail.



I just love these amazing embroidered vintage braces!  The suit and colors are classic and a bit understated, and then open up the jacket and voila!  Having fun, but always the gentleman.

Dandy Portraits in Paris: Mickael Loir

Mickael Loir at home, Paris, Sept 2011

He lives in a garret apartment up six flights in an old Paris building, probably one that would be common place to a Parisian, but to us, the Americans, it made us giddy with excitement. That afternoon was uncommonly warm and humid, and in the sky it could plainly be seen the reason why. We got in and said hi, and barely caught our breath and started snapping away when the thunderstorm broke. But it was so beautiful to watch it pour outside while he played the scratchy 78 on the his rickety electric phonograph. How could a moment be more perfect?

This is the universe of Mickael Loir.

I could sense the spirit of Paris in him and his surroundings - the history of surrealism and dada, of artists and whimsy, and of elegance. He showed me his creations - ribbon bow ties, lapel pins, and cufflinks made from vintage watch faces. It might be surprising, then, to find out he has a rather normal day job. I asked him if he dresses the same at work - because although it is not offensive to be elegant, it can be distracting. He says that he slowly got them accustomed to it - a collar here, a bow tie there - so now he dresses as he pleases. Although his look is very vintage, it is a mix of old and new, high and low. And in a city in love with fashion, he prefers to cut labels out of his clothes. But he is quick to say that it's not just the clothes; it's also the universe that one creates - friends, art, a crazy awesome thoroughly impractical English car, a bit of green on the otherwise grey terrace - that bring style to the whole endeavor.





I was reminded of dadaist Tristian Tzara




The vintage MG was just purchased and driven from UK to Paris a few days earlier, just in time for the rain...

Paris Dispatch: La belle journée avec Massimiliano

A few snaps from my epic day with Massimiliano at his lovely home in Paris.  Again, I am reminded that this is not about clothes, this is about a life.  

Paris! London!

The Dandy Portraits is in Paris right now and London next weekend.  Here is a little sneak peak of a shoot from today of Mickael Loir:


Of note - Mickael made this bow tie and rose lapel pin.

Vintage Elegance: The Home of Robert E. Bryan

The living room

Robert E. Bryan has collected Art Deco and vintage modern for thirty plus years, and his elegant East Village home is a personal showcase for his collections.  Take a good look, and then another.  As I edited the set I kept noticing more and more details that I didn't have time to absorb when I was shooting.  This is what I love about photography - it allows you to look...as much as you desire.

The iconic portrait of the football player resembles Mr. Bryan, but is a found image.  It was reproduced on the back cover of his book American Fashion Menswear.  The other photos are family portraits.

Lovely ashtray inscribed with "Sonderkurs, Mai 1933"

I want that Savoy Cocktail Book!

Living room vignette

The entryway

The bedroom vanity.  Beautiful portrait is of his mother.

Mr. Bryan getting ready for a portrait

Tie label reads "The Chief - Hand Loomed by Indians"

Ties in the spare room are displayed for a visit by a collector

Mr. Bryan's vintage ring collection (!!)

A portion of the vintage record collection

Labels on the record collection

A kitchen vignette

Looking south towards the new construction in the Lower East Side from Mr. Bryan's kitchen