Friday, April 10, 2009

The Top Ten Best Dressed Famous Men of All Time: Number 7



Photo Credit: FNB Blog

Today's choice is arguably not that famous, but he works for the world renowned company J Press. Furthermore, Mr. David Wilder could possibly be ranked higher, but without other photos for reference, I can't allow it. Regardless, the photo above demonstrates a style that is worthy for this list, and I am truly envious of his tweed suit. David is the epitome of trad/WASP style, and I also love his glasses and leather eye-case for a pocket square. Congrats Mr. Wilder you are number 7 on the WASP 101 all time list.

19 comments:

LPC said...

I have to say, I love your blog but this post? None of my High WASP relatives would be seen in a vest that matched such a, well, excuse my bluntness, but gaudy suit.

Anonymous said...

LPC if anything is guady it is you with this
"HIGH" WASP signature of yours.
Your words alone and manner of conduct
should speak for themselves.
The fact you have to emp- ha - size ,
you're not just a WASP ,but a "HIGH" one.....
If you truly belong to such a class your
insecurity is shining ever so brightly,
making your claim appear ever so phony.

Anonymous said...

LPC, I am a customer of David Wilder's. I know David Wilder. You don't know shit.

Anonymous said...

1. Brits find it nigh impossible to comprehend the phony egalitarianism that pervades American society. They have no problem whatsoever using terms like "High Church" (what they call C of E and we call "Anglican") and "Low Church" (leave it to your imagination). "High WASP" is just what it looks like, the creme de la creme, the real thing.
2. The suit doesn't even qualify as Low WASP and the eyeglass frames, far from conferring a cachet of distinction upon Mr. Wilder, simply make him look absurd, as they are totally unsuited to the size and shape of his face.
3. Having said that, might I add that if Mr. Wilder were to wear a suit that doesn't shout and somewhat larger Anglo-American 406 Barrister Liberty eyeglass frames, he would look High WASP, considering his anatomy and coloring.

Richard said...

Anonymous 1:57 - I appreciate that you know David, and I sincerely ask that you share what he might wear on a daily basis in the winter and summer. Or heck, just on any daily basis. I am honestly intrigued because I love his sense of style in the photo for this post.

Thanks

Doug said...

Richard,

I like rum balls

Anonymous said...

Richard,

Are you David Wilder, by any chance?

The neck and the skin color look awfully familiar.

Anonymous said...

Your personal translation and super
imposistion of the way Great Britian
applies certain terminology to their churches
to your personal identity does not justify
the expression "HIGH WASP" but further
condemns it, Anon 4:04....
Or should I say , LPC?
Nice try at responding anonymously.
Pathetic.

NO - you are not the "real thing" and your ego-
based justification presents all the evidence
necessary to reach that conclusion.

Mr Wilder is confident in who he is and could
outshine you and your phonies at any social
WASP gathering by no other talent than by just
being himself.

Anonymous said...

what is Wilder's position in the J Press company?

Richard said...

Anon. 12:46 - It would be funny if I were Mr. Wilder, but I am not. I laugh because of the hateful comments from so called trads, and the fact that they uphold him as a trad star. Furthermore, think for a second, would Mr. Wilder own as much Ralph Lauren items as I do?

Anonymous said...

In spite of his wild taste with regard to some items of clothing, Sir Richard has never worn anything as wild as this outfit. Therefore, it's clear to me that wild though he may be, Wilder he is not.

Richard said...

Can somebody please tell me what Mr. Wilder wears on a daily basis. Just one outfit, please!

Bowen said...

LPC must be a joke. The pseudo-refined "conversations" displayed in the comments section of her blog screams of a delusional old woman who wishes she speaking with a real person at the Union League, Bath and Tennis Club, or anywhere other than her assisted-living community. Poor girl. "High WASP" my ass.

The Ancient said...

I'm afraid I agree with LPC. (And the rest of you: Do you think you'd ever see a suit like this at the Union Club or Piping Rock? Guess again.)

