The Linen Shirt

We're getting close to the time of year when you can start to wear linen - unless you're Luciano Barbera who at times prefers to wear a linen shirt in winter "to remind him that summer will be here soon . . ."  Linen shirts are a particular favorite of mine. Though I don't agree with Mr. Barbera on wearing them in winter (unless I'm at the beach).  More so due to the function of it than than the fashion. Linen shirts breathe very well which make them an ideal choice for summer - but terribly cold in the winter. Linen's biggest knock? Wrinkles.  Oh the dreaded wrinkle.  Damn imperfection! Yes linen does wrinkle.  As Mr. Faubion likes to mention, "linen is guaranteed to wrinkle.  Bring it back if it doesn't."  But you should not let this bother you, rather embrace it.  Nothing feels better against the skin than a freshly pressed linen shirt (linen should be pressed as it can feel scratchy if not ironed). The eventual wrinkles of linen (like one's face) is part of life, giving you a certain disheveled elegance.  Instead of imagining yourself as the Dude who has that "just rolled out of bed" look, think of yourself as Mr. Hemingway on a big game hunt in Tanzania relaxing at camp after a day's hunt enjoying a gin and tonic.  (I'm a big fan of the Dude so that wasn't meant to be pejorative).

For those who are more fastidious and dislike wrinkles, a cotton-linen blend could be a suitable alternative.  A cotton-linen shirt still breathes better than most cottons but will wrinkle less that a 100% linen.  Cotton-linen make great shirts and pants (our own private label and the Incotex famed "chino-lino" are two examples).  Linen shirts can certainly be worn with a tie (the collar permitting).  The tie should complement the shirt. A linen tie or linen-blend tie works great as does a silk grenadine.  I wouldn't recommend a very dressy tie.  Thus, linen shirts can take you from work to the weekend.  They're great for a beach shirt, or to wear to a barbeque.  I'm writing primarily to men in this post, but the same rules could be said for women.  Our linen shirts for women from Massimo Alba, Etro and 0039 are very easy to wear.  They can be worn under jacket for a summer luncheon or with cargos or a cropped jean for a more casual look. Bottom line advice when wearing linen shirts: Roll up the sleeves, embrace the wrinkles, and enjoy! 

Hemingway writing in his journal. 

Luciano Barbera and Lawrence Covell linen shirts.

Lawrence Covell lavender check linen shirt.

Happy 44th!

Last week was our 44th anniversary! That's right on April 27, 1967 - 44 years ago last Wednesday - Lawry (a recent graduate from the University of Colorado) and Cathy (a freshman at CU) opened up Phantasmagoria at 13th and College on The Hill in Boulder. Technically, Lawry opened the store but without the aid of Cathy, his naïve and loving girlfriend who got roped into working for free, we wouldn't be here today. Initially a store that sold 1960s-inspired paraphernalia (think bongs, lava lamps, etc.), Phantasmagoria soon found its true calling - making leather goods: belts, sandals, watchbands, purses, vests and the like entirely by hand. It was the 60s, and leather was the thing man. In the early 1970s we changed our name to Lawrence Covell and made the jump into European clothing - tight fitting fashions that weren't common in Colorado. In the late 70s, early 1980s we carried new designers like Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace and Krizia. Get this: when Armani first came out we had to take in his oversized, relaxed suits for many customers who weren't accustomed to that drapey look. In the 1990s came eclectic women's designers like Dries Van Noten, Yohji Yamamoto and for men's we made the move from Armani to more classic luxury brands like Ermenegildo Zegna, Kiton and Luciano Barbera. Today, we have a great mix of classic and fashion - with lines like Rag and Bone, Paul Smith, John Malkovich, The Row, Thakoon and Massimo Alba. And coming this fall to women's - L'Wren Scott (fashion designer and girlfriend of Mick Jagger- I'm a Stones fan so that's an added bonus) and Chris Benz. To top it off, we've come full circle with our signature Phantasmagoria belts which Lawry has started making again, by hand, here at the store. Like an old bluesman, he can't give it up.

It's been a great ride to use 60's lingo. It's been hard work but we have enjoyed every minute of it. We wouldn't be here without the help of our dedicated team and especially without you, our loyal and fantastic customer. Many of you have become good friends over the years - and for those of you that are new to us - we hope you like the intimate, friendly atmosphere and eclectic mix of clothing and will continue to support us for years to come. Thank you to all of you who for your nice words regarding our 44th.  It's very appreciated!

Is that Lawry on his Hog?

Phantasmagoria belts circa 2011.