Friday, November 11, 2011

Exploring another pattern


Another dapper gentleman has joined the Savile Row series--introducing Oliver!

Like his friend Nigel, of Argyle sweater fame, Oliver is a city gent who sports a sweater in a fair isle pattern. This design consists of bands of brightly colored alternating horizontal motifs, made popular in the 1930s and '40s by the Duke of Windsor. The eldest son of King George V of England, he was crowned King Edward VIII in 1936 but abdicated the throne a year later to marry the woman he loved.

The Duke of Windsor was THE arbiter of men's fashion during his lifetime: whenever he wore a new style at a public event, clothing manufacturers would scramble to bring the item to market. His appearance in a fair isle sweater single-handedly created a resurgence among the Scottish weavers who had created the pattern. The duke also popularized the color red, which previously had been frowned upon in men's clothing.

Do come back and check my progress in dressing Oliver for success!

3 comments:

Napa Needlepoint said...

You made a slight mistake. Edward VIII was never CROWNED because he abdicated before his coronation.

The proper term would be to say he became king.

Officially a monarch isn't crowned until his coronation when the crown is placed on his head.

Keep Stitching,
Janet

The Chilly Hollow Needlepoint Adventure said...

The Duke (and his Duchess) were into needlepoint in a big way. I think he indulged in this art form himself, although I've never been able to pin down just what he stitched himself as opposed to what was stitched for him.

Anonymous said...

Love the sweater. This should be delight to watch. Don't keep up waiting too long.