Wale Oyejide

Wale Oyejide, Philadelphia, June 2011

I stopped by Wale Oyejide's home in Philly on my way back from the Seersucker Social in Washington DC in June 2011.   We walked around his neighborhood and people stared and the old lady on the corner asked him who he was to be getting photographed and we got to know each other a little.  I know him from his blog Less Gentlemen, and found out he is quite a musician, originally from Nigeria, and also a lawyer.

One might not consider him a dandy - that illusive term - because his style is somewhat understated, but he takes such care with his clothing and all the details...what else could it be called?  If not dandy, then what?  Is there another term we should be using?  Well, he is certainly a gentleman.  And he understands that dressing well is revolutionary in a world of sweatpants and sneakers.

A Suitable Wardrobe

Recently, I met up with Will Boehlke of the great blog about classic menswear A Suitable Wardrobe.  He was visiting NYC, and staying at his club - The Penn Club. Very old world chic.  (Note to self:  join a club with an amazing landmark club building)

So after chatting a bit we decided to collaborate on some upcoming stories, which is very exciting.  He seems to know just about everything, and everyone, pertaining to bespoke tailoring and traditional menswear.  I shall learn a lot.  For instance - now I know what airplane shoes are! These are Will's bespoke W. S. Foster airplane shoes, to be worn "only on those flights that arrive before 6pm local time":

Dandy Wellington, spats and all

Dandy Wellington at home in Harlem, Feb 2010

I appreciate that Wellington enjoys using the word "dandy".  He cultivates a persona - not a costume, but a character.   Walking thru his neighborhood he got a lot of attention (more than the white folks with the camera following him!), and this older fella walked passed and said, "I'm glad they're still doing it".  I understood, but it's hard to put in words.  Back in the day pretty much everyone was expected to dress more formally, but now it is a choice - and can be a bold decision.

Dandy Wellington near his home, Harlem, Feb 2010

Dandy Wellington

Dandy Wellington and The Made to Measure Band at Ella, NYC, May 2011

Happy Father's Day

Antique portrait painting of father and son found at an estate sale in Southampton, June 2011

Alan Flusser and his Go To Hell pants

Alan Flusser at his Custom Shop, shot for Gilt MANual's story on the GTH pants.  I went up and met The Trad, and we had a great time moving things about and cajoling Mr. Flusser to pose.   Flusser is the author of many style books, most recently Style and the Man, and is a designer of custom menswear.   I was thrilled to meet such an iconic figure in the menswear world!

Sneak Peek - Patrick McDonald and Robert W. Richards

Patrick McDonald at home in paisley and blue velvet, NYC, April 2011

Artist Robert W. Richards at home, NYC, April 2011

I have a couple of exciting new shoots that I wanted to give you a peek at...  First is the iconic dandy of New York, Patrick McDonald, who allowed me and Matt Fox of Fine and Dandy a rare glimpse at his home.  And next is the legendary artist, Robert W. Richards who told us stories of buying this Lanvin suit in Paris decades ago (it still fits!) and how Louise Brooks wrote him fan letters (!!)