Mr Suave (Bygone words) by Lewis Cooper

We were talking about fashion when I grew up. Blokes had Brylcreemed quiffs, jackets with huge shoulder pads, and often bright coloured clothes. In the late 50s onwards, all this was a reaction to the bleak war years. Teddy boys, mods, medallion men, girls in mini-skirts with beehive hairdos. Most of this passed me by, I was in the marines through the late 50s and 60s, so a short back and sides was my hair ‘style’. But I did get a cravat and instantly became SAUVE. It was supposed to mean sophisticated, stylish and debonair. All this from a cravat bought in Woolworths. It might have worked if you were driving a sports car, but wearing a cravat while riding a bike down The Old Kent Road had less impact. Apparently the word ‘sauve’ is little used nowadays, and when it is it’s mostly derogatory... sauve equals cheesy. Cheesy Lew.

Cor blimey what a quiff! I love the thought of your cravat coming from Woolworths Lew. Those were the days. 😂

A great image, Lewis, and an equally great write-up. Would you consider a drawing of the cyclist, with cravat, riding down the road?

Great character and commentary Lew

No doubt he wore winkle-pickers too. I now have an image of Lew riding down the Old Kent Road in cravat and winkle