In which G.M. Norton looks both ways, taps his nose and sagely informs his readership about the best hair dressing product for gentlemen. When it comes to a gentleman’s hair dressing, there is really only one option – pomade. If you’re not familiar with this particular hair product, please allow me to enlighten you. Pomade […]
Today the humble moustache has all but vanished from the faces of young men, cast into the dark abyss of the past with a disapproving glare for good measure. Instead of sporting magnificent upper lip appendages, our mixed-up society has sought fit to proudly wear over-sized babygrows and dip themselves in creosote instead. Thankfully, there […]
This week, I’ve been reaching for my Barbour border jacket. While wearing it, it struck me that it might make a rather nice mini-series to focus on classic items that are the best in class. So first up, the Barbour… The Barbour coat is one of menswear’s all time classics and just screams British country […]
In which G.M. Norton continues his style icon series with a tribute to the ultimate leading man. To continue my style icon series following my earlier Sir Roger Moore effort, I would like to raise a glass to Mr. Archibald Alexander Leach. Or to give him the name that has made millions of ladies swoon […]
Quite often, I’ll be on my daily constitutional when I’m stopped in the street by a fellow human who will ask, “I say, how do you put your outfit together?” Or I’ll be sat at my disappointing veneer desk in the office, trying to decide whether to have a Darjeeling or Lapsang souchong, when a […]
This weekend marks the 80th anniversary of the abdication of King Edward VIII so he could marry his beloved, Wallis Simpson. King Edward VIII, who later became Duke of Windsor, was king for less than 11 months and hadn’t even had his coronation. I’ve penned an article on this in issue 09 of In Retrospect […]
I don’t know what it is, but it seems that every Yuletide, I get obsessed with Bond. I now intend to re-watch all the films and dig out my Ian Fleming books. This past week, I’ve even been listening to a couple of James Bond podcasts on my journey to and from the office. I’ve […]
A few weeks ago, I had the dubious honour of turning 31. As people who know me will grumble in agreement, I prefer not to have much fanfare on my birthday. All I ask is that things are kept simple and relatively low-key. Perhaps a medley from a barbershop quartet or a burlesque dancer jumping […]
One of the big headlines in Britain over the last couple of days has been the decision that male MPs no longer have to wear ties in the House of Commons. The Speaker of the House, John Bercow, made the unexpected announcement after being questioned on the matter by a wag who had spotted a […]
I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am. A very special parcel arrived this week from my chums at Rebus Signet Rings. I’m sure you can guess what it was, given the name of the company. For those not quite up to speed, it was this chunk of gold. Featuring my Norton of […]
Rejoice, chumrades, for the new summer issue of the most noble of publications, In Retrospect magazine, is now out and available to squander your spending money on. We’re now on issue 11, which is packed to the rafters with tip-top articles from chalk hill figures, vintage motorbikes, classic toys and Viva Las Vegas. In Issue […]
I’m such a proud northerner that if you cut me open, I would most probably bleed gravy. My surname, Norton, means ‘North settlement’ so my father’s bloodline is literally steeped in meat juice and flour. I’ve never lived anywhere else but the north of England and have no desire to leave. Don’t get me wrong, […]
Well, it’s now one whole week since I revealed my bold (or should that be ‘bald’?) new look. It’s been quite a change for your favourite protagonist so I thought it was only right to document what the reaction has been from people and how I’m feeling now I’m hairless. Well, on the top of […]
In which G.M. Norton finds a new way to keep off the autumn chill. You may recall that last year, I worked myself into a relative lather over my Floyd tweed jacket from English Utopia. Well, I’m now in proud possession of one of their quilted jackets – their Piper Speciale to be precise. Colour […]