You can have Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.'s clothes

[Marc Chevalier]

Really.


They're going to be auctioned off very soon. His vintage suits, sportcoats, overcoats, tuxedos, morning coats, formal shirts, ties, dressing gowns, shoes, fedoras, homburgs, and more.

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was one of the best-dressed men in America during the Golden Era, so don't miss out.


Start looking here, and then go to subsequent pages: http://www.doylenewyork.com/asp/searchresults.asp?pg=15&ps=25

 

[lolly_loisides]

Goodness there are some lovely things up for auction. Thanks for sharing.

Your link didn't work for me, this one seems to though, http://www.doylenewyork.com/content/more.asp?id=161

Is it just me or most of those bid estimates seem very low?

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Is it just me or most of those bid estimates seem very low?

Auction houses often make their bid estimates low ... to attract more bidders.

 

[lolly_loisides]

Auction houses often make their bid estimates low ... to attract more bidders.

Gosh! Really? Well, I never

 

[Tomasso]

Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. was one of the best-dressed men in America during the Golden Era

Archie Leach used the style of Douglas Fairbanks Sr & Jr as a template for his Cary Grant persona. He met them crossing the pond when he was early on in his career and they got along famously. He maintained a lifelong friendship with Jr.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

... and the collective yawn from Fedora Lounge members is deafening.

This is Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., folks. Most of his wardrobe is the 'holy grail' of Golden Era --and Golden Era-style--menswear. Sartorially speaking, this man was America's answer to the Duke of Windsor (and nearly as Anglophile).

Why can we hear the crickets chirping?

 

[Feraud]

I'll guess Fairbanks Jr's name is barely remembered as an actor and certainly not touted as one of the sartorial gods like Grant or Astaire.
Not that I personally agree with what I wrote.. I plan on visiting the auction house to view the garments.

 

[skyvue]

I'm hoping to get by to see them, too. Any word on the hours they'll be on display?

I've enjoyed DFjr in a number of movies, and he certainly knew how to dress. But let's face it -- I won't be able to afford anything in the auction.

Still, nice to be able to the items up for bidding.

 

[Lily Powers]

... and the collective yawn from Fedora Lounge members is deafening.

This is Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., folks. Most of his wardrobe is the 'holy grail' of Golden Era --and Golden Era-style--menswear. Sartorially speaking, this man was America's answer to the Duke of Windsor (and nearly as Anglophile).

Why can we hear the crickets chirping?

Probably not the chirping you were expecting, but I will admit to a major Golden Era sized crush on Douglas Jr., circa 1929-1932 (about the same time Joan Crawford eased into his life). Dreamy! And if I had a Golden Era sized bank account, I'd love to bid on (well, I'd rather win it than bid on it) that Patek Philippe monogrammed wristwatch. And as much as I love my boyfriend, I'd wear that watch myself.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

I'll guess Fairbanks Jr's name is barely remembered as an actor and certainly not touted as one of the sartorial gods like Grant or Astaire.

You have a point. Well, in case anyone wants to know ... here are some half-forgotten "sartorial gods" of the Golden Era, whose inspiring wardrobes should be studied by aspiring Fedora Loungers:


-- Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.

-- The Duke of Kent

-- Lucius Beebe (though touching the extreme end of the spectrum)

-- 1930s Hollywood comedian Joe E. Brown

-- Benny Goodman

-- Adolph Menjou


(Then again, why bother?)

 

[Marc Chevalier]

But let's face it -- I won't be able to afford anything in the auction.

I hear you. But then, should we assume that no Fedora Loungers can afford this stuff? Are none of us able and willing to buy such things?

(And why is it that the rarest vintage American menswear seems to eventually end up going outside America? Do American vintage menswear enthusiasts have smaller pockets --or lesser appreciation-- than foreign ones? I'm wondering about this more and more. Even when the U.S. economy was stronger, it was this way.)

 

[Justin B]

Actually, I am in fact planning on doing a bit of bidding on several items in this auction, both clothing and other.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Actually, I am in fact planning on doing a bit of bidding on several items in this auction, both clothing and other.

You rock! :eusa_clap

 

[Boodles]

Gees...really nice stuff. I would love to own that morning suit or the red leather chair. I suppose there are no size details available for the clothing. Thanks to Mr. Chevalier for bringing this auction to our attention.

 

[Feraud]

For any locals who want to view the collection-
The public is invited to the exhibition on view from Friday, September 9 through Monday, September 12. Doyle New York is located at 175 East 87th Street in Manhattan

 

[Justin B]

A bit of research says he wore a 40R suit and was six foot tall.

Yes, the red leather chair needs to be in my house rather badly.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Thanks to Mr. Chevalier for bringing this auction to our attention.

My pleasure. It's good to know that this stuff is still appreciated around here.

As mentioned earlier, Mr. Fairbanks was 6'1", so his jacket size must have been a Long. (6'1" was still pretty tall back then.)

My guess is that, for most of Fairbanks's adult life, he wore a size 40 Long, and 32" trousers. Then again, practically all of his kit was bespoke made, so who knows.

 

[Justin B]

Any idea of what size his hats or shoes are?

I have a friend who will be going to the preview and is planning on taking measurements, but it would be nice to know in advance.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Any idea of what size his hats or shoes are?

It would be best to call up the auction house and ask. Auction houses are usually pretty helpful with such requests. After all, they want your bid.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Best sock garters you'll ever see. 14K gold-plated AND monogrammed: http://www.doylenewyork.com/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot=11DF01+++349+&refno=++822583