Velvet versus Broadcloth

• Posted by mgr on October 1st, 2009 filed in HISTORISCHES, Mode
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An extraordinary revolution in male costume is announced for the approaching Parisian season. Nearly forty young men of the highest fashion have agreed to introduce velvet coats, velvet shoes, and even velvet hats, for full evening dress;—a style, in short, in some degree approaching the costume of Louis XIII. We should not be surprised if the innovation were to succeed. In France they manage these changes by co-operation. In England, a solitary individual attempts to introduce a new build of carriage, or shape of hat,—is caricatured,— and becomes what is called, in terms of slang—a tiger. About twelve years ago, Mr Ball Hughes appeared at the Opera, one night, in a velvet coat; and the offence was said to be the chief cause of breaking off his marriage with one of the most distinguished beauties of the day. Sir Henry Cooke, we have heard, hazarded the same thing at Carlton House;—but the English are so abjectly slaves of custom, that unless an order were to issue from the Lord Chamberlain’s Office, they would scarcely venture to change tbe fashion of their shoe-tie. Velvet is certainly one of the most beautiful, rich, and becoming materials that can be adopted in dress by persons able to support the expense ; but we predict that the Conynghams, Foresters, and Fitzroys, will stick to broadcloth.

From: The Court Journal. Gazette of the fashionable World. November 16, 1833. No. 238.

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