Elegant Survival

Don't fall for this gag--it's not really funny: Paul Stuart is selling a  women's shirt  for $524.00. Sure, it may be silk, but the thing is likely made in China--a popular criticism of the American behemoth, Wal-Mart! The Paul Stuart women's twill shirts, at $197.00, are described as "Made in Canada".  When something is made in China, it is usually called "imported". This time, they left that area blank....

T.M. Lewin of London, purveyor of  the best ready-made shirts in the world,  is selling an analogous ladies' shirt, well-shaped and with French cuffs, for about 35 dollars US. I have one, and would  wager that it is better-made and lasts longer than the one touted by pompous Paul Stuart and company--who, incidentally, have created a fictional character as their new mascot, bearing the risible name Phineas Cole. Phineas' pants are falling down and his jacket is too tight--otherwise, his gut wouldn't show through it.

The candy-coated clown act has gone far enough, one of its highlights being the $5,500.00 suit by tight-clothing pusher Tom Ford. A certain basketball player is shown sporting it in the recent issue of GQ.

ScotClans offers a choice of about 75 different authentic tartan ties in Dupioni silk for about 30 dollars US.

Paul Stuart offers a tartan silk tie for $159.00. Well, isn't that just ducky--everyone knowing whence your "tartan" tie comes, and how blinking much you were taken for in its acquisition?