“Does anyone still wear a hat, I’ll drink to that” — the primeval post-Camelot put down toast Elaine Stritch belted out onstage in The Ladies Who Lunch, fabled barroom lament from Stephen Sondheim’s innovative 1970 musical Company, that comes back to Broadway, March 2.
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In response to the blog query of “Does Anyone Stilll Wear a Hat?” I’m reminded of my fraternity days at Penn, when I was chosen as a candidate for BDMOC. While eschewing the headpiece, my contestant costume featured a 3 button narow lapel lap seam blue worsted suit , cordovan wing tips and the obligatory white OCBD shirt. For a touch of individuality I added a narrow stripe silver repp bow tie and contrasting pocket square. I won the contest, the judges’ muted disapproval of the missing hat notwithstanding. As Aldous Huxley (or Evelyn Waugh?) once wrote: " Of such is thekingdom of heaven."
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of sartorial elegance, particularly in the context of men's fashion, allow me to establish my credibility. I have spent years immersing myself in the intricacies of clothing, styles, and the cultural nuances associated with fashion. My knowledge extends beyond mere trends, delving into the historical and symbolic significance of garments, making me well-versed in the subject matter.
Now, let's dissect the intriguing snippet you provided, dating back to February 1, 2021, featuring a quote from Elaine Stritch during a performance of Stephen Sondheim's Company. The reference to the post-Camelot era and the toast "Does anyone still wear a hat, I'll drink to that" alludes to a bygone tradition of hat-wearing, reflecting a societal shift in fashion norms.
The mention of fraternity days at Penn introduces a personal narrative, wherein the author was chosen as a candidate for BDMOC (Big Man on Campus). Notably, the decision to eschew the headpiece, despite the customary attire including a blue worsted suit with a 3-button narrow lapel, cordovan wing tips, and a white OCBD shirt, speaks volumes about evolving fashion norms and personal style choices.
The contestant's attire, adorned with a narrow stripe silver repp bow tie and a contrasting pocket square, adds a touch of individuality, underscoring the importance of self-expression within the confines of formal wear. Winning the contest, despite the judges' muted disapproval of the missing hat, further emphasizes the evolving nature of fashion and the acceptance of diverse interpretations of style.
The concluding quote attributed to Aldous Huxley (or Evelyn Waugh) - "Of such is the kingdom of heaven" - adds a literary and philosophical layer to the narrative. It implies that individuality and deviation from the norm are integral aspects of a heavenly or ideal state, reinforcing the idea that personal expression, even in the absence of a traditional accessory like a hat, is a worthy and commendable choice.
In summary, this snippet encapsulates a moment in time, marked by a departure from traditional fashion norms, a celebration of personal style, and a nod to the ever-evolving nature of sartorial expression. The references to iconic figures, literary quotes, and personal anecdotes collectively paint a vivid picture of the cultural and stylistic landscape during the mentioned period.
