The Handlebar Club Forum

My friend Elizabeth and I ready for an evening out.

scriss

Starting to look very nice. I like the shape !

Stewart

Stewart, Thank you. Elizabeth and I were posing for a picture prior going out to a local club. There are a number of Victorian/Edwardian costume events during late summer, and it's always fun to dress accordingly.

However, I'm not convinced that a handlebar 'tache and Franz-Joseph beard look right, when worn together. Most of the pictures I've seen of the Franz-Joseph beard, the gentleman usually doesn't wax the 'tache. However, I do like the wax, as it keeps it out of my mouth.

Next month, a local group will be doing a "Victorian Champaign and Croquet" party, at a local park. I was thinking of foregoing the wax, and getting a new vest and ascot, but my friends want me to do the full-on British Foreign Service pith helmet and red tunic, like in the 1975 Michael Caine movie ZULU. It's an inviting thought, but I don't think I can pull that off.

Yes indeed Steve!!! Looking very nice there.

JD

JD,

Thank you. I'm still contemplating whether or not I like the Franz Joseph. I know Elizabeth wants me to get rid of it (and the 'tache as well); however, I'm standing my ground on this.

I did enjoy doing this pic. Elizabeth knows the photographer, who does those glamor photos at a local mall. He has his own equipment at home, and works on the side.

Wonderful photo, you both look splendid!




I have been known to sport something similar on occasions..

Very smart indeed chaps! Very Smart!

Micawber, I do hope you adopted a suitably Dickensian name for that picture.

Micawber,

I have to admit you have the better outfit. It's almost impossible to find that type of collar on the west coast.

There is only one (believe it or not) haberdashery in the entire city of Portland, OR. I pieced together my outfit from a number of outlet sources, so it doesn't really come up to the same standards.

The mens clothing stores all seem to cater to the usual leisure suits and athletic clothing. I do consider myself fortunate to find what I have.

Steven

I have a couple of those shirts with those collars which are slightly scalloped at the rear to allow for movement.

http://www.vintageshirt.co.uk/ is one place that does them ...but they're not cheap!

Steve,

Thanks for the link. It looks like the shirts we wear in the US seem to be a much later version than the Victorian shirt shown on that web site. I do have access to a Marcella-type shirt. Perhaps adding one of the high collars to said shirt might be a workable combination.

Thanks again for the link.

Steven

I cannot resist to show you this photo.
Comments are welcome.

Pascal, Steve & Steven,

I'm really impressed at your ability to achieve such accomplished 'vintage' looks. Obviously the moustaches help the cause somewhat, but it still seems to require a fair amount of knowledge and skill to be able to assemble a complete and successful outfit. Anyone who's seen those 'Am I Chap Or Not' articles will appreciate how easily people can wind up looking not-quite-right, despite clearly having the best of intentions.

Keep the period photos coming...!

Guy

Vaguely in keeping with the vintage theme, here's something a little more 18th century, taken in Nottingham earlier this year. I'm not 100% sure whether the moustache is totally appropriate for the period, although a straight 'English' style seems to work better than a curled look.

Looking like this, I've been called a 'pirate', 'highwayman' and 'town crier'. In truth, though, the original inspiration came from looking, online, at some of the 'gentlemen' costumes being shown at the venetian carnival.



Guy

Pascal, wow that photo looks authentic. You sure your grandfather wasn't an English gentleman?

Guy, you never cease to amaze. I'm truly envious of your 'dressing up box". Not to mention your ability to carry it off.

Hi Yuzzzz!
Yes I'm sure! Thank you very much for the compliment. It's nice to have a photo that is as authentic as possible. I'm very happy with it. These vintage photos are nice to see and to have. We should make a special gallery on the forum or HBC site...
You're so right Yuzzzz! Guy is our hero, for sure (I'm so happy you placed in Brighton Guy). And what a taste in selecting clothes! I definitely would like to have the same "dressing up box". Keep on doing, Guy, you're fantastic (euh... fanTACHEtic ).