The II Earl

Some texts are better left untouched, as I am sure that I’m not able to improve upon John Henry Newman’s words regarding what makes a true gentleman, from The Idea of a University (1852) . And so, with no commentary needed, we launch into the specific description of a gentleman, as written by Newman. This simple page containing Newman’s words regarding specific actions that refine a man, may require a number of visits before it is completely comprehended; but, the effort to learn and apply Newman’s recommendations can pay great dividends in the quest to develop the character of the man behind the clothes. WHAT IS A GENTLEMAN?  "It is almost a definition of a gentleman to say he is one who never inflicts pain. This description is both refined and, as far as it goes, accurate. He is mainly occupied in merely removing the obstacles which hinder the free and unembarrassed action of those about him; and he con...

Take Ivy is a fashion photography book which documents the attire of Ivy League students. The New York Times described it as “a treasure of fashion insiders”. Take Ivy has been the Ivy League bible for Japanese baby boomers, among whom the Ivy League look is very popular, though original copies are very rare in the West, garnering auction prices as high as $2000. Take Ivy was authored by four Japanese sartorial style enthusiasts and is a collection of candid photographs shot on the campuses of America’s elite Ivy League universities. The series focuses on college-aged men and their clothes, capturing the unique fashion of the student population of that time. Whether getting a meal on campus, lounging in the quad, riding bikes, studying in the library, in class, or at the boathouse, the subjects of this photographic compendium are impeccably and distinctively dressed in some of the finest American-made garments of the time. Shosuke Ishizu, the director...

There are few fabrics that are so synonymous with their place of origin as Harris Tweed. Woven exclusively on the islands that make up the Outer Hebrides - Lewis, Harris, Uist and Barra - Harris Tweed is famous around the world for its intricacy, beautifully rich handle and rugged durability. The Outer Hebrides have been well-known for their excellence in weaving for hundreds of years, however until the mid-19th Century, the majority of their product was only sold or traded at local markets. In 1846 Lady Dunmore, whose late husband the Earl of Dunmore was the landowner of Harris, requested their clan tartan be woven in the local style. She was so taken with the result that she decided to dedicate her time to producing more and marketing it to her well-to-do friends. Her work in both producing the cloth and supporting it as an object of desire led to it becoming a major force in the textile industry and was picked up by cloth merchants across the country. Its popularity has only cont...

“Cricket can only flourish if it is played by civilised people.”   Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh

One must act in a fashion that conforms to one’s position and privileges with which one has been born, bestowed and or has earned.   - Noblesse oblige

Steve McQueen - the undisputed king of cool. Known for his love of clean cut masculinity, McQueen’s style is timeless, transcending generations. With a style not bound by class or location, McQueen has become an icon not just for his work in cinema but for his effortless and instantly recognisable dress sense. While it would be east to say McQueen is one of the all time great style icons, it’s by no far stretch where you could say he’s one of the world’s best-known dressers. His sartorial style was never forced, instead with a more relaxed masculine look.

In Greek mythology the Three Graces represent charm, beauty, and creativity, all good qualities. But something is missing. They are positive when they are placed in the world in a particular way with at least one other quality. I think of dignity as the necessary ingredient to moves grace—gracefulness and graciousness—to something beyond the aesthetic and into the moral realm. Grace brings pleasure, while dignity brings honor. While pleasure is often desirable, it becomes more so when it is done respectfully. Gracious become goodness when mixed with dignity. I believe that happiness is achieved when you live with grace and dignity. So here are several ways that grace and dignity together can lead to life’s satisfactions. 1. Live your life full of graciously. Live your life full of dignity. 2. Grace is achieved when you feel yourself as part of what is. Dignity is achieved when you accept the dignity of others. Therefore, live responsibly as part of the social world. 3. D...