Sven from Gentleman's Gazette

Sven Raphael Schneider, Editor-in-Chief of Gentleman's Gazette,  NYC, Jan 2012

There is no replacement for meeting face to face.  For me it's a great adventure, and one of the reasons I love photographing people.  When Sven Raphael Schneider, whom I only knew from his online magazine, Gentleman's Gazette,  came to visit NYC I was curious to meet the man behind the scene.  Sven's focus on classic men's style is razor sharp, and I was surprised to find out it all started with his interest in vintage.  Sven described his vast collection menswear fashion illustrations, and my jaw dropped.  I can't even begin to fathom his other collections!  If he just posted about this it would undoubtedly fill up years on the blog, but of course he is also interested in reviewing specialty products, showcasing "Gentlemen of Style" (always my favorite), and cultivating savoir-vivre.  Sven is a true aficionado of classic menswear, and Gentleman's Gazette is his way of fine tuning the conversation.

A bit of a surprise on the label of his suit jacket...one never knows!

Style Notes:

Suit: Vintage 1960s bespoke from Hussmüller Munich, Germany with a rare double breasted waistcoat

Shirt: Modern Tailor 

Tie: Knit Silk Tie, Vintage

Pocket Square: Robert Talbott 

Silk Socks: green wool with shadow stripe - Fort Belvedere

Cufflinks: 14k Yellow Gold with Malachite – Fort Belvedere

Nick Wooster, Superhero in Disguise?

Nick Wooster, NYC, April 2012

The only title I can think of when I see this photo is "Able to Leap Small Buildings" :)   Nick Wooster projects the image of badass quite naturally, but he is from my experience very thoughtful and kind.   This was the second time I have photographed Mr. Wooster for Park and Bond, and this time I distinctly saw what a superhero character he is.  He walks down the street with purpose and intensity, like he has a invisible cape on.  Good guy, a true original.  

Not a dandy portrait, of course, but a little post in the meantime.

At The Easter Parade

Andrew Yamato at the Easter Parade, NY, April 2012

The Easter Bonnet Parade down Fifth Avenue in Manahattan is a wonderful tradition that I experienced for the first time just this year.  The event's sole purpose seems to be to get people to dress up and strut about - and to celebrate spring.  Flowers and costumes and spectators and bow ties and top hats and fancy dress.  The best kind of get together! 

Mr. Yamato's classic spectators

Young and old were out to show off their Sunday best.  Just look at the duds on this fella!


These guys had suits made of what seemed to be pure polyester, which usually makes me depressed, but, hey, they looked great!


Pure vintage.  Wonderfully unusual colors remind me of Miami Beach 1940s.


Enrique of FineAndDandyShop.com fully equipped with the shop's latest stock.

Matt and Enrique of Fine and Dandy Shop.  Matt's burgundy velvet slippers get their moment in the sunshine below.

Time to Shine

Dandy Wellington at the Seersucker Social, Washington DC, June 2011

Well, I don't feel like we have earned our springtime this year, due to the absurdly mild winter, but it's here none the less - and that's a good enough reason to celebrate!  This set of bright and sunny shots are from the Seersucker Social in Washington DC at the Hillwood Estate last year.  I went down with journalist Nathaniel "Natty"Adams and Mr. Bray on assignment for the legendary UK magazine The Chap.  By a strange twist of fate the story ran in in depths of winter.  Now that the birds are chirping, it seems like the perfect time to finally give them their moment on the blog. 

Mr. Bray's pocket puff and boater

The official American correspondent for The Chap, Nathaniel "Natty" Adams, working hard in his lime green seersucker.


Natty did a costume change...into a three piece pink seersucker suit from Doyle Mueser.  The kind of suit that says, "I will conquer the DC heat with my mind alone!"



Just look at him...he was even more amazing than you see.   Lots of inspiration down in DC.

Vaudeville performer Izzy Aster's bow tie

A bit like old Calcutta

Eric Channing Brewer after the Seersucker Social, Washington DC, June 2011

Eric is the founder of Dandies and Quaintrelles, the DC group responsible for getting nine hundred people (yes, nine hundred), to wear seersucker...or at least support the wearing of seersucker.  Bravo!

Dandyism.net Interview

They called me "Wild Dandyish Rose", which I kind of like.  Thanks to Mr. Mattis for his interest in the project and the opportunity to state my case in praise of exquisite gentlemen.

Michael Mattis flashing the Elk's sign in Shroeder's Restaurant, San Francisco, Oct 2010

The Dandy Portraits debuts short film about Sean Crowley

Remember Sean Crowley?  The not easily forgotten tie maven and exquisite Anglophile living in Brooklyn has inspired a short film as part of The Dandy Portraits!  For this portrait Mr. Crowley gives us a rare peep into his world, where there is always time for tea.

The film was made by Rarebit Productions,  a creative partnership between me and my betrothed, Kelly Desmond Bray.  We filmed at Sean's apartment, and also paid a visit to Bobby From Boston and met Bobby Garnett, the owner of the esteemed vintage clothing store in Boston where Sean worked when he was just out of college.   Every inch of Sean's brownstone apartment is filled with his collections (and Meredith might have a shoe or two in there), but to my surprise when I left his environment I felt inspired.  I thought I would feel the need to clear clutter immediately, but instead I could see the delight that comes from having beautiful things surround you.   Enjoy!

Wellington in the Winter Light

Met up with Dandy Wellington last week to chat about a new project.  Can't go into details but we are very excited!