Dress codes and changing trends

[Nathan]

I finally got an old catalogue, Fraser Ross, which illustrates and describes the Dress Argyll. Note the white tie

Whenever I see these old photos and magazine illustrations of the Argyll as white tie evening wear, I have to point out that they aren't a depiction of a modern Argyll. The peaked or shawl silk-faced lapels elevate those Argylls significantly. Sure it shares many characteristics of the modern BBSBA but those differences are not to be overlooked. I would suggest that if you had an Argyll made in velvet or with satin or silk lapels today it would still qualify for the most formal of occasions but the standard issue can't be pushed much further than less formal black tie IMHO.