While I don't have any problem with the way Mr Wilder chooses to dress, I find it disturbingly reminiscent of Alan Flusser, who is less a suit maker than a costume maker. (The fact that Mr Wilder looks disturbingly like Joseph P. Kennedy only makes matters worse.)

paul said...

This looks like a fun series, Richard. I'll enjoy seeing what you come up with.

LPC said...

Anon, it would be funny if I were Anon, but I am not. I haven't looked at this thread since I posted.

Anonymous said...

Regarding Mr. Wilder's daily dress: while I don't see him every day or week, I usually do see him once every month or two.

He is always dressed beautifully with style, grace, and, though not quite as "splendidly" as in the posting picture, always with a nod to the glory days of the "Ivy Look."

Usually, his look consists of a beautiful tweed sportcoat of a subdued pattern (or dark suit), an oxford cloth shirt (often candy-striped), coordinating bow or four-in-hand tie, and oxford shoes. I've often seen him accessorised with collar pins.

As described, his manner of dress doesn't seem remarkable and, in some ways, it's not and that is the point of Ivy dressing. But, upon closer inspection, you'll see that the cut and fabric of each item is of a kind you simply can't find anymore and is known only to the congnescenti.

What launches David Wilder into the stratosphere of WASP dressing, however, is the STYLE with which he puts it all together.

Richard, you are not a member of that group so, if you are thinking of emulating Mr. Wilder's style of dress (which your rather panting requests for information seem to indicate), give it up. Stick to the offerings at the mall and leave the echt-WASP dressing to the big boys.

poloist12 said...

“1. Brits find it nigh impossible to comprehend the phony egalitarianism that pervades American society. They have no problem whatsoever using terms like "High Church" (what they call C of E and we call "Anglican") and "Low Church" (leave it to your imagination). "High WASP" is just what it looks like, the creme de la creme, the real thing. “

Boy where have I been living? I thought that I had been living in America all this time. The people I know call it “Anglican Church” or in most cases “Protestant Church” I have never heard anyone call it “Church of England” What American’s have you been speaking to?

LPC: High what? You mean to tell me that there are levels of this stuff? I’ve never heard of such a thing. I guess I’m a “High Cowboy” since I’m not all hat and no cattle. Is that how it works? I’m sorry but I’m sitting in my chair right now laughing my A$$ off at this one.

“3. Having said that, might I add that if Mr. Wilder were to wear a suit that doesn't shout and somewhat larger Anglo-American 406 Barrister Liberty eyeglass frames, he would look High WASP, considering his anatomy and coloring.” So to be “High WASP” you have to be pasty white? Wait, don’t tell the folks in Palm Beach, they may flip out and move! And what the hell does anatomy have to do with it? So if a WASP lost a leg, is he no longer a WASP? LOL!

“I like rum balls” Doug, I do too. Man they are great!

“what is Wilder's position in the J Press company?” My question isn’t what is his position, but who the hell is he? I thought this was about famous people. Or did I miss something here?

“Can somebody please tell me what Mr. Wilder wears on a daily basis. Just one outfit, please!” Richard, you are kidding right? Why is this so important?


“Richard, you are not a member of that group so, if you are thinking of emulating Mr. Wilder's style of dress (which your rather panting requests for information seem to indicate), give it up. Stick to the offerings at the mall and leave the echt-WASP dressing to the big boys.’ Well you asked for it! The guy gave you what you wanted, and then slapped you in the face with it. Damn the luck.

Now my take on it all. I have no clue as to whom this Mr. Wilder is; he seems a nice enough fellow, but I personally wouldn’t be caught dead in the suit that you have posted here. If I were he, I would kindly ask you to remove my photo from the blog, as it would be an embarrassment to myself. However, with that said, if they guy likes it who am I to say that he can or can not wear.

If we are talking about non-famous people, I can give you a whole list of people who dress better then Mr. Wilder. Also, if we are speaking of “Sales Reps” at a clothing store, I can give you those too.

The People's Business said...

Hmmm...didn't know Press sold three piece suits...can it be that he's "stepping out"?