Manolo for the Men Fashion and Lifestyle Advice for Men

September 7, 2006

The History of the Rake

Filed under: Men's Fashion — Izzy @ 11:13 pm

rakish history of menswear

Izzy has long believed that understanding the origin and history of various items of contemporary menswear adds greatly to their enjoyment. It was therefore with great delight that he learned from a kind reader that the New York Public Library is hosting an exhibition called “A Rakish History of Menswear.” Running from September 8 through April 7, the exhibition

brings together nearly 200 illustrated books, prints, photographs, and watercolor sketches in a survey of men’s dress from antiquity to the present… [T]he items on display tell the intriguing story of how men’s wear swung between ostentation and restraint until the early modern era. The exhibition pays particular attention to the rakes and rebels, from George “Beau” Brummell in the 19th century to style icons like Sean Combs today, who have defined masculine dress.

Should you visit the exhibit this weekend, you might get a glimpse of Izzy himself, who of course will be dressed for the occasion.

5 Comments

  1. Izzy,What erea is your fave? My gusss would be the early 19th century (before 1840)

    Comment by Phyllis — September 8, 2006 @ 1:33 pm

  2. How will we fiind you?
    I’ll look for someone dressed either like Mark Twain or Tom Wolfe.

    Comment by Lazarwolf — September 8, 2006 @ 2:45 pm

  3. Thanks for the info, I think your suit is really interesting. There’s so much in it! I’ve just begun a light-hearted, slightly satirical men’s fashion blog at http://a-suit-that-fits.blogspot.com/

    Andy

    Comment by Andy — September 8, 2006 @ 8:58 pm

  4. i meant ‘site’ not suit!! lol

    Comment by Andy — September 8, 2006 @ 8:58 pm

  5. A classic example of the double standard. It is far less insulting to call a man a rake than it is to call a woman a hoe.

    Comment by triticale — September 23, 2006 @ 11:50 pm

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