In Camera: Leica - the beauty of ageing

I love old Leica cameras. They represent quality, robustness and superb engineering. This old M3 (I think), which I photographed at Somerset House last month, doesn't have any need of batteries and will last a lifetime (as long as film is still available). It has obviously aged beautifully with its owner, as this model was last made in 1966. Its lens, like all Leica optics, will still produce crystal sharp images with bright colour.

People, like vintage cameras, cars, watches, jewellery or furniture will age beautifully as long as no attempt is made to make them look younger than they really are. For more see my Pinterest board here.

Leica M3, image Grey Fox

Wear out your chinos naturally - the ethics of artificially ageing your clothing.

My favourite chinos, an ancient pair of Gants, have nearly given up the ghost. I wore a hole through the seat a while ago and was able to patch it from the inside with an iron-on patch. As I was ironing them today, I noticed that a hole is appearing in the knee.

The first thought is to replace them, but I love them and it would be like giving away a favourite pet. Furthermore, many misguided people spend good money to buy brand new clothes with just this level of wear carefully built in (I've discussed such dishonest and objectionable distressing of clothes before, see Patina and Style). So, I'll continue to wear them with pride.

If you're desperate for worn chinos here is some advice from Ask Valet about ageing them artificially. Personally I'd rather wear out my trousers naturally than cheat by getting out the sandpaper.

My favourite shoes - Loake Chester brogues

Nearly ten years ago I badly damaged my right foot in a cycling accident (yes, another one). For a long while I thought I would no longer be able to wear my favourite shoes - brogues. I tried a few pairs of mid-priced brogues, but none were comfortable. Eventually I tried a pair of Loake Chester brogues. What attracted me to them was that they are made here in the UK, unlike many other leading brand (and pricey) brogues which are made elsewhere (India for example). The Loakes have turned out to be supremely comfortable, due partly to the supple leather of the tan calf uppers. They are beginning to acquire that patina of age that the best shoes show after a year or more's wear.

See Loake for more information.

Photo Grey Fox

Photo Grey Fox

Patina and style - clothes, like people, can improve with age

I've grumbled before about the artificial ageing of objects like furniture and clothes and gave distressed jeans as an example. There was a point a few years ago when the more expensive the jeans, the more holes, scuff marks and stains they came with when new. Other sartorial mistakes include, in my view, pre-aged brogues and waxed jackets.

Distressed models and jeans!

Distressed jacket

A "pre-aged" shoe 

I love objects which have a patina of age, it represents a working history in which each blemish has a history and significance. However, buying a new item which has been artificially processed to make it look old and well-used smacks, to me, of dishonesty - of a sham or pretence.

In a throwaway society I can understand why people are under pressure to buy that patina of age, but the real thing is impossible to reproduce - so why not take the sustainable option of wearing your clothes out yourself, you will probably find they improve with age. Try buying an undistressed pair of jeans and wear them to destruction, they'll look great. Alternatively buy vintage clothes, with the patina already naturally and honestly created for you.

It's a shame we don't respect that patina of age in people as well.

Here are some objects showing an honest patina of age.

Vintage Irvin flying jacket

Photo The Sartorialist

The Sartorialist