Gentlemen,
Unsurprisingly, the tireless Marc Guyot once again delivers a slightly unconventional creation by its lines and construction. This time, it's an extremely sophisticated hunting jacket, in typical MG fashion.
Enter the Norfolk hunting jacket. As explained on blog Green sleeves to a ground, this type of jacket is originally attributed to the duke of Norfolk (15th by the name). It was specifically tailored for his hunting and fishing outings in the 1860s. An accomplished athlete, Henry Fitzalan-Howard (his real name) needed a warm jacket that would let him turn around and shoot a duck in less than seven seconds without his movements being hindered.
To comply with UK imperatives, it is cut either in tweed or thick wool. Two front pleats and a belt or half belt (to cinch the jacket in the back) are its main features. For a long time, it is worn with knickerbockers or breeches (short trousers reaching just below the knee) and high wool socks. Some schools of the region even make it their uniform. No longer limited to the Edwardian era of the early 20th Century, the Norfolk jacket whose lines forbade men’s suits of the 50s, makes a comeback at the same period. It becomes common to see it worn with regular pants.
Brief deciphering: Side bellow pockets, half belt and back inverted pleat. Available in many fabrics (custom order). Illustrated: Chilean linen 800g/m.
A beautiful piece indeed, with lots of character, that captures perfectly the Guyot spirit.
Cheers, HUGO
