A FINE TOOTH

When my friend Dan Johnson, of Conspiracy Of Beards, the San Francisco men’s choir covering the works of Leonard Cohen, told me he was headed to New York to play a Beards show, he said he needed something East Coast.

At first, we started with a lightweight wool, army-green suit from 1962, paired with a mohair turtleneck, but had problems with fit.

So, fit first, we ended up at this number based around a boys size 16 blazer and vest in tan corduroy of a rare quality in manufacture, circa 1966-68, almost undoubtedly made in Hong Kong.

The shirt, also a boys 16, comes from BEAMS menswear shop of Denver Colorado.

With two ties to complement, allowing versatility dependent upon the fickle Spring weather in New York, we have a sunny-yellow and brown plaid bow tie circa 1930 (above) and a 3-inch cotton tie from Italy circa 1982—exquisite in its coloring, with a base of grey, with blue stripes trimmed in red, leaving an overall impression of an almost lavender hue.

The mint-condition black Weejuns—also manufactured somewhere between 1964-1986 (why change a classic)—lend that definitive East Coast element, collegiate and determined to succeed, yet, to do so in comfort.

I can picture a young Leonard Cohen leaving the Brill Building with a spring in his step upon receiving his first $250 contract. Maybe even on the way to cash the check.

Anyway, the shoes say JFK, without socks, but until summer will look perfect with a pair of argyles peeking out from beneath a pair of charcoal-and-ash Highwater DANDY PANTS—which are the trousers we fixed Dan up with to finish off the ensemble.

Todd is sewing them up as I write.

Live pics upon Dan’s compliance. Dan?

Go, Beards!

P.S. I’ve heard twice now, “How does one iron a raincoat?” You don’t! You let it fall out. Plus, not only do I prefer the wrinkled texture, it won’t last—a state as fragile as Spring itself.