If there is one item of men's clothing that is 100% de rigueur in 2024 Brighton, it's old and faded French workmen's jackets. The older and more faded the better.
Someone must be importing them from France by the thousand, and they come in all conditions and states of ageing. Holes and patches are quite acceptable. The French themselves no longer wear them.
I think they were made popular by certain UK TV personalities who always wore them. Gardner Monty Don, and Antiques dealer Drew Pritchard are never seen in anything else. I've even seen a morning TV Show Doctor wearing one. There are others too.
I did have one of these jackets many years ago, but it became lost. These days I have a more 'sophisticated' denim version, that doesn't have at all the same allure.
Brighton is a very left-wing/green party city, and I imagine that locals see a similarity between the fashion style of French workmen, and Mao Zedong (Up the workers, everybody out!).
I must say, I love these jackets myself too, and am quite jealous every time I see one passing by.
Perhaps Santa could bring you one?
ReplyDeleteHe might even be wearing one this year!
DeleteIt looks just the thing for dog walking.
ReplyDeleteAll workmen used to wear them in France; they became the uniform of the working man.
DeleteI hope that nobody buys me one of them for Christmas. I would like a right twat... well, even more than normal.
ReplyDeleteI see you more in country gentleman tweeds; plus fours even!
Delete'One of those.'
DeleteIn this context, both are correct Adrian.
DeleteI’d wear one
ReplyDeleteAnd you'd look very chic John.
DeleteBuy yourself one, wear it with pride.
ReplyDeleteI probably would if I could find one my size, and faded 'just right'.
DeleteNow Lady M. knows what to buy you for Christmas.
ReplyDeleteShe already calls me an old tramp!
DeleteI like denim jackets, no so much this one. I can imagine you wearing it in the French countryside. With your beret of course
ReplyDeleteThey aren't denim, they are more like a fine, close weave, canvas. I don't know the names of materials. They certainly wore well like denim. I haven't worn my beret for a while!
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