Gold Mine Processing Manager Kelly Noble recommends Sharp Suits: A Celebration of Men’s Tailoring by Eric Musgrave.
I am a suit guy. And when a colleague gave me this book, I was excited to look through the pictures and get a grand overview of the history of suit making. Musgrave’s book is an excellent overview of suits and their place in western culture. From its basic conception in 1860 to modern versions, the suit says a lot about the person wearing it.
Suits are known to be the standard wear and calling card for gentlemen around the world.
The suit has evolved over the last century but has maintained its current two-piece form since about 1920. It takes three meters of cloth and 52-man hours to make a basic suit. The more expensive the suit the more man hours involved. In today’s marketplace, suit prices range from $200 dollars to $13,000 dollars. And yes, that is one suit.
At the beginning of the 20th century fashion was driven by royalty throughout Europe. The Prince of Wales, later Edward the VII, was well known for his love of clothing, and is reported to have changed up to six times per day. As history moved forward, in the 1920s, men were insisting on suits to be as comfortable as their military uniforms. World War II and the rationing of cloth had a major influence on suit making. All extraneous details were removed, and even turn ups, also known as cuffs in America, were banned. And how can anyone forget the early days of rock and roll? The Beetles and The Rolling Stones all in suits.
Oh, how I long for the time before yoga pants!
By the 1970s, wide collars and large cuffs were back in style. In the 1980s and 1990s, suits were influenced more by rock stars and television actors. It was nothing to see rappers in stylish suits. In the world of politics, we still need men and women in power suits to project calm and stability. Think Reagan, not Trump.
And I do believe suits still project an atmosphere of formality and politeness that can be useful in today’s chaotic world.
In modern culture where more people are opting for yoga tights and tee shirts; check out any American airport, it is calming to know that some men and women still finding wearing suits enjoyable. The two-piece fashion statement says a lot about those wearing it. For any reader in the Wood River Valley in need of a suit, check out the Goldmine Thrift store or our sister store, Goldmine Consign. We have an excellent selection.
I recommend Eric Musgrave’s book. It is a conversation piece. Books have profound influence in the world and Musgrave’s book illustrates clearly that some things in history are worth preserving.
