Reader’s attire #1 Romain

Here’s our inaugural profile of one of our readers: Romain.

Text: Romain @Lastrolab

I’m wearing a Laulhère beret. I had a bit of trouble finding this model which has a 9.5 inch top diameter, which is smaller than the classic version. Even after a certain adjustment period, wearing a beret is still a bit of a challenge. You have to finely navigate between Justin Bridou and Emily in Paris (I will let you be the judge of that). A little customization here: I removed the little rivet with the brand's logo with a pair of pliers and a lot of cold blood. 

The jacket is a Barbour Solway Zipper. It is an old version called "one crest" because, at the time of its manufacture (between 1974 and 1982 if I’m not mistaken) the brand had only received one royal warrant. As a result, the label only features the Duke of Edinburgh’s coat of arms (those of the Queen and the Prince of Wales will come later). The Solway Zipper is a rather rare model that has been discontinued. It is longer than most of modern Barbour jackets and features a belt. I already had a Solway Zipper, but this one was in such good condition, with its original synthetic fur liner and belt (the latter is often missing) that I couldn't resist when I saw the listing online.

Underneath, I'm wearing a Brooks Brother blazer from the Makers line, which means it was made in the brand’s American workshop (union made, s’il vous plaît). I like it a lot because it has all the typically Ivy characteristics of American sack jackets: undarted straight cut, 3 buttons roll 2, patch pockets on the hips and breast, 2 buttons on the sleeves, semi-lined and with a center hook vent in the back. The fit is so loose that I sometimes wonder if a size down would not be better for me. It remains to be seen...

To stay warm, I chose a sleeveless shetland wool cardigan. I started buying knit vests this year, to avoid the ubiquitous Uniqlo down jacket, which is very practical but not very nice-looking. This one is a Benetton vintage made in Italy. 

I don't usually wear a tie with jeans, but I thought it would look nice with this outfit. This is a vintage Marinella regimental tie. I used to dislike striped ties, but it slowly grew on me and I now have quite a few. I like the color scheme on this one, but I realize afterwards that it might be a little wide to wear with a button-down shirt. 

The shirt, precisely, is my most recent vintage Brooks Brothers find. I have a bit of an obsession with vintage made in USA Brooks shirts. This one, although not from the makers line, is interesting because it's a so called “fun shirt”, which means it's made with different patterns, but, unlike other fun shirts, only in blue and white. 

The braided leather belt is an Atelier Particulier. I bought it new about 5 years ago. The quality is great. 

The jeans are also quite interesting because they are a vintage redline (selvedge) 501s from Levi's. This particular version dates from the 70’s and is referred to as "single stitch", due to the construction of its back pockets. It's the earliest version of the “small e” 501s. I bought it on eBay from an American seller. It had a few holes that I had Arthur (aka Superstitch) repair except two, on the left thigh, that I repaired myself the "sashiko" way.

Finally, the penny loafers are from Edward Green, the Picadilly model. I'm a bit of a fundamentalist when it comes to shoes. I know that there are several great brands out there that make beautiful things, but I admit I'm a sucker for Edward Green. These are a farewell gift from my former colleagues when I left my previous job, I can't thank them enough! They did catch the rain during this photoshoot. But as English shoes, the least they can do is tolerate a little rain!

The icing on the cake (or umbrella on the cocktail) is my Cal umbrella, which I bought during my year at Berkeley. I like it because it's big, colorful, and above all it's a souvenir!

I realize that with the exception of the beret, the belt and the loafers (and my underwear!) all my clothes are second hand. I've always loved digging for vintage clothes, and it's intensified recently with the help (because?) of online thrifting sites. But I think I've been forcing it a bit this past year. I plan to slow down in 2022, in order to buy less stuff but to support brands and people I like. I promise, if you invite me back, I'll only wear first-hand clothes!