Obsessions of the Bowtie: Volume 2

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

A while back, I had become obsessed with an article in the New York Times called "Dress Codes: Dressing for Success, Again" by David Colman. (Well, the obsession has not gone away, and I wanted to share it with you.) The article discusses the shifting face of male fashion. Young men these days are "out-dressing" their elder counterparts more and more. The photo spread (which is my true obsession) features images captured by talented photographer, Douglas Friedman, (with typography by Jennifer Green.) The photos create such a sense of nostalgia to me. They speak to a time of the past when men put great thought and extra detail into dressing--every day. As a man who doesn't believe in "Casual Friday," I find myself inspired by this article (and I agree with the message completely.) I think young men are dressing a bit more dapper these days. Though, in a world of limited jobs and plenty of recent graduates (yours truly), it doesn't hurt to stand out from the crowd. Maybe even try, oh, I dunno...a bowtie?

Hoping you had a stellar holiday!

-R.M.B.

Not MY tree!

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Photo: Douglas Friedman for The New York Times

Obsessions of the Bowtie: Volume 1

Here at The Bowtie Memoirs, I have been completely obsessed with a few things (other than chocolate milk and frozen pizza). What I'm talking about here can't be heated in the oven or poured from a carton. The obsession I speak of is none other than the Alexander McQueen Fall 2009 Menswear Collection. It makes me want to sing from mountain tops (or Willis Tower, I suppose). Now, for any of you who may not be brushed up on your McQueen info, grab a note pad and pen. It's time to take some notes provided by our friends at GQ.com:

Designer: Alexander McQueen
Owned By: Gucci Group
Founded: 1992, London
History: Famous for his decadent runway shows and prodigious mastery of construction (he trained on Savile Row as a teenager and was tapped to design couture for Givenchy at 27), McQueen is variously inspired by the military, morbidity, and any number of far-flung tribes—often in the same collection. McQueen also oversees a successful women's line, as well as the diffusion brand McQ and a sportswear collection for Puma.
The Look: Lately? Savile Row meets Queensbury Rules
(Thank you, GQ)

Have a look at the photos and you'll know why I have made them my screen saver for every computer I sit in front of. Nothing calms me down from a busy morning at the office like falling into the world of McQueen. This collection is calling my name, and when I get my hands on it, I certainly wont be eating frozen pizza.

After all, I wouldn't want tomato sauce on my overcoat.

-R.M.B.

So, these would cover me for Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
(I would wear the third outfit twice--it's just that amazing):

A photograph from the runway show:






















To see these walking works of art, grab a cold glass of chocolate milk and simply CLICK HERE.
Your eyes will thank you.


As always, thanks for reading and be sure to check back for many more 'Obsessions of the Bowtie'...