Squash: Father vs. Son

Robinson Jeffers

"There is no reason for amazement: surely one always knew that cultures decay, and life's end is death."

- Excerpt from The Purse-Seine, Robinson Jeffers

Night Flights

The Rake: The Modern Voice of Classic Men's Elegance

If you are in need of reading material for your holiday in the Bahamas this summer, check out the journal The Rake. The focus here is on classic men's style and it claims to promote a "renaissance in gentlemanly sophistication and style." But it is much more than that. Recent issues also include pieces on literature, art, music, and design. The current magazine features a profile of the Hollywood actor George Hamilton, an essay on signet rings, and a stimulating account of the White colonists in Kenya before the war. The Rake is written for men by men. No preening metrosexuals, douchebags, or fashion-obsessed adolescent boys. Adults only, please. Luckily for me they do permit non-gentlemen to subscribe and it has been just over a year since I sent in my initial donation. I find every issue a delight. When I carry my collection of back issues to the beach or pool in my bespoke tote bag, I am so captivated by the inspiring content within that I barely take notice of the sizzling bikini-clad hotties surrounding me. The Rake is that good.

The Marlboroughs

Night Flights

The Day of the Jackal (1973)

The film The Day of the Jackal (1973) is one of my favourites and remains an inspiration to this day. If you are planning to assassinate a senior political figure who is betraying your country, it is best to wear the proper clothes--including a cravat-- whilst doing so, to memorialise the occasion.

Kometenmelodie 2 (Kraftwerk)

L is for Labour

Bertie Wooster: Floor Plan

Night Flights

Tartan Tuesday

Reds Don't Surf !

Belgian Shoe Delight

"These dainty shoes can be a shock when initially tried on; they seem slightly camp, but even the butchest of men could not fail to be impressed by how comfortable they are. While slipping on a pair in delicious chocolate-suede, I attempted to glean from the shop's manager, who his customers might be. Of course, he was far too discreet to divulge, though I did surmise that they do include some of the most powerful individuals on the planet. Being a little down at heel myself, I chose to have rubber soles added to the bottoms of my pair to increase longevity--such luxury does not come cheap."

Mr Classic, Jeremy Hackett (2006)





















http://www.belgianshoes.com/

California Poolside

Spanish Sailing

Don Juan de Bourbon (l), Juan Carlos (c) and Bernardo Arnoso (r) sailing in a small yacht.

Henry Darger: In the Realms of the Unreal, or, The Story of the Vivian Girls

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

Part 7

Part 8

Part 9

Part 10

Part 11

Part 12

Living in the Sunlight, Loving in the Moonlight (Bratislava Hot Serenaders)

Featuring Henry de Winter aus Berlin und Bobby.

Dreamhome

Night Flights

Very Drunk

Young Fogey: Rory Knight Bruce in Fair Isle

The Queen of Whale Cay: The Eccentric Story of "Joe" Carstairs, Fastest Woman on Water

'British eccentric Marion "Joe" Carstairs (1900-1993) was a world-class speedboat racer, heiress to the Standard Oil fortune, ruler of her own Caribbean Island ... and a cross-dressing lesbian. This biography places Carstairs's adventurous life in the context of 20th-century attitudes toward sexual deviance. During the permissive 1920s, Carstairs was able to flaunt her taste for women in the bohemian circles of London and Paris. She had affairs with numerous gals, including Natalie Barney and Dolly Wilde, Oscar's niece. When writing about Carstairs's boat races, the press of that roaring decade regarded her as a loveable tomboy. But as social norms shifted in the '30s, Carstairs's lifestyle was frowned upon. So she acquired Whale Cay, an island off the coast of Florida, turned it into her own version of paradise, became a gentleman farmer, and had an affair with Marlene Dietrich. Carstairs's most important and long-term relationship, though, was with Lord Tod Wadley, a stuffed leather doll.'

French Double-Breasted

Edward Green Shop

Tartan Tuesday

Admiral Cod On Tour: Beverly Hills Bespoke

I paid for sex in Beverly Hills.

Well, not exactly. I certainly paid— but not for sex. My purchase was even better than sex: bespoke shoes from G.J. Cleverley & Co. Ltd.

But the process was roughly similar (from what I understand). The harried phone calls confirming the appointment. The arrival at the hotel. The awkward inquiries at reception. The anxious knock at the room door, wondering who and what one would discover splayed out before one in the suite. And finally the sampling of the delights within.

I was well rewarded this time. The several dozen shoes arranged throughout the rooms presented a dazzling sight. The combination of Southern California sunlight and high-grade shoe leather was intoxicating. If smelling salts had been available, I probably would have taken them.

In the end I submitted two orders, including a pair of chisel-toed, punched-cap, elastic-sided slip-ons in black calf (for which the firm is known) and a pair of chisel-toed adelaide semi-brogues in virgin calf’s blood claret. Plus, I picked out a selection of Russia calf accessories to tide me over until the shoes are ready later this year.

I drove home as if in a dream. Ensconced within my antiquated Mercedes Benz motor car, I switched on the record player and put on one of my favourite Bowie LPs for the trip back to OC. Vinyl, in case you were wondering, sounds even better at 100mph than it does at 65mph.

If I had been going slow enough, you would have seen me drive by with a smile on my face and a friendly wave hello.

Brompton Oratory

Thesiger: Three-Piece Suit

Admiral Cod On Tour: Beverly Hills