Handkerchief, polyester satin, Chris Ruocco Tailors, London, Great Britain, 1994

Polyester satin handkerchief, with a paisley pattern.

Registered File number 1994/2223, Streestyle exhibition 1994-1995, in the exhibition it was part of an outfit called 'Hipster USA Late 1940s/early 1950s (1994 replica)' (includes the shoes and shoe tree T.335 to C-1984, the suit: jacket T.958-1994 and trousers T.959-1994, the shirt T.960-1994 and the handkerchief T.964-1994).

'USA late 1940s/early 1950s (1994 replica). Blue double-breasted wool suit, satin cravat, cotton shirt, satin pocket handkerchief, Chris Ruocco tailors; leather shoes, Rupert; braces.
This outfit recreates the style of Bebop/Cool Cat jazz musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, which was picked up by their white as well as black fans. It was a distinctive look combining the fashionable, roomy, double-breasted suit with distinctive accessories. Compiled by Chris Sullivan.'

Chris Ruocco Tailors, 17 Fortess Road London NW5 1AD. They specialise in business and dress suits, offer a bespoke service and stock a range of related accessories such as waistcoats and bow ties.

This satin pocket handkerchief formed part of a ‘hipster’ outfit recreated for the exhibition Streetstyle, From Sidewalk to Catwalk, 1940 to Tomorrow held at the V&A in 1994-5. The complete outfit consisted of a blue double-breasted wool suit, a satin cravat, a cotton shirt and the handkerchief (all by Chris Ruocco Tailors); leather shoes by Rupert and braces. It reflected a style of dress worn in late 1940s/early 1950s America.

The outfit recreated the style of Bebop/Cool Cat Jazz musicians, such as Dizzy Gillespie and Thelonious Monk, which was picked up by their white as well as black fans. It was a distinctive look combining the fashionable, roomy, double-breasted suit with distinctive accessories.

T.964-1994