Lord Bassington-Bassington occasionally waddles into art museums. Especially if there's something Lovecraftian there to tempt him.
But the museum to visit these days, if you happen to find yourself in Scandinavia, seems to be Nordiska Museet in Stockholm. The museum is putting on an exhibition about dandyism which seems quite worthwhile. And which has prompted us here at the Chronicles to shamelessly steal from their press photos. For surely The Lord Bassington-Bassington Chronicles is a legitimate publication?!
Interior decoration tips for Bassington Manor?
The curse of the Scandinavian climate means that wonderful soles like these must be covered in rubber.
Yes, style is all about neckwear.
What would an exhibition about dandyism be without Beau Brummel?
In conjunction with the exhibiton there is also a competition, in which the visitor is invited to vote for one of the interpretations of the dandy provided by several Swedish style personalities. Not being Swedish, we here at the Chronicles have no idea who these “personalities” are, but we are highly skeptical. Case in point: One of them wears what appears to be a baseball cap. And to put it bluntly, Lord Bassington-Bassington is of the opinion that learning about style from someone wearing a baseball cap is a bit like, well, like taking French lessons from a Scotsman.
The interpretations looked like the average H&M mannequin, dull and lifeless. Personally I think it lacked the classic riding boots and a elegant moustasche...
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think these interpretations of dandyism missed the point, thinking it's all about having expensive clothes. Some of the most stylish people I've ever met wore mostly garments gathered from flea markets.
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, the lack of nature's own dandy, the basset, was nothing less than shocking.
Your remark also reminds me that it's time to break out my own riding boots.
Dear lord B-B
ReplyDeleteI visited the exhibition mentioned above yesterday. In my opinion, it is better to make an effort to once again make men's styyle legitimate in the publics eye, without moustaches and riding boots, than not to talk about it at all.
Sure, there were some doubtful interpretations. Still, does dandies of today really have to look like Wilde or Brumell, in order to be called dandies? In my opinion, the dandy lies in the spirit, as much as in the moustache.
Cordially
Archibald
My dear Archibald: You raise a legitimate point. My fear, however, is that dandyism should be reduced to an obsession with fashion, and thus becoming just another mode of consumption.
ReplyDeleteYour blog is excellent, by the way, I have taken the liberty of adding it to the blogscroll here at the Chronicles.
Likewise, dear Bassington-Bassington. My humble thank's for adding The Drones Club to your blogscroll.
ReplyDeleteAs with other conditions, I think one does not really choose dandyism as a way of life or state of mind.
It is in my point of view something that just grab your whole being, wether you accept it or not. Wether your closest family and friends like it, or not.
It is something deeper than the liking of good clothes. Sometimes inhibiting us from leding a less complicated life, but mostly just making you look smashing.
The joy of a well fitting jacket. The pleasure of finding that particular woolen tie you have been looking for a long time. Not to mention matching it with that perfect shirt collar you've had in mind since the thought of the tie first came into mind.
This is what I think makes the dandy differ from the usual fashion consumer. Those constantly in need of new garments, rather than growing more an more fond of the ones you have already got.
Cheerio!
/Archibald
You are a man after my own heart, Archibald Thanks for those words. Would it be alright if I used them here on the blog?
ReplyDeleteIt would be my pleasure.
ReplyDelete