Men’s Corner: Isn’t It Romantic?

February 10th, 2008 at 10:15pm Ryan Darragh

Whenever I heard the word “romantic” I am immediately reminded of a scene in the movie “Moonstruck.” You know the scene—where Raymond Capomaggi, still madly in love with his wife Rita after many years together and apparently all but undone by the lovers’ moon that seems to be influencing everyone in sight, sings aloud a snippet of Rogers and Hart’s “Isn’t It Romantic?” Apparently, he was a tiger last night.

One thing we can take away from this delightful moment is that romance is not the exclusive province of the young and beautiful—anyone can be romantic. Maybe this is a bit of a stretch, but I think this also suggests that dressing romantically doesn’t just mean lipstick-kissed boxer briefs (not that there’s anything wrong with that)—it can be anything that represents an effort to connect to your significant other and make something special happen for both of you.

Nothing is romantic in quite the same way as a matinée movie idol. Rudolph Valentino, Victor Mature, Tyrone Power, Clark Gable, Errol Flynn, Douglas Fairbanks—in early Hollywood, these men were the pinnacle of desirability and romanticism. At your most romantic, are you the Count of Monte Cristo? The Sheik? The Thief of Baghdad? Quite likely you’re a blend, similar to many but identical to none. With its high, mysterious collar and exotically feathered embellishments at collar and cuffs, Posy Trudeau’s “Charlatan” coat (L$500) brings home the dashing silver-screen adventures and enviably luxurious private lives of the era’s film stars. The unisex coat set includes both larger and smaller sizes. Available in deep Black at all Civvies locations; the White coat shown above is available exclusively at Silent 147, 179, 41. To complete the black-and-white movie idol look, I’m also wearing Posy’s “Jack” skin in Noir, the “Gable” facial hair option, and her Noir eyes, all also available exclusively at her shop in Silent.

For a look that’s dressy but dressed down, look no further than “Bello” (L$100 on sale) by Devyn Carmichael/Ginny Talamasca. This casually sexy outfit from the Last Call collection includes a partially unbuttoned Tuxedo Shirt and Dark Distressed Jeans with prim cuffs. As always, Ginny’s texture work shows an eye for beauty and attention to detail in equal measure. Both opaque and semi-sheer versions of the shirt are included, so you can decide just how romantic you want to be. Although it has been announced that Devyn and Ginny’s designs are to be withdrawn, as I write this, all current menswear items are still available during a final sale at Moderno (Dazzle 130, 12, 27).

Here I’m also wearing the Free/Taken Bracelet (L$250) by Mhaijik Guillaume. It’s casually constructed of simple leather thongs with a silver ID bar, and a touch changes the engraving from “Free” to “Taken!” and back again, at will or whim. (If you decide to switch to “Free” on the spur of the moment, remember to ditch the wedding ring.) Mhaijik has also created an Order/Chaos version, so you can announce this aspect of your personal state as well. As Mhaijik herself said, “If only RL were that simple!” Available at Mhaijik Things (Pheosia 56, 227, 152) and at the Mhaijik Things shop at Second Guy Mall (Sweetgrass 86, 104, 262).

Shai Delacroix continues her exploration and revival of vintage fashions with her new Nehru Suit (L$700). Modeled on the South Asian achkan or sherwani, the Nehru jacket enjoyed popularity in the West during the late Sixties and early Seventies. We can probably point the finger of blame at The Beatles, who wore Nehru jackets for their 1965 performance at Shea Stadium, but surely some credit is also due to fascination with the minimalism of Mod fashions, not to mention the penchant of sophisticated movie villains for the style—James Bond’s nemesis Dr. No comes to mind. Shai’s Nehru Suit (available in Black, Blue, Brown and Fatigue; L$2240 for the pack of all colors) includes a Mandarin-collar jacket, white dress shirt, and pants with prim cuffs. The lovely fabric texture resembles rough-weave linen, but still feels luxurious. Available at Casa Del Shai (Casa Del Shai 150, 100, 691).

I was chatting with some friends the other day and we came to the realization that we all have this mental picture of June Dion in which for 23 hours out of the day she does nothing but create new clothing designs. I can’t imagine how else she can be so prolific. When I also think about her constant and surprising creativity, my brain just shuts down.

Her men’s outfit “Viz Leo” (L$140) is bold and distinctive with its leopard-print jacket, included in Blue, Purple, White and Gold. The jacket is completed with sculpted-prim collar and cuffs, and it can be worn with or without the simple grey jersey shown here. Accessories are the rule rather than the exception for June’s outfits, and this set also includes high-sheen belted pants, a long flexi sash–is that washed silk? you know, I think it might be–and a simple leather thong necklace. Available at BareRose Tokyo (Bare Rose 146, 12, 30).

The “Syraz” formal suit by Keth Mommsen (L$650) perfectly exemplifies refined elegance. The set includes inky black jacket with crushed satin cuffs (a skirt-layer extension makes it thigh-length), matching pants, shirt with vest and necktie, optional flexi lace jabot, socks, top hat and walking cane. The included tapestry vest is Charcoal in color; Blue, Green, Ivory and Red vests are available in a separate set (L$500). The cane is not scripted for poses, so your regular animations will play, but there is some subtle and actually very attractive bling at the gold-and-crystal cap. Available at Eros Designs (Eros Cove 113, 133, 25) and at the Eros Designs shop at Second Guy Mall (Sweetgrass 86, 104, 262).

Love may happen (or seem to happen) magically or “at first sight,” but Romance is Love’s great facilitator—and Romance you can work at. Feel free to take these suggestions and run with them, but be sure to express your own individuality! In the end, that more than anything else will be what matters most to that special someone.

This is an expanded version of the Men’s Corner column originally published in Second Style Magazine (Issue #16).

Disclosure: Seen in World: Yes | Review Copy: Some | Friends List: Some

Notes: On Ryan: "Adam" skin by Hart Larsson (PXL Creations). "The Cadiz" hair by Liam Oliver (Armidi). "Mess It Up" hair by Lost Thereian (Naughty). Old Shoes and Spencers dress shoes by Fallingwater Cellardoor (Shiny Things). Oslo half-boots by Eponymous Trenchmouth (JCS Shoes). Gentlemen’s Black Suede Shoes by Vincente Shepherd (Gaslights Emporium).

Entry Filed under: BareRose Tokyo, Casa Del Shai, Casual, Civvies, Coats, Dressy, Eros Designs, Fantasy, Formal, Jewelry, Last Call, Men's Corner, Mhaijik Things, New Items, Outfits, Pants, Period, Shirts, Suits, Vests