Dark Force, shot by Ben Weller for Vogue Hommes Japan.

The cape. Once upon a time, it was a staple of the formal Gawth wardrobe. We thought they were dramatic, sophisticated, and European. And then one day we woke up and realized the we looked like dime-store Halloween decorations or extras from a community theatre production of A Christmas Carol, and we put the capes down and backed slowly away. Except maybe for that really nice vintage one stuffed in a box somewhere in the basement.

But maybe we were at least a little bit right about capes. They are dramatic, sophisticated, and European. Or at least they can be, done right. Which is to say, not in black velvet with a satin lining. And most assuredly not with a tophat and cane.

Tags: cape, Vogue Hommes Japan

This entry was posted on Monday, September 12th, 2011 at 7:05 PM and is filed under For the Gents. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.

1. pensive Says:
   September 13th, 2011 at 3:21 PM

   Apparently I will be revisiting the men’s department. I would love these over some eggplant leggings. Seriously- this stuff would never get my attention without you. Thanks.

2. style odyssey Says:
   September 14th, 2011 at 12:17 PM

   i love capes- black, dramatic long ones. hooded ones are the best.

3. Phoenix Says:
   September 16th, 2011 at 2:18 AM

   Capes rule.

4. Oeuvres au noir Says:
   September 24th, 2011 at 6:57 PM

   Not that easy to wear…but absolutely interesting. Will try!

5. Clint Catalyst Says:
   October 2nd, 2011 at 7:54 PM

   ♥ † ♥

   [ especially with the 'copy' accompanying it ]*

   * “ and then we backed away . . . ”

   L O V E .

6. christian Says:
   October 19th, 2011 at 11:45 AM

   oh my god! I really love the first cape, it instantly gives you so much more allure.
   Like the article!

7. ffiend Says:
   January 7th, 2012 at 3:00 PM

   i wish i could wear a cape but being short i think i would look like orko or something