There was nothing flashy about the best dressed man I ever saw on a city street. Indeed, to describe his clothing today makes it sound almost drab, for he was wearing nothing more than dark brown oxfords, a charcoal suit, light blue shirt, dark brown necktie and a white linen pocket square. Of course, everything was impeccable and fit perfectly. To myself as a young man, he was mesmerizing.
The Japanese have concept called shibumi, which is a simple beauty without flashiness. It's a thought that translates well to men's clothing, for the best dress is also simple, and without flash. Our striped suited friend in the Esquire illustration makes that grade, in my opinion. He stands out without standing out, if that makes any sense.
There is a lesson here for those who are early in their learning about dress. They often attempt to stand out (I saw a young doctor wearing a red shirt with a gold necktie the other day), which simply makes them look unsophisticated. The best way to stand out is wear the kind of dress that the eye passes over, only to return in appreciation. And that is shibumi.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Shibumi
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8 comments:
He blends into the room. I like it. I notice that athletes-turned-TV broadcasters appear in too-perfect clothes and their heads are also actually "too" groomed for shibumi. I'd like to see them take up this concept.
I think this is something that can only be learned with age.
I have seen that particular piture on many a blog. I have to agree that he looks absolutely smashing.
Couldn't agree more, Will. Simplicity and neatness are the way to go. I would also agree with Robin that it takes some men a "practice period" to get the hang of things especially in this day in age where there are too few visual role models.
I saw Sherlock Holmes over the weekend, and was disappointed that they didn't do more with the clothing from that time period.
Absolutely stunning illustration and quite a sobering point to end the year and the decade with. Thank you, Will. I have often marveled at the creativity and inspiration provided by the Esquire and Apparel Arts prints. It goes beyond clothes, it's a whole aesthetical evocation. Is there any way of acquiring this legacy, collected as a book or series of books? I would be first in line.
Will,
That's a favorite illustration of mine. Thanks for helping me to better understand why I like it so much. The concept Shibumi involves self-restraint, which is difficult for those who love beautiful objects. The notion that perhaps only one stunning item should be paired with high quality but quieter ones is a difficult to appreciate, but as in many a case, "less is more."
Thanks.
Another figure of fiction who, in my opinion, epitomized Shibumi was the character Maxim de Winter in the film "Rebecca", whose personal style was impeccably understated.
Its shibui
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