A British Oddity.

England has always been known for being a bit eccentric, especially when it comes to clothing. Many English musicians have made a name for themselves by 'dressing-up', from Boy George to Elton John they made a statement through their sense of dress. It's a trend that continues.

How many of us have not grown up with a dressing-up box at home? They were always filled with strange colourful clothes and hats.

But many may not have heard of our London Pearly Kings and Queens. The 'Pearlies' (as they are commonly known) wear suits decorated with Mother of Pearl buttons. They are usually members of 'Pearly Societies' that represent different boroughs of London. The decoration on their clothing is mostly traditional, showing Bells, the flag of St George, Horses, etc. These days they use their decorative status for charity work.

I believe the whole Pearly business was started by a Mr Henry Croft in around 1870. Croft decorated his clothes to attract donors to his charity work.

If there was a world-wide rating for countries who like to dress-up the most, I think England might come in at Number 1. From the regalia surrounding The Royal Family, to our regimental uniforms, we never hold back. Even our Morris dancers go overboard to outdo each other. We still have 'Heralds' (think Alice in wonderland), we have parliamentary officials who dress in outdated uniforms, and we have town criers who love to dress-up to announce events.

England would be a very different, and less interesting, place if all these outfits disappeared. So, long live our eccentric ways, and may they never die-out.