Fonzworth Bently

[Matt Deckard]

If you have seen any of the OutKast videos, you've probably seen Fonzworth Bently...I know his real name but I'll hold off on telling it.

I ran into him at a men's store in Beverly Hills several months back where he was having shirts made to measure.

He had on a bit of a baggy fitting Ralph Lauren striped sport shirt while being measured... The tailor (really a made to measure measurer) told Fonzworth that the sport shirt fit him pretty well.
I was aghast. After a few minutes I got into a bit of a conversation with Fonzworth and told him how back in the old days Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly had their shirts custom made and they were fitted. They had fit bodies and did not need the extra material to help out with a big gut when they sat down. Bottom line he needed a fitted shirt not a baggy one. The tailor came back and Fonzworth insisted on a more fitted look.

He's a real snazzy dresser and I was pretty excited when he asked me for my number because he liked MY style.

His signature in the videos is his umbrella which harkens back to a gentleman style of the past.

My phone unfortunately croaked soon after and I lost his number. I have it on a card somewhere. He was interested when I told him about the lounge and just wanted to find out more from me regarding mens fashion of the 30's and 40's.



Joseph C. Brandstetter

[Brad Bowers]

Well done! Though I am not well acquainted with the gentleman or group in question, the fact that I've heard them mentioned on TV somewhere must mean that they are fairly well-known among the younger crowd. If Mr. Bently should encourage others to dress well by his example, this can only be a good thing for this country.

Mr. Bently, if you're visiting the Lounge, welcome!

On a somewhat related note, I was watching some footage from the Park City Jazz Festival a week or so ago, and there was a Swing band from a local high school, I think, and they had all attempted in some form or another to dress period. It was heartening to see so many young folks wearing hats and suits. I'm sure they were probably inexpensive hats, but some may have borrowed grandad's hat. Who knows, those kids might decide they like the style, and continue to wear it!

Brad Bowers

[Wild Root]

Mr. Bently seems to be a cool guy. Hope you can find his info so we can get together with him some time. I have heard some of their work and it's not to bad. Bently, is a very talented guy and is quite funny on some of the CD's I have heard of Matt's.

Brad, I know that when I see kids attempt a vintage look, it make me happy. I have met some that want to know more about it but, know not where to find the goods. I am always happy to help out a new comer find what he or she needs to look like a million!

Root.

[jamespowers]

Hey Yah! Not bad.

Regards to all,

J