Sharp Stylings #33: David Bailey

We can learn so much from yesterday’s fashion icons.  And living in a post-Mad Men world means we can even enjoy aspects of current male fashions! Every Friday, I’d like to start your weekend off right with a little style inspiration from either then or now. Hopefully, my fellow Mod enthusiasts will find the whole or some detail of the whole to appreciate and maybe even adopt.
 
There are those figures of the 1960s Swinging London scene who photographed beautifully. And there are those figures of the 1960s Swinging London scene who knew how to photograph beautifully. This guy, well... he fell into both camps:

David Bailey was one of several photographers who helped capture so many iconic shots of the Swinging Sixties scene. Some of his subjects included Andy Warhol, Michael Caine, Jean Shrimpton, The Beatles, and the notorious Krays. And as many of you probably already know, he was the basis for the London photographer (played by David Hemmings) in Michelangelo Antonioni's Blow-Up.

But I'm sure this is all old news to all of you who are up on your Mod studies. Let's get to the task at hand and that's admiring Bailey's sharp styling in this photo! Whenever I look at this photo, the first thing I notice is the way his button-down collar fits over his perfectly-knotted tie. The shadows in this image really help bring out the texture of that shirt collar. And the pointed button-down aspect makes for a clean, sharp look.

Now let's spend a moment on his paisley-esque tie. For one thing, it's got some width to it. Personally, I like my ties to be a bit wider when they have a detailed pattern worth displaying, especially when it's a pattern like this. Secondly, look at the shape of that knot: tight, narrow, and symmetrical, protruding slightly from the collar. And lastly, a perfect dimple peeking out of his knot. That, my friends, is how you wear a tie.

Of course, the suit he's wearing brings the whole image together. A dark piece which allows the pattern of the tie to stick out, 3-button with the bottom one undone, lapels with a well-done notch, and a great fit, overall. And the last detail to note: that watch resting under his cuff. I'm sure the Parka Avenue blog can appreciate that touch!

David Bailey shot so many people in the 1960s, helping to capture images and poses that many still try to imitate today. You know what else is worth imitating? David Bailey's look in this photo!

That's it for today and I hope you all have a most stylish weekend!