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| The once exclusive gates of a Breakers mansion, Newport, Rhode Island. Photo by Ritu Jethani. |
One of my favorite little books is by Mayflower descendant, Ivy League graduate, art expert and appraiser, John Hazard Forbes. Titled: Old Money America, Aristocracy in the Age of Obama, it "explores the attitudes and behaviors of long-standing, wealthy (American) families.” Their likes, dislikes, and utter abhorrence’s, are a source of considerable education and sometimes affable humor. Great lessons—especially for those that mistake the flamboyance, ostentation and gaudiness of many of our newly affluent—for those possessing class or what used to be called “good breeding.”
The Exclusive Charity Gala.
In case you're anxious you can't afford that $50,000 seat at the So-'N'-So black-tie benefit this fall ...
“The homely truth behind all the couture and cummerbunds is
that special events are pay-to-play rackets. Inclusion is determined by
dollars, not doyennes. Anyone who makes a fat enough donation automatically
gets invited … Actually, it is harder to get hot movie tickets than places at
so-called exclusive galas; dozens of seats always go begging.”
“Guests arrive with wooden smiles, make bland chit-chat,
pick at mediocre food, and doze through the presentations, always discreetly
checking their watches. Some ladies still get a kick from these gigs while most
men would rather be in hell hacking off their toes with a chisel.”
The Old Money Home.
Considering a tear-down of your charming 1930s colonial, with its museum quality knick-knacks, to build a modern behemoth? Think again ...
“Like their wardrobes, Old Money homes are never trendy.” “Super-snob Henry James raked the palace builders over in 1908. He deemed their mansions 'white elephants' and 'really grotesque,' while their averted owners, roused from a witless dream, wonder what in the world is to be done with them. Unable to bear the snubs, new money moguls capitulated. They left their curlicue mansions for staid houses of English and American colonial designs. These have remained the favored styles for over a century.”
“From the sidewalk, Old Money houses send mixed messages. They are kept up, although not manicured, and minor imperfections are evident.” "The ultra-rich still have help, although few servants live in anymore. We who are merely well-off get by with a cleaning woman. The single truest aristocrat I know carpools her girls, washes dishes, and is familiar with the business end of a vacuum cleaner. Like everybody with useless servants’ rooms, she wishes they’d be magically sawed off and pushed into the ocean."
Fashion and Old Money.
Upset you aren't on the invite list for any shows during New York, Paris or Milan Fashion Week? Dry your eyes and revel in your old cashmere sweaters and boat shoes. Who wears haute couture anymore? You look more chic without a rare feathered skirt and bedazzled open-toe boots, trust me.
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Photo © Moniaszymanska - Vogue Japan editor-at-large, Anna Della Russo. Street Style During Milan Fashion Week for Spring/Summer 2015. |
“Distrusting new styles, established wealth overcompensates with dull and tatty garments. Among the bon ton a whiff of shabby is the perfume of aristocracy. Wearing no socks implies that a man has just come from boating; frayed collars connote a casual disregard for middle-class standards. Do not be fooled: appearing down at the heels is a studied affectation. Prince Philip, for one, is a master.” “Long ago only the ruling class had noticeably good clothing, and rank was determined by a glance … As new money adopted fancier attire, Old Money abandoned brocade gowns and golden watch chains. To be anti-chic became chic, a perfect Old Money conundrum. They chose to hide in plain view with wardrobes that were classically styled yet unobtrusive.”
The New Despair of Old Money.
Sadly, undue celebrity worship and entertainment television have eclipsed the prestige of the once revered ...
“Old Money is no longer the preeminent anything anymore. Class in America is determined solely by income. Education, culture, and historical perspective mean little now. This income-only standard puts Lindsay Lohan in the aristocracy and ranks not-rich Lees and Roosevelts as equal to bums. No longer do once-renowned names elicit popular interest. That so few Americans care anymore is the real stake through the heart of Old Money. Our country has moved on and tossed away the greatest jewel from the Old Money crown: prestige.”
Learn more: www.oldmoneyamerica.com
