"The joy of a well fitting jacket"

(Linen jacket by Cordings).

A small discussion at the The Drones Club led to some comments on an old post here at the Chronicles, from a gentleman by the name of Archibald. Lord Bassington-Bassington thought these comments were so astute that he'd like to share them with all His readers.

Also, it helps cover up the fact that His Lordship is currently incapacitated, trying to recover from the shock of realizing that he has been without a subscription to The Chap for more than a month. This deplorable situation is now rectified, but the shock was more than a gentle Hound could bear. We hope Lord Bassington-Bassington is not permanently scarred by this. After all, a life without The Chap would be like a life without tweed – or without long, droopy ears.



So here, gentle readers: Archibald on dandyism.

"As 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 grabs your whole being, whether you accept it or not. Whether your closest family and friends like it, or not.

It is something deeper than the liking of good clothes. Sometimes inhibiting us from leading 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 and more fond of the ones they have already got".

Well spoken, Sir. These are indeed words to live - and die - by!

Take a gander at Sebastian Horsley's thoughts about dandyism as well, if you are so inclined.

And of course, if you can read Swedish, we suggest you join young master Archibald and the other chaps at the Drones Club immediately.

Odinic pride

Lord Bassington-Bassington is a long-time supporter of gay rights, and also has a great appreciation of the Norse mysteries. His Lordship sees no contradiction in this, quite the contrary: It is all about being open about what and whom one is, and perhaps even take a little pride in it.

Still, while waddling around the streets of Milan, His Lordship was a bit surprised to find that one of the leading gods of the Norse pantheon seems to enjoy a secret life in more southern climes. A secret life where this normally quite stern divinity, known for his affinity for wolves and for sacrificing himself to himself, shows a wholly new side to his character.



While this Norse deity is perhaps more famous for imparting the secret of mead unto the Northern peoples, his chocolate factory produces a rather delectable chocolate liqueur - a bit like a fondant version of Bailey's.



If you're curious for more Gay-Odinic insight, surf by this look behind the scenes at the chocolate factory itself.

One only wonders what the rest of the Norse gods are doing when the Northmen aren’t looking…

Thanks to Lady Mju for photographic assistance.

Turbanism

It's yet again time for the International Turban Day, the day when Sikhs across the world increase understanding of their religion and culture by giving colourful displays, handing out home-made Indian food and – best of all – inviting non-Sikhs to try a turban.

Lord Bassington-Bassington likes to attend these events, because there will invariably be a good selection of cool older men present. And His Lordship recommends that you seek out your own local Sikh community. If you can't attend a Turban Day yourself, you can always tie a turban in your own home. Remember, there is no outfit that will not be improved by a good turban.



Like many Basset hounds, Lord Bassington-Bassington's dear friend Gustav Beowulf of Lulubelle likes to dress for the occasion. Here we see the good Hound marking the Turban Day in true Basset style, which includes seeing no reason to leave the couch.

Dress to press

In a time when everybody is talking about digital e-books, Lord Bassington-Bassington grows more and more infatuated with the more analogue hardback book. Especially when such books are produced by small specialist presses. And few specialist publishers are more tailored to His Lordship's tastes than Scandinavia's leading purveyors of wormwoody literature, Malört Förlag.

And as these pictures from the release party for their latest book in Stockholm (the Norwegian leg of the launch was assisted by Café Grössenwahn) reveals, the staff at Malört look as good as their books. And when they produce some of the most beautiful books available, that's saying something. Quite a lot, actually.





If you can understand Swedish (or just want a rare gem for your book collection), or if you own a compact disc player, you have no excuse not to drop by Malört's webshop. For you wouldn't want these fine ladies, gentlemen and camels to run out of money for cords, tweeds and fezes, now would you?

All photo by Patrik Lundquist.

Sonne Hagal: More than echoes

Fronte Nordico is that kind of ultra-exclusive label that makes any slightly nerdy (is there any other kind?) neofolk enthusiast drool worse than the average Basset hound. And being a Basset hound with an enthusism for neofolk, as well as being slightly nerdy, you can just imagine how much Fronte Nordicos release of a live record with Sonne Hagal makes Lord Bassington-Bassington drool.

Only Echoes Remain, a documentation of a concert in Moscow is a double album so lavish and artfully executed that one has to pinch oneself.





But not only is it a wonder to look at, it's swell to listen to, too!



As Lord Bassington-Bassington has a well-documented weakness for specialist record labels, we here at the Chronicles look forward to following their coming releases.

Draconian ties

Madder rose is a dye made from the plant Rubia tinctorum (pictured above), and has a rich tradition of providing colour to clothes. It now seems to be making a comeback in menswear, with several gentlemen’s outfitters offering outstandingly beautiful items. But the finest examples of madder-coloured accessories seem to come from Drakes of London.

This particular bow tie is perhaps the most beautiful Lord Bassington-Bassington has ever seen.



While this tie is not far behind.



As is clearly demonstrated by the pictures above, the madder dye seems to work especially well with red colours and paisley patterns, one of the greatest gifts the Orient ever gave the Occident.



And speaking of the Orient and the colour red: As a long-standing admirer of the culture of the Indian subcontinent Lord Bassington-Bassington almost fainted when his lordship laid eyes on this scarf. It is based on an old design retrieved from Drakes' archives and is a tribute to the arts of one of the most interesting civilizations India has ever played host to, namely that of the Islamic Mughal empire.



It even has canines!