In which G.M. Norton gushes over Gable. Clark Gable is one of those fellows that chaps would love to be and ladies long to be with. Fitting the classic aesthetics of tall, dark and handsome, he was a jolly fine actor too. As a keen exponent of the pencil moustache and side-part hairstyle, I feel […]
As regular readers will have picked up from my Cary Grant and Grace Kelly periodical postings, I am a huge Alfred Hitchcock fan. For me, Hitchcock is the greatest film director that has ever lived. His film career spanned more than 50 years, some of the most recognisable being Rear Window (1954), Vertigo (1958), North […]
When I discovered that a new barbers was opening in Manchester specialising in rockabilly and traditional cuts and shaves, I must confess that it rather caught my attention. Barber Barber as it is called is run by Johnny Shanahan, or Johnny The BaBa as he prefers to be known. Since becoming a patron this week, […]
Recently, I’ve become ever so slightly obsessed with signet rings. They have an utterly compelling history involving ancient Egypt, Kings, future Kings, power and authority, villains stealing identities, friends or foe on the battlefield and family heirlooms and traditions. So, where did my obsession with signet rings start? I point the little finger of blame […]
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 […]
