Blaze of Glory

Rowers in striped jackets set rivers “ablaze” in Edwardian times – and that’s how the word “blazer” was coined.  See photos and exhibits celebrating the history of the sports blazer at Henley’s River and Rowing Museum – on display until June 2014. Perry Club continues this great tradition - making beautifully crafted blazers that today’s rowers are just as proud to wear.  For details of the exhibition visit http://rrm.co.uk/events/blaze-of-glory

Fast Cars and Striped Blazers, a Revival to Remember

This month saw Goodwood The Revival 2013, a unique chance to revel in the glamour and allure of motor racing in the romantic time capsule of the world’s most authentic motor circuit. There was an array of vintage fashion and British heritage brands were a popular choice.

Aston Martin celebrated its 100 year centenary and exhibited few classic road cars in their very own hospitality suite.

 The Goodwood Revival is truly impressive in the number of enthusiasts flocking to each machine, ready to talk history, fashion, and dancing around the motor cars of the true greats.

 'The wealth of enthusiasm and knowledge at this event is infectious, and apart from being a much anticipated event for vintage car collectors and hobbyists, for those not already on the inside it is a great stepping stone into the exciting world of historic motorsport - and so much else besides.' 

(Laurain Ash Daily Telegraph 16.09.13)

A Brief History of 'The Blazer'

The term ‘blazer’ originated with the red 'blazers' of the Lady Margaret Boat Club which was established in 1825, this was the rowing club of St John's College , Cambridge. The Lady Margaret club jackets were termed ‘blazers’ because of the bright red cloth, a term derived from the original red coat.

A writer to the London Daily News (22 August 1889) commented that "In your article of to-day” you speak of ‘a striped red and black blazer’, ‘the blazer’, also of ‘the pale toned’ ones. A blazer is the red flannel boating jacket worn by the Lady Margaret of St. John's College Cambridge Boat Club. When I was at Cambridge it meant that and nothing else. It seems from your article that a blazer now means a coloured flannel jacket, whether for cricket, tennis, boating, or seaside wear."  The blazer is in fact now a signature sporting choice for a wide variety of sports teams and clubs worldwide. 
The rowing blazer for example, morphing from the livery of royal watermen and the uniforms belonging to crews of ceremonial barges, to become the celebrated garments of competitive sportsman.

 
Blazers, once commonly worn playing or attending traditional 'gentlemen's sports', persist in games now, such as tennis, cricket, rugby and polo. The blazers are likely worn at sporting events, tours, post- match, and special occasions. When in professional matches, such as Cricket international test matches, it is considered customary for the captain to wear a blazer with the team's logo or national coat of arms on the breast pocket, at least during the coin toss at the beginning of play.