The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[jonathanS]

Why no patterns?

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Horses for courses. We’ve had this conversation. It’s not for everyone.

 

[The Chai]

Finally bit the bullet and commissioned myself a dinner jacket...

 

[AdductorMagnus]

Finally bit the bullet and commissioned myself a dinner jacket...

Spoiler

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Some assembly required.

 

[The Chai]

Some assembly required.

IKEA/LEGO dinner jacket?

 

[JohnAAG]

Greetings gentlemen!
Thought this may be of interest to the group: two examples of classic formal wear that came into my possession recently. First a dinner jacket (not sure if I've shared this one here before; apologies if I have):

Spoiler: Details

A few moth nibbles and I am assuming the buttons have been replaced at some point, but I hope I look as good at 90!

Next, a tail coat with (possibly) a bit of a story to tell

Spoiler: Details and Story

With a small repair to the facing of the left lapel, you could wear this today.

As for the story: after some research and help from another SF member, it would appear as though Mr. P.P. Blackburn is very likely Paul Prichard Blackburn, who started at the Annapolis Naval Academy in 1926. He later went on to have quite the career, advancing to the rank of Vice Admiral and briefly commanding the 7th Fleet in the Pacific in 1965. He retired in 1969 after serving as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Strike Command. He passed away in 1992.

I've already contacted the Naval Academy Museum to see to if they are interested in me donating the piece.

Also just want to say there have been many inspiring looks posted here! All the best!
John

 

[paxonus]

Greetings gentlemen!
Thought this may be of interest to the group: two examples of classic formal wear that came into my possession recently. First a dinner jacket (not sure if I've shared this one here before; apologies if I have):

View attachment 1020066

Spoiler: Details

View attachment 1020067 A few moth nibbles and I am assuming the buttons have been replaced at some point, but I hope I look as good at 90!

Next, a tail coat with (possibly) a bit of a story to tell
View attachment 1020045

Spoiler: Details and Story

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With a small repair to the facing of the left lapel, you could wear this today.

As for the story: after some research and help from another SF member, it would appear as though Mr. P.P. Blackburn is very likely Paul Prichard Blackburn, who started at the Annapolis Naval Academy in 1926. He later went on to have quite the career, advancing to the rank of Vice Admiral and briefly commanding the 7th Fleet in the Pacific in 1965. He retired in 1969 after serving as the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Strike Command. He passed away in 1992.

I've already contacted the Naval Academy Museum to see to if they are interested in me donating the piece.

Also just want to say there have been many inspiring looks posted here! All the best!
John

I have one similar to your dinner jacket in a DB. It is a barathea wool and also has the same buttons which are original to the jacket. Mine is circa 1960's.

 

[am55]

Guess the man's job.

 

[Oshare]

I'm currently staying at a hotel in Basel, and on display in the lobby is an original tuxedo worn by Frank Sinatra in the early 70's. Thought I'd share some photos here.

 

[Solari]

Hi again guys.

Big wedding is tomorrow. How compulsory is it that I wear black studs with the dinner jacket? I have cheap black onyx ones currently

Setup is:
Black dinner jacket
Satin peak lapel etc
Satin bow tie
Satin cummerbund
White turn down collar shirt with pleated front
White linen pocket square
MoP cuff links
Black patent oxfords

 

[Faux Brummell]

Good luck Solari, looking forward to the photos.

 

[Solari]

Good luck Solari, looking forward to the photos.

Thanks! I should definitely send some. You guys have been helpful!

 

[Joffrey]

Anyone have experience with Brooks Brother's Tuxedo shirts?

 

[ericgereghty]

I'm currently staying at a hotel in Basel, and on display in the lobby is an original tuxedo worn by Frank Sinatra in the early 70's. Thought I'd share some photos here.

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Seems even Frankie made some missteps in his sartorial ventures.

 

[Canadianguy]

Anyone have experience with Brooks Brother's Tuxedo shirts?

I have one and enjoy it. Nice fabric and construction; fit is perhaps on the generous side, even in their Milano.

 

[archibaldleach]

Anyone have experience with Brooks Brother's Tuxedo shirts?

I have one. It's not the most fitted shirt I own (I imagine alterations could reduce this issue), but the fabric is nice enough and it's served me well for quite a few black tie events. I eventually ended up getting a more fitted one from Hemrajani, but keep the BB one around as a backup and will happily wear it when the time comes.