No More Red Flannel

I am truly impressed with the variety of "nude" shades available in this 1910 Roxford men's long underwear ad from The Clothier and Furnisher! Their color chart also includes white, heliotrope, pearl, steel, and two shades of pale blue. 

Kings and Pretenders

In a 1913 issue of The Clothier and Furnisher, "Beaunash" weighs in again with his usual sagacity. This time, he discusses the diversity of perspectives in visual interpretations of the word "Fashion." Aesthetics dictate style, and proportion, presence, and point-of-view all inform Aesthetics. As "Beaunash" puts it: 

"In simple reason, every fashion cannot be becoming to everybody, and as long as men are short and tall, stout and thin, round-faced and oval-faced, full-cheeked and lean-cheeked, thick-haired and bald, mustached and clean-shaven, they will keep on doing with fashion just about what they please." 

- Beaunash

I think the little article below is an absolute gem.

Natural Blondes

No bottle-blonde silk used to make these summer novelties!

Speaking of "summer novelties." I couldn't figure out for the life of me, what kind of product was being featured in the ad above. Were they hat-bands? Belts? Scarfs? Finally, I found another ad from the same company, and discovered that the mysterious blondes were actually neck ties. 

Both these ads were printed in 1910 issues of The Clothier and Furnisher. 

T-Straps for the Roxford Boy

I found another marvelous illustration from a Roxford long underwear ad in a 1908 issue of The Clothier and Furnisher. The gentleman in the illustration appears to be enjoying a peaceful moment with his paper, but his secure grip on his chair-seat makes me wonder what sort of sensational news story (or serial) he might be reading. Speaking of sensational, check out the amazing pair of T-strap sandals he's wearing!

Oh, don't say that!

Some issues of The Clothier and Furnisher had a special gossip column. Not just a chatty column referred to as "the gossip column" in moments when it's official title was forgotten, mind you, but a full blown page, with an elaborate header proclaiming exactly what you would find below.

And in the gossip section of a 1909 issue, I found the following delicious tidbit:

My, what a powerful writer's voice! Our gossip seems tickled giddy, over the introduction of purple silk belts to the 5th avenue menswear scene. I wonder how many gentlemen took full advantage of the new purple accessories, and became "things of beauty" and "joys forever?"

Panama Posies

Remember that colorful 1917 ad, declaring that is was "Time to Blossom forth" with the flowers and butterflies, by indulging in a little fine tailoring from the International Tailoring co? Well, here is a wonderful behind-the-scenes look at a 1920 ad campaign that took a similar angle, with wild success! 

Meet Style, and Quality

A history professor of mine once said "you just don't see male personifications in art." Well, maybe not in "art", but they certainly pop up quite a bit in old advertising illustrations. Style and Quality, here, are upholding the statement that the Hat is the finest in all the land. Of course, if they are questioned, we are assured that the Hat will back them up. A formidable trio!    

This ad is from a 1912 issue of The Clothier and Furnisher.