This post was written by Lindy Shopper.
In the past year I have learned that Simon James Cathcart is making limited runs of highly desirable reproduction clothing items and accessories and that we are all along for the ride. It’s almost been the male-leaning equivalent of a Trashy Diva print launch, with each new item generating a buzz on social media and, within a couple of weeks, I’ll see said item on one of my vintage/classic menswear friends. What’s been going on lately? He’s released a long-sleeved version of his bamboo knit Art Deco polo, vintage-inspired “gang” jackets (are you a Vampire or a Werewolf? aka are you from Brooklyn or Detroit?), and yesterday I noticed a colorful array of two-tone waistcoats in my feed and it was then that I decided it was time for another post on the adventures of Mr. Cathcart.
Given the prevalence of vests/waistcoats in the swing dance world, particularly in competitions for their practicality and aesthetic, I would love to see the ensembles inspired by these particular waistcoats. Most waistcoats I see are of suiting fabric in muted tones, but these waistcoats are alive with color. Maybe not electric color, but certainly more of a range than I have seen in the past. They invite creativity and catch the eye, which makes them a viable candidate for a competition-wear, or maybe you just need an injection of color for a winter dance.
The vests are made of melton wool and are shown on the SJC website with both dressed-up menswear and dressed-down workwear ensembles – available in green/brown, navy/royal, green/rust, navy/mustard, gray/navy, and aubergine/brown combinations.
Lindy Shopper 