Curiously colourful rowing fashions

If I told you I’d tickled Sir Steve Redgrave’s ear with a feather, you might get the wrong idea. But the problem with ‘substantial’ fascinators is they sometimes get in the way. I was at Henley, on the lookout for curiously colourful fashions, when I bumped into the Olympic rowing superhero at the Leander Club. He towered over me, even in my skyscraper heels, and we had a ffffascinatingly close encounter.

It’s so exciting when men make an effort to dress up – and Henley Royal Regatta is an occasion when they can go overboard (not literally, I hope). Rowers seem to go to all sorts of lengths to look original. One fellow had even cut up his old school curtains to create a strikingly unique Hampton School jacket (below).























Under a table, I spotted these fabulous socks, worn by an ex-naval officer, in port red and starboard green. I wasn’t so sure about the shoes though…


There were the usual striped ensembles – including some with very distinctive buttons.
























And there were plenty of unique accessories...

















... from brightly coloured watches to curiously clashing ties, preppy waistcoats and suave cravats.


















I bumped into my old friends from Bedford Rowing Club, whose flower corsages were wilting a little in the sun.



















And for some, the heat of the day was all a little too much.

Not so for 99 year old Rex (below) who kept me amused for ages with tales of Henleys past - and he'd been visiting the regatta since 1936!








By the way, in case you’re wondering about my unusual charm necklace, it was one from ShopCurious, which can also be worn as a belt.

Oh, and you can read more about the Henley dress code over at the Dabbler.

Will You?

Prince of retro filmstar style

I am and will continue to be a huge fan of Tony Curtis. I especially enjoyed watching him in cult 1970s series, The Persuaders. I can highly recommend his autobiography, American Prince, though was suprised this made only passing reference to his role as Danny Wilde.

The Persuaders is a showcase of '70s style, offering the utlimate in retro interiors, alongside fabulously cool and funky fashions. Above all, Tony Curtis seemed to be perfectly cast as the dashing and stylish American playboy, who'd worked his way from the slums of the Bronx to the international jetset.

What I loved most about Curtis was his individuality and flair. Apart from his obvious good looks and curiously charismatic manner, he had cultural and artistic interests that reached far beyond the film industry and Hollywood. His flamboyant personal style was a reflection of his larger than life personality, combined with his uniquely arty taste. Towards the end of his life he was usually pictured wearing a Stetson hat and one of his many cravats.

Amongst the old records I've got stored away is a 45 rpm recording of the original theme tune to The Persuaders by John Barry. I'd love to listen to this again, but am currently without a record player (as I've mentioned over at The Dabbler).

I'm afraid we don't have any for sale at the moment, either... but there's a rather special book about Hollywood stars, with some lovely old photos of Tony coming to ShopCurious very soon.



Keep a look out, or sign up for our monthly Curious Cognoscenti newsletter to be the first to hear of new arrivals to the website.

Will you?

Cravat heroes

Fake London is a hero of quirky British fashion. Check out Fake's curiously witty scarf designs at ShopCurious. These can be worn in a variety of ways, one of the most popular for this season being cravat style.

If you're curious to learn more about cravats and heroes, then you'll enjoy today's retro-progressive post over at The Dabbler.

And, talking of heroes, don’t forget to tune in at 2.30 pm today to BBC Radio 4's Saturday Play to mark the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Written by Sony award-winning dramatist, Mike Walker, and produced and directed by the lovely Amber Barnfather, Spitfire! is inspired by real people and events - and features specially recorded sounds of the only Spitfire from the Battle of Britain that’s still flying.

The play traces RJ Mitchell’s design from creation to legend, along with the fortunes of two young pilots who join a frontline Spitfire squadron just as the Battle of Britain begins.

I'll certainly be listening in.

Will you?

Curiously English cravats

I’ve noticed something of a revival in cravat wearing recently and wondered why it is that the really smooth, suave, debonair English gentleman always wears a cravat rather than a plain old tie? I wanted to ask that iconic figure of traditional Home Counties charm, Nicholas Parsons, but he was unavailable for comment.


I have to admit that I’m very fond of Mr Parsons, though even back in his Sale of the Century and Benny Hill days, he never really struck me as being much of a sex symbol. Funny then that I should find myself reading about his ‘love affair with leather’ in a 1967 issue of Penthouse Magazine (see below and click on images to view).


























If you like the 'old smoothie' look, we’ve got some fabulous vintage cravats at ShopCurious that would make perfect Fathers’ Day gifts – especially if your father happens to be a suave, sophisticated or aspiring traditionalist, (though cravats can make younger guys look really quirky and cool too).

A more curious and original gift, if your Dad's into the unique and unusual, would be a vintage copy of Penthouse Magazine. Something that's a very sensible investment, as it's not only collectable, but you can also borrow it later to study the groovy fashion shoots and awesome retro trends.

Now just a minute, how about a Fathers’ Day gift for that stylish old stud, Nicholas Parsons? I have a feeling he might appreciate a nice leather cravat …

Do you?

Hunters and gatherers

As we know, men are natural hunters - and if economic circumstances worsen any further, they may even find themselves out foraging for food. Of course, men also have something of a herd instinct, tending to follow each other in terms of many things - including their dress. Continuing with our vintage theme, let’s take a look at some slightly more original clothing for the man who likes to stand out from the rest of the pack, but retain his classic country style:


If you’re a man, I presume it’s quite easy to choose what to wear every day. After all, there are only a few items you need to pick out: a pair of trousers, a shirt, perhaps a jacket, maybe a tie – it can all be very simple, as men tend not to like unnecessary bother.





But style doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Even when out and about practising the curious country pursuits that some enjoy, men can still jazz up traditional country cords and tweeds by adding quirky and individual touches. I’ve noticed fellow men complimenting associates on their fashion sense and, at some predominantly male sporting events such as clay pigeon shoots, they often have prizes for the best dressed man (or ‘gun’, as these are dangerously called).

So why not add a bit of personality to your weekend attire with an unusual pair of vintage cufflinks, or a stylish recycled vintage silk cravat from ShopCurious?


Of course, hunters have to be ready for all eventualities and all weathers. And, when left to their own devices, they love nothing more than to behave like a bunch of overgrown kids -



tinkering around, messing about with their toys, having a bit of horseplay and stopping off every now and then for a bite to eat … and occasionally for a drop to drink. Best of all: to tinker, play, scoff and quaff all at the same time.




I'm not a pheasant plucking sort myself, but us girls can lark about too and dress up in eclectic style for a bit of outdoor fun, as I did when fly-fishing in Scotland - though I doubt many men would be so bold as to team up purple hair with oiled dungarees, a Barbour and waders. Let us know the most original thing you've worn for a sporting occasion...

Will you?

Paris party people

I took a whirlwind trip to Paris for the end of Fashion Week. It was even shorter than I’d planned due to problems with the Eurostar and endless taxi queues. I did find time to squeeze in the odd party, though.

Here’s top mover and shaker (hence two photos!) of the French fashion fair scene, Xavier Clergerie, who hosted a ‘premiere classe’ bash. I love the way he looks so stylishly French. And the arty vintage silk scarf looks totally fabulous.

I noticed that quite a few of the men in Paris were wearing rather distinctive silk scarves – like the wonderfully charming New York based singer, Faze, pictured left. The multi- talented Mike Sylla of Baifall Dream, who made the most delicious mint tea for us, was also sporting his own trendy scarf.

I hope they all know that we’ve got a wide selection of vintage silk scarves for sale at ShopCurious, as well as quirky vintage ties and curiously English recycled vintage silk cravats.

There were lots of party people I didn’t know, but they all looked to be having a great time – and in some cases they were really letting their hair down (or shaking it up as the case may be). Do let me know if you can identify any of those pictured here, including the flag-wearing Brit … and apologies if you were caught unawares.

I later bumped into this curiously dressed chap in black designer PVC. Perfect attire for Friday 3^rd October - la nuit noire peut-etre?

And I finally met up again with the elusive M. Bonnet, pictured here in his workshop the morning after the night before (hence the uber-cool dark glasses). He kindly informed me, as I snapped merrily away, that I had become like the Japanese - some of whom, I have to admit, do seem to have bizarrely obsessive relationships with their cameras, especially when it comes to fashion.

But I was just soooo curious to see all the fascinating stuff in the hub of creativity that is his studio. It reminded me of one giant art installation with unusual hidden treasures like this unique, neigh(!) iconic sculpture... I think Crazy Horse might be an appropriate title?

Do you?