Both Ede & Ravenscroft and Oliver Brown, the shops I visited, stock them. Both sell smoking jackets off the peg and bespoke. I liked the brighter coloured velvets, but a deep midnight blue (at Oliver Brown) looks stunning. A plain satin collar makes the coat more of a dinner jacket in style, while elaborate frogging (braiding) is also available for the more extrovert. See also smoking hats below.
Smoking jacket, Ede & Ravenscroft |
Oliver Brown |
Oliver Brown |
I remember my grandfather (who called himself one of the last Victorians; he was born in 1901) owned a round, tasselled smoking hat. These round velvet creations, often elaborately embroidered, came in as wide a range of colours, possibly to match the owner's smoking jacket. Vintage examples can still be found, or try eBay for modern versions.
Love the photos, thanks for the post!
ReplyDeleteWell I think I know what I would like for this Christmas!
ReplyDeleteWell done - great find.
Mark
Pakeman Catto also stock smoking jacket (I suspect they are from the same supplier).
ReplyDeleteThey are nice garments but I can't see when you actually be able to wear one without looking a bit of a twit.
Many thanks for the comments.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean, Anonymous. However, as a dinner jacket they would be fine, I think, as there seems to be a return to DJs (as opposed to dinner suits). A smoking jacket (in black or midnight blue, if you don't like bright colours) would be an interesting alternative to a DJ.
GF.
About 10 years ago I lived in a flat in Chiswick, and the elderly gent who lived upstairs regularly wore one of those smoking hats out and about.
ReplyDeleteGave him a slightly eccentric air. Fair play to him.