For many of us the last year has been a time to reflect on the order of both our lives and the lives of others. By others I’m thinking of every other being we share the planet with. Through his incredible films Sir David Attenborough has done more than anyone to bring us awareness of our cohabitants and what they get up to, when not fighting for survival as we pilfer their land. Without resorting to condescending anthropomorphism, the breathtaking cinematography and narration allows us to focus on the lives of so many different species and in so doing provide a perspective with which to view our own existence.

The shear beauty of Earth’s flora and fauna is breathtaking and as the films flit around the globe we can observe patterns that transcend taxonomy and bring us closer to nature. One of the most joyous examples to watch is that of males attracting a mate. Throughout the animal kingdom males are often the most decorative of the species. From Gubby fish to Mandarin ducks it’s the males who make all the effort to look good, whilst the more dowdy females do the choosing.

We human males have varying attitudes towards the strutting peacocks and their famous displays. In the West the pressures of society have influenced how demonstrative men are in their dress and how overt we are in courtship rituals or agonistic behaviour.

It’s interesting to think that the need for men to demonstrate their viability as a mate through plumage correlates to some degree with the emancipation of women. Throughout history dowries have been an important part of the marriage equation and rich young women bestowed with a large dowry were at leisure to choose the most eligible mate. This has proved a rich seam of entertainment for period dramas, as men strut around ball scenes whilst a row of demure young ladies compare notes behind their fans. 

Once clothing is seen as part of a competitive display then there is no stopping the red blooded male, just look at the fashion of the cod pieces or neck ruffs, the parallels to the stars of Life on Earth are easy to spot.

As society flattened in terms of wealth distribution and gentleman no longer supported by an income from an estate had to start working, the colourful dimorphism of our species started to change. Men had to be seen as serious, sober, bread winners and woman without family money, and yet to be allowed to work for a living, had no other choice but to dress as alluringly as possible in order to attract a wealthy mate. Meanwhile the serious working man had to demonstrate his virility and fortune not so much through flamboyant clothing which would cost him his city job but through the much less creative means of purchasing wealth virility symbols such as expensive watches and fast cars.

We are now on the cusp of an new era and so much is changing. Colour is in the air, any anxiety men may have felt about reverting to our inherent desire to impress though colourful attire is relaxing. However, there is a far more important aspect that needs urgent addressing by men; what’s our role in a world now that rightly there are so many highly paid women at the top. I have seen very little in the press about how men need to adapt to this new world order.

Personally I’m lucky, my strident journalist mother was leading the charge for female equality in the work place and I was brought up with an unbiased attitude. But now that women are empowered to choose, mother nature will need to guide us men. If that requires us to follow the examples of fellow males on the planet and put on an decorative display for survival then it’s important for you to know that Dashing Tweeds is always here to help.

We are excited to be opening our doors again on the 12th April! If in the meantime you want something to brighten up your attire, then our hats and scarves are great accessories to add a pop of colour to your outfit, and using the code SPRING21 you will receive 25% off, offer available until the 11th April.

If you want to dress head to toe in Dashing, then do get in contact to arrange a made to measure video consultation and we can talk you through all the options and styles available, drop us an email at Guy@DashingTweeds.co.uk.

Stay safe everyone, and we look forward to seeing you all soon.