What is That Dapper Chap wearing a non dapper look? A dapper look this is not and I'll tell you why. A few days ago somebody mentioned my waistcoats and bow ties and commented that they wondered what I'd look like with a rocky look, much to the amusement of others around us. Challenge accepted I thought!!
This T-shirt is one I've owned for a while. A few years ago I wasn't so well groomed or as dapper as I appear now. I wore ripped jeans, scruffy converse, a rock t-shirts and a leather jacket. The ripped jeans have long gone, as has the leather jacket but I still like these type of T-shirts and do throw one one on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The jeans are a skinny fit black stretch denim which I will wear with a shirt, waistcoat and a tie, maybe with a pair of black brogue boots but today was way too hot for anything other than an old well washed t-shirt and some worn in Chucks.
So following another huge purchase from Next, the delivery driver arrived, arms straining under the weight of my new outfits. As the excitement built I took the packages up to the bedroom and began opening them. One of the first things that I pulled out and one that I had waited in anticipation for was this blue double breasted suit.
It's a very slim fit suit and as always with Next I had to order a couple of different sizes with the trousers to ensure the best fit. Next are so good when it comes to returns that I don't feel bad about returning items or have that horrible embarrassment at the counter when the assistant asks you what's wrong with the item and you then have to relay the story of your large calf muscles and that some skinny fit trousers are just too tight! (Or is that just me!?)
Another recent purchase is this shirt and tie. Bought on my business trip to Manchester I just had to grab the floral tie (I actually bought six ties!) and this soft heather coloured shirt.
With my new leather bag, bought in Tunisia for a rediculously low sum of cash and my blue suede brogues I was all set to go.
I love the fit of this suit and it's very comfortable to wear. I'd seen a few double breasted suits coming onto the high street which for me is a welcome return. I had looked at a few but wanted something a little different. The colour of this suit drew me in as did the fact that it is a two button fastening which makes it a little more contemporary.
I chose accessories to match in with the colours of the shirt and tie and added a navy blue nato strap to my watch. The socks are a grey and heather polka dot which I feel coordinates well and adds a touch of fun to a very professional suit.
Held in the beautiful Koko club in Camden Town, London, this years Hermés Silk Ball was a great success and a night to remember!
Yours truly in the silk lined walk way
Koko Club in London
While I do own silk scarves and consider them to be a gentlemans accessory of choice, the silk scarves displayed by Hermés were something else. Huge in size and draped around models and party attendees alike they are surely the accessory of choice for a dapper lady too!
Arriving at the entrance of the historical Koko Club, we were greeted with warm smiles by wonderfully attired ladies and gentlemen all wearing Hermés silk and offering a selection of Hermés design masks. It was a masked ball after all!
The staff greeting party goers
After showing our invitations we walked down a short walkway which was beautifully adorned with Hermés silk scarves before arriving in the main hall.
The Koko Club started life in 1900 as the Camden Theatre and held regular shows by non other than Charlie Chaplin. later on it hosted performances by The Clash, The Sex Pistols, Grace Jones, and even Madonna, amongst others.
After a multi million pound refurbishment which could have resulted in an ultra modern interior, I was pleased to see that the internal architecture still remains as it once was with its intricate balconies and ceilings all intact and beautifully restored and painted in red and gold for a fittingly sumptuous venue.
Inside the Koko club
Beautiful Hermés silk scarves
That Dapper Chap with a Hermés design back drop
wearing green and blue cropped tartan trousers with a crisp white shirt and vintage bow tie I added a touch of dapper with a new navy velvet blazer from Burton Menswear. Walking round the club, guests were arriving in all their finery; evening dresses, top hats and feathered headpieces were all sported and it was one night where anything goes and the mythical and magical theme was continued by the models and dancers who graced the walkways all draped in Hermés silk in one form or another.
Guests and models at the event
Stunning evening wear
A dancer adorned in silk (courtesy of the Hermés Instagram page)
Aside from the stunning silks and colourful designs, one area that left me breathless was the food! Taking a cocktail from the bar we made our way to the food area where no expense was spared and the magical theme continued.
As guests mingled and music filled the air courtesy of the in house DJ, we sipped drinks and wound our way around other guests before stopping at one of the two silk sets where we were promptly draped in silk and photographed for prosperity.
The official photograph from the ball
Guests being photographed
Guests being photographed
Viktor Man of the Man And Glam Blog
Selecting and emailing our pictures
As the evening progressed and the cocktails flowed we were treated to sporadic shows by the models and dancers and they climbed podiums and the stage to perform. It was a fantastic night and I was very pleased to have been invited.
A model at the Hermés Silk Ball
Guests in their finery
A model at the Hermés Silk Ball
Guests dance the night away
A model and dancer at the hermés Silk Ball
Yours truly with a model wearing a silk horses head
That Dapper Chap meets a model sporting silk antlers
