Here is my favorite shirt of all time. Made of soft, luxurious silk, this retro-style shirt was designed by Memphis tailor Bernard Lansky who famously was the clothes-designer for Elvis Presley and other rock legends. Lansky opened a clothing shop in 1946 which still exists today (run by his son). I bought this shirt while visiting Memphis a few years ago; I had just toured Sun Studio and was feeling nostalgic for the 1950's.
Bernard Lansky is known in history as "Clothier To The King," obviously referring to Elvis. Lansky met Elvis when the singer was only 17 years old; Elvis was ambitious but poor and unknown. Lansky dressed him for free, an act of generosity which began a lifelong friendship. Sadly, Bernard Lansky died last month at age 85; he warranted and received a big obituary in The New York Times.
This shirt is black and cream, with delicate stitched borders. In person, it's unbelievably luscious.
It's a shame that there aren't more really well made things out there for a reasonable price. I've had to add stitching, etc, to things to make them look nice.
ReplyDeleteI've heard of Lansky! I love that shirt - I bet it feels wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous back-story for a fabulous shirt. I loved reading this post!
ReplyDeleteVery nice shirt! Looks like something my husband would totally dig!!
ReplyDeletewhoa! so rockabilly! i love it :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome shirt!!!! You know--that would look cute over the red bra top with a black shirt--tied at the waist. Very retro looking!
ReplyDeleteThat's so rock and roll, I thought of Elvis the minute your picture popped up in my reader! x
ReplyDeleteIsn't that cool that you can wear both :)
ReplyDeletexo, L
http://rockteraptor.blogspot.fi/
Sounds like an amazing shirt! I really love menswear because it's often easier to find quality stuff. People who do menswear usually pay more attention to what the fabric feels like, how well tailoring fits, etc. Design isn't always top, but I admire quality as much as design. It looks like your shirt has both, and an amazing designer behind it.
ReplyDeleteGreat shirt. You are right menswear is boring unless you are dressing a cool European 20 something guy who can somehow pull off fedora's and skinny jeans and wingtip shoes.
ReplyDeleteI do love dressing my little guy but lets see how long that lasts.
Daphne.
I want to see the full picture so we can see all of the shirt! But I agree; you could totally layer this top over your women's clothes and make a rockin statement!
ReplyDeleteI have to agree. Menswear is booooring.
ReplyDeleteI like the shirt, it looks so soft and i love garments with a history, like this one.
I read about Larsky right here on your blog.
This is SO Elvis! I have read and owned an embarrassing number of books written on Elvis and was aware of his connection with Mr. Lansky, but I didn't realize Mr. Lansky had still been living...or that he had been as close in age to Elvis as he was. Oh, what memories and stories he must have had of his encounters with Elvis.
ReplyDeleteI think it is verrry cool that you own this shirt.
Very nice shirt.
ReplyDeleteMy middle son, who works in a high end mens clothing store might disagree with you about menswear being boring.....he has been bitten by the style bug the appreciation of fine fabrics.
I must say, though, that I am really happy I am a woman because there ARE so many wonderful options in women's clothing.
What a great story. I love finding something luxurious and really well made. I feel better when I wear something that's high quality.
ReplyDeleteI find menswear boring too, but entertainers seem to make an effort to have more interesting wardrobes.
Very cool shirt, with a neat back story. You looked pretty snazzy the day we met, great shirt then too - with baseball cuff links :)
ReplyDeleteOh you look so unusual with men's clothes...anyways the shirt looks fabulous, if I had an amazing shirt like this one I don't think I would be corageous enough to wear it- I'll treasure it and keep it as a relic, 'cause I'd be terrified to spoil it!
ReplyDeleteLife is a romantic poem
I love those retro-style mens shirts. You look really nice in this shirt and I like learning about the shop where it came from. I love Elvis! :-)
ReplyDeleteI love it! I always thought retro-style shirts would be something you would like to wear. Awesome :)
ReplyDeleteI disagree about men clothing (as I'm married to someone to whom getting dressed being a man is joy and never turns out to be boring)but this shirt is fab. I love Lansky shirts a lot even though I've seen quiet a few actually
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves dressing up too and I don't think its boring at all .. but I know what you mean. Women do have more options. Its nice to see you in Men's clothing, wouldn't have recognized you had it not been for your profile picture on blogger (which is also in Men's clothing).
ReplyDeleteCrazy & Co.
It looks as soft as you describe it to be. And it looks good on you, too. --You look good in both genres, menswear and women's!
ReplyDeleteLove the shirt and the story behind it!
ReplyDeleteI adore the stitching and the asymmetrical design - gorgeous rockabilly look! Awesome story, and glad to see you enjoying the divine exception in luscious silk!
ReplyDeleteYour silk shirt is far from boring, which is not surprising.
ReplyDeleteTerrific shirt - very Rat Pack on their days off-esque. I especially like the contrast, intentionally visible white stitching.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a marvelous countdown to Christmas, my friend,
♥ Jessica
Gorgeous shirt ~ you look very handsome in it!!!
ReplyDeleteThose perfect little stitches and black and cream combo are gorgeous. I love silk!
ReplyDeletep.s. My first giveaway ends tomorrow - please pop over and enter if you're interested! (Or, e-mail me - I know you've had trouble commenting in the past). I have Haitian Bead jewelry up for grabs - it's beautiful jewelry for an amazing cause. :)