Although tuxedos with peak or shawl lapels are more traditional and proper than those with a notch lapel, Izzy has rarely found a shawl lapel that suits his fancy. But by going with narrow lapels, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn demonstrates an exceptional case.
Izzy Dearest, her Ladyship was just preparing her blog entry on this. Tim correctly chose to wear a formal dinner jacket. The shawl collar is traditional on a dinner jacket; he was attending the “White House Correspondents Dinner” ergo the shawl collared jacket was not only elegant, it was the obvious choice. Tim reveals his impecable taste and expert knowledge in this choice, unlike a certain other high-profile bumpkin in attendance.
Comment by Lady Prisspott — May 2, 2007 @ 12:09 pm
I agree with Lady Prisspott. The shawl collar is not more formal, it is for a different event. One who wears a shawl collar to a black tie event that does not include a meal may feel himself to look like James Bond, but he will secretly be sniggered at. Think of the shawl collar as the compromise between a tuxedo and a smoking jacket.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule.
Comment by Chris — May 3, 2007 @ 2:13 am
I have a question: is “tuxedo” the accepted term, or do the true cognosenti see “dinner jacket” or “evening wear” instead?
P.S. My vote, too, is for shawl collars.
Comment by Cacciaguida — May 10, 2007 @ 9:39 pm