James Andrew
As a child I was quite fascinated with the super sophistication and elegance of screen stars like Cary Grant and Fred Astair; they always looked sharp, whether they were in a scuffle or perhaps bounding about in a full-on musical number. On television too, I had favorites like dear old dapper James Backus as Thurston Howell III and more recently I do love Gossip Girl’s rakish Chuck Bass. It seems they all had a penchant for wearing lovely (and sometimes louche) ascots and scarves, which to my mind really are the most useful of accessories — they add that perfect bit of panache even to the most casual outfit and offer a rich yet relaxed alternative to ties and bow ties in a more formal ensemble. They can take the chill out of a slightly nippy spring day and, in my particular case, can help to harmonize the brashest of color combinations — You’ll have noticed I’ve been doing variations on the theme for some time! Witness some of these images from posts past:
A Tom Ford pink cotton voile scarf
Big Sur and The Hacienda — a Ralph lauren woven cotton serape scarf
At Casa del Herrero — a Le Noeud Papillon orange and navy dot silk ascot
En route to the TriBeCa Ball wearing a Le Noeud Papillon ascot
Today’s primary image (top), taken by the multi talented Scott McBee, captures me sporting a simple Indian block print silk scarf with a Tom Ford mango silk “Spencer” jacket, lavender silk mini herringbone pant and orange, purple and lavender floral print silk pocket square, a custom Turnbull and Asser shirt in purple cotton with contrast white collar and cuffs, vintage moon stone cuff links, vintage Rolex, Etro orange suede tasseled loafers, Gucci python belt and sunglasses, Tom Ford – Lavender Palm fragrance, and Tom Ford Bronzing Gel.
James, yes, I remember how I always loved the thrill of seeing Cary Grant looking so dashing in a silk ascot and watching him with his gentlemanly manners! Perhaps you should consider getting into films!?
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Darling Karena,
You are very kind!!!
I adore Cary Grant – what a style icon to emulate!
It would be marvelous to be in film – perhaps a cinematographer!
Cheers and Many Thanks
JA
A lovely post James. I enjoy reading the description of your clothes almost as much as I enjoy seeing them. Well not quite, but almost.
You are right, the scarf is such a lovely accessory that seems to pull together the entire ensemble with a flourish of fun. I collect scarves and wear them constantly, and I’m frequently accused of being French (by those who’ve clearly not been to France as I certainly look fair and blue-eyed like the English). But it’s the scarf thing.
So I’m still not clear on the difference between a scarf and an ascot. Is it simply how it’s tied? Or is the ascot narrower in the middle? Now you’ve got me wondering. I think scarves and ascots are very sadly underused and it gladdens my heart to see you wear them.
By the way I adore that orange jacket with the darker orange ascot. You’ve really got me thinking that I need to elevate my wardrobe.
Best, Terri
Dear Terri,
Thrilled to hear you are enjoying the descriptions of my ensembles – some feel I may go on too much about them.
Women have always put scarves to great use in adding a bit of “Sartorial Splendour” to their ensembles -so why not men?
An ascot /cravet is more a form of a tie of sorts – with a narrow piece that goes around the neck – versus a scarf which tends to be either rectangular or square.
I adore orange – especially this shade – almost a mango.
Cheers and Many Thanks
JA
James,
Really fantastic images! I think you should also be a cinematographer, and a model! You have a range of looks, and a wonderfully expressive face.
Dean