Classical music in fashion?

Will you be watching Stephen Fry debating against Radio 1 DJ Kissy Sell Out in the first ever live-streamed debate from the Cambridge Union Society tonight? The motion is ‘This House believes that classical music is irrelevant to today’s youth.’

I’ll be tuning in at 7.0 pm, and will let you know my verdict after the event…








Curiously, I’ve noticed that classical music is creeping into fashion - in particular, alongside romantic Regency and Rococo style influences in clothing and accessories.









This is good news for men, giving them the opportunity to be a little more flamboyant in their dress... And we’ve the perfect musically inspired accessory at ShopCurious – a vintage silk and wool opera scarf, featuring an operatic music manuscript print. Useful, since Father’s Day falls bang in the middle of the summer opera season.







Meantime, I’m looking forward to the debate.

Are you?

When fashion warrants royal approval...

Sir Norman Hartnell (1901-1979) is probably the most famous royal fashion designer to date. He was responsible for the revival of the crinoline, after Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother caused a sensation wearing the new silhouette on a state visit to Paris in 1938. Of course, Hartnell also created Princess Elizabeth’s wedding dress, as well as the gown for her Coronation as Queen in 1953.

The couturier's streamlined, heavily jewelled, fitted dresses became firm favourites of film stars and actresses, as well as the aristocracy. And, as it happens, Hartnell's 1938 Spring collection wouldn’t look out of place today:

With just two days to go to the Royal Wedding, you may be wondering how to accessorize your outfit for the auspicious occasion. ShopCurious has just the thing – a Fake London limited edition royal print wrap-scarf, featuring a curiously elegant illustration of a royal dress design by Norman Hartnell. The couture gown in question looks as though it may be the one Her Majesty is wearing in the photograph above, taken on a royal visit to Ghana in 1961.






Norman Hartnell received a Royal Warrant for his services as royal dressmaker from 1940 onwards…not unlike the curious warrant awarded to Fake London as suppliers and manufacturers of knitted merkins to Her Gracious Majesty the Quirk.







Anyway, herewith sending best wishes to William and Kate for their wedding day… Let me know if you’re doing something special to celebrate the event.

Will you?

Climate change style

As the global warming debate gets heated, it’s official – Winter has finally arrived the UK, with the first big freeze of the season. This week I’ve found myself searching through drawers for a warm scarf and some gloves. Understandably, I’m not going to wear any old scarf and gloves – they’ve got to be reasonably stylish … and, just because something’s quirky and individual, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s got style (see right).








Some people are considered cool enough to carry off any look, though you’ll probably find that a lot of work has gone into arranging David Beckham’s Chelsea knot. He’s possibly not so pleased in this weather, having recently had the sides of his hair shaved off – his ears must be freezing!





Men who are in touch with their feminine side are great with scarves. I reckon that Jude Law is a man of many scarves – he certainly seems to have one for every occasion.






Anyway, whether you’re looking to keep your neck warm during the day, or prevent yourself shivering during seasonal evening events, ShopCurious has a selection of stylish vintage men’s scarves - each with its own unique charm.








These one-off pieces are great as unusual gifts, yet curiously practical too… especially at this time of year. I’m sure any sophisticated man would love something timeless by Tootal or stylish by Sammy as a Christmas gift.


Of course, those who prefer the handmade variety might consider knitting their own – though I rather prefer the timeless classic scarf to the Timelord look. Unless you think we might be on the brink of a new Ice Age...

Do you?