“But also wearing a cardigan, like cardigans themselves, is one way of demonstrating that you should never be underestimated. You’re always prepared for anything in a cardigan.”
It’s ridiculous, attributing these improbable qualities to the humble garment — but for him, I knew it would be long-awaited vindication.
It’s sad how he erupted in front of me: “Look at this, General — Vogue... the leading-edge of fashion commentary, elevating the cardigan to where it deserves to be!”
He has been a closet cardigan-lover since he was three.
The truth is, he never got over his first one, a pale blue number knitted by his grandma.
There’s no doubt he went to ground, though, when he realised the only people wearing cardigans were those behind the counter at the post office and the railway station. And that was 40 years ago.
“The Clerk of Courts often had one too,” he offered lamely. “And the dog-catcher too, before he had to wear one of those hi-vis vests.”
So The Boss has had to hide his cardigan fetish from everybody except me. His favourite is a navy blue cashmere number he picked up in Paris a very long time ago, but it got hammered by the moths during COVID when he wasn’t wearing it.
He could have passed it on to me to add a little comfort in my kennel, but he found an invisible mender down in High St, Armadale who restored it to his satisfaction... although it still looks a little tattered to me.
He has several others but I’m sure this is the one he likes because he won’t let me anywhere near it.
Vogue is saying the humble cardi emerged as an item in 2019 when the actress Katie Holmes was pictured hailing a taxi in New York wearing a cashmere bra and cardigan.
“Nobody has ever looked more chic and unbothered. Holmes’ services to cardigans will always be remembered,” Vogue said.
I have to tell you that The Boss hardly looks chic in his old moth-eaten cardi. Although he is without doubt unbothered.
He gleams as he revels in Vogue’s assessment, reading out its gushing endorsement of his unlikely high-fashion accoutrement: “Wearing one always gives the impression that you’re one more button away from letting your hair down. There is, for sure, an alluring kinky charm to cardigans.”
He can’t be serious. Woof!
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