This blog was inspired by a friend who asked me to help him to purchase a suit. Clothes, fabric, style and design are attached to my DNA, so to speak. The kind of DNA I'm referring to is Design, Nuance and Attractiveness. These three characteristics are what make any clothing item truly desirable. In addition, they can affect how the wearer feels in an item of clothing.
When I was a lad I used to visit my father's tailoring shop every Sunday, which was located smack in the middle of Brick Lane, east London. In those days the street was the epicentre of London Jewry. It was littered with kosher butchers, fabric emporiums, bakeries and a Yiddish theatre. Dad's shop, "Russell Sinclair," named after my middle name and his partner's son's middle name, struck a distinctive note where the shop front awnings were occupied by Rosenberg, Levy, Shmulovitch and Bernstein.
Dad instinctively knew how to design a pair of trousers that would look great and as importantly, felt great to wear. He intuitively knew how to cut a precise pattern for them and did so with flair and apparent ease. Many years ago I recall walking along Kings Road, Chelsea, wearing a pair of green gabardine bell bottoms my father made for me. Strangers approached me, asking where I had purchased my trousers. They were that good. Had it not been for the choice of fabric, the cut and fit, they would have been just another pair of ordinary trousers. Whenever I wore them I felt confident, stylish and as if I was just a little special. That's how well designed clothes can make you feel. They can lift your spirits and buoy your self confidence.
Nuance is not something on which our current culture seems to focus, particularly when it comes to fashion and clothing design. However, nuance is critical in any design that is likely to have longevity, be that a building or a suit. One of the dictionary's synonyms for nuance is "refinement", a perfect description for the kind of attire I'm referring to. And when one wears clothes that are refined, that's exactly how we feel - refined. Furthermore, when we act and communicate in a refined fashion, the combination of that inner and outer refinement is a winning formula; it also promotes feelings of greater self esteem.
In order for anything to have the word attractiveness attributed to it, it must have eye appeal which is produced primarily by visual stimuli. This is often prompted by a gut feeling - you see something and for reasons you can't explain, you are drawn to it. On the day I helped my friend to buy a suit my eye was taken by a single sleeve that hung in the middle of about a dozen others. The way the fabric of the sleeve almost glistened, its iridescence, drew me to it. The sleeve draped softly the way quality fabrics tend to, that's when I knew that my friend would look great in it and feel great wearing it. And as soon as he tried the jacket on and felt the soft fabric slip over his shoulders, he smiled. When he looked at the jacket in the mirror, his smile widened, he stood straighter, held his head higher and we both knew he'd found his suit. It was as if the DNA of the suit matched his DNA.
Here's how you can find a good DNA match:
Design:
Nuance:
Attractiveness:
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I love your description of Brick Lane - really evocative of that period.
As someone who does not have much 'instinct' for clothes I found your post most interesting. I tend to dress quite conservatively and at moderate price, using mainly High Street stores. I have found that I feel most comfortable in a suit or a jacket and tie - or for 'smart casual' an informal jacket and open neck shirt. I have learned from experience to shun anything too trendy - it may work for some but not for me. I was interested to see that you mention clothes that are "of the moment" which may lack longevity.
I think you give sound and useful advice, as always in your posts. I particularly appreciate your observation that clothing should say something about the person wearing it. Sometimes I think people identify themselves far too closely with 'labels'.
So, I now know certain combinations seen to work for me, (e.g. dark suit but with a bright silk tie - people tell me I look good!) and because of that I might be accused justifiably of 'playing it safe' with my choice of attire. I have made some disasterous choices in the past!
Thanks for really good guidance to those of us whose 'DNA' factor could do with a boost!
I think 'playing it safe' is much better than taking risks when it comes to one's image. It also prevents us from making 'disasterous choices.'
Good luck boosting your DNA!
I hope my tips are helpful when you next go clothes shopping.
By the way, both your parents sound as though they were rather elegant.
As the friend who inspired your post, it would be remiss of me not to comment…
It’s a treat to be able to read your thoughts and reflect on the things that were obviously going through your head as we strolled down Savile Row together.
It’s a long time since I felt the need (or desire) to wear a decent suit for work and whilst I would have been happy to walk into any off the peg retailer, I was unsure (and if I’m honest slightly intimidated) at the prospect of visiting ‘The Row’ in my jeans and t-shirt. I asked for your recommendation and was delighted when instead of simply saying, “Try xyz Tailors…” you said, “I’ll come with you and we’ll find your suit.” I would never have found it without you.
Your post tells the tale very well – it’s very considered. The days of your youth, the learning from experience and best of all, a happy ending – my suit is fabulous. I don’t know how I managed without it, or why I asked for your help. Maybe, like your Dad, I just “instinctively knew.” Thank you.
Scot McKee
Managing Director – http://www.birddog.co.uk
Author, ‘Creative B2B Branding (no, really)’ http://ht.ly/2zZeg
Twitter: @scotmckee
So pleased you are happy with your suit.
I really enjoyed our time together. Strolling down 'The Row' that day took me back to my youth, and the days of being carefree. Maybe we should do it again sometime... I love happy endings!
Best,
Anne
So pleased you are inspired. As importantly, that you think my ideas 'make sense', really inspires me!
Best,
Malcolm
of the past and your father's shop.
I can imagine you walking along the King's Road in those bell bottoms!
Oh, those bell bottoms, when I think of them, I'm reminded of a time in my life, that feels like it was somebody elses life, not mine.