Cygnus Wears Black Tie!

[Cygnus]

I posted this picture in the "Best of your best" picture thread, but as the OP requested that there be no comments, I thought I'd post it here as well:



The jacket and waistcoat are from MacKenzie Frain, and they were a real pleasure to work with - the custom request that the buttons be "to close" rather than up either side like a tailcoat was no problem to them. I did, however, second-guess my measurements and ordered the sleeves a bit too long. Thankfully, the local tailor was able and willing to remove the sleeves and shorten them at the shoulders so as not to interfere with the cuff.

The shirt was an internet purchase from ages ago but has a Marcella bib, collar, and cuffs. The shirt studs and cufflinks, from my school days playing in bands and orchestras, are nickel and enamel.

The bow tie, also from my school days, is silk and self-tie.

The kilt is MacQueen Modern tartan, 16oz, 8 yard from the now-defunct Tartan Store.

The sporran and kilt pin are from Ian Grant, and I recommend the business highly - both the sporran and kilt pin are top quality.

The hose are machine knit hose from J Higgins, and I have to say that, for what they are, I am quite impressed. They don't fit like they were made for me, but they do the trick at 1/8 the time and 1/2 the cost of custom-knit hose (though I do intend to spring for custom-knit hose soon).

Garters are from the Scottish Tartans Museum.

The ghillie brogues are also from J Higgins and are a bit on the cheap side, but I wasn't sure if I could get the vintage court buckles to attach or if I would even like wearing them, so they're a bit of an experiment. I don't recall where the boot laces came from, but the tassels are homemade from pre-dyed leather.

Let me know what you think!