The Day of the Peacock: Style for Men 1963-1973

by Geoffrey Aquilina Ross

The 1960s, especially in England, witnessed a spectacular renaissance of dandyism--a movement in men's style that the media called the "Peacock Revolution." This entertaining book takes a fascinating look at the "Swinging Sixties" London scene--all illustrated with photographs, outfits, and ephemera drawn from the V&A's superb archives. This is a personal memoir of a moment--in which fashion insider Geoffrey Aquilina Ross recalls the era's most dashing figures, including Savile Row tailor Tommy Nutter, whose clients included Mick Jagger, the Beatles, and Elton John; photographers Patrick Lichfield and David Bailey; and hairdresser Vidal Sassoon; and discusses iconic London shops such as Granny Takes a Trip, Blades, Hung on You, and Mr Fish. Christopher Breward's introduction places the extraordinary revolution within its social and cultural context.

Praise for Day of the


"The Day of the Peacock . . . tells the stories of a joyous fashion rebellion that opened the door to androgynous modes of dress that have helped shape modern style. A welcome read in this hyper-masculine, heritage brand-heavy moment in men's fashion."
-LATimes.com

144 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Deirdre Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A superb book, elegantly written and inclusive of so many of the behind-the-scenes players who shaped men's style in the 1960s. The author, Geoffery Aquilina Ross, is a former fashion columnist who knew many of the individuals who ran many of London's seminal boutiques at a time when giants like the Beatles and the Rolling Stones walked its fashionable streets. Ross brings back into focus unique personalities like Michael Rainey, Rupert Lycett Green, Charles Hornby, Michael Fish and Tom Glibey among others who created a male fashion ideal in Swinging London which encouraged preening, but not at the expense of good taste. The I-was-there prose is supplemented by dashing imagery of men beautifully turned out in their modern suits, silk shirts, ascots and leather coachmen coats. At the end of it what more to say but, man, they don't make men like they used to.