Sporting Blazers - Ralph Lauren and The Go-Between

The Edwardian blazer is very much in evidence in Joseph Losey's 1970 film The Go-Between

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Director Joseph Losey's film adaptation of the novel The Go-Between by L. P. Hartley - no relation to J. R. Hartley - was based on a screenplay by Harold Pinter. It deals with themes of class and loss of innocence through the childhood reminiscences of a man named Leo. The film has lovely incidental music by Michel Legrand, but I've never been entirely convinced it quite fits with the theme.

Much of the film takes place during one languid, hot Summer in Norfolk when the boy Leo stays with an upper-class family. Leo acts as go-between for star-crossed lovers from both ends of the class spectrum, played by a rustic Alan Bates and an elegant Julie Christie. For much of the film we get to see the Edwardians dressed for play. Lots of straw boaters, amongst other interesting hats, and wonderful sporting blazers in pastel colours with contrasting edging. The Edwardian sporting drag is worth a viewing alone.

Ralph Lauren Continues the Tradition

Mainstream interest in Edwardian-style blazers ebbs and flows, but full marks for the formal and elegant uniforms of Wimbledon staff by Ralph Lauren. I found the tennis a bit dull this year, but the uniforms kept me interested. Since 2006, Ralph Lauren have been supplying them and they speak of gentility, sporting tradition, cool reserve and maintained standards. Wimbledon is just about the most well-coordinated sporting event in the UK calendar, the uniforms speak of that too. Top marks. I think it's great that such high standards can be maintained, and good to see ties retained in an open-necked landscape. By comparison, the staff looked pretty scruffy in their Lacoste in the French Open. Ralph Lauren will be in charge of the Wimbledon uniforms till 2015. Game, set and match Ralph Lauren.

David Bowie Being Anthony Newley in a Blazer

David Bowie looked well in his blue blazer in the strange film Love You Till Tuesday, which came out around the same time as The Go-Between. Below is a clip from the film, showing Bowie's Anthony Newley influence, but the whole film is worth watching, particularly for Bowie's mime piece Mask.