KEITH T. DENNETT | New South | CONTACT
‘Blue with pink stripes or blue with yellow?’, that’s the question causing turmoil in a Betoota Grove walk-in wardrobe, as a local Dad prepares to get dressed for a night at the theatre.
Sporting camel brown Gazman Chinos and R.M Williams loafers, it’s understood artsy middle class Dad, Russell Macksfield (53), is struggling to choose which shirt to iron before attending the Royal Betoota Theatre Society’s production of, “The Phantom of the Opera”.
Flicking through the clothes rack of several checked shirts, the wine-swilling ABC radio enthusiast and long-time Andrew Lloyd Webber fan is believed to have multiple blue plaid options at his disposal.
“I’m not afraid to admit I’m not like most Dad’s in town, I’d rather watch all 238 minutes of Les Miserables than sit through back to back games of Friday night footy,” said Macksfield.
“Besides taking my wife Julie out to a pre-show dinner package at a nice Italian waterfront restaurant is the spice of our marriage.”
A local staple of every middle-class father’s wardrobe, new research by the Monash University Cultural Studies department suggests every Australian white-collar father above the age of 50 owns a blue plaid shirt, often bought from a Just Jeans or Rivers retailer.
“Our studies suggest it’s the most prized item of clothing in the Male over 50’s demographic,” said Julie Mathews, a Professor of Australian fashion trends.
“It’s smart, inoffensive and just bland enough so that any wife or partner that’s heading to the theatre is able to wear some lavish patterned dress accessorised with lots of bangles, and their tablecloth husband just blends into the background.”
“It’s a smart choice for all parties involved.”
Rushed and falling behind schedule, The Advocate understands Mr Macksfield has decided to run the gauntlet with a smaller gingham check number.
“I think I’ll do the Rodd & Gunn shirt this time round, I think a show like ‘Phantom of the Opera’ calls the top shelf fabrics.”
More to come.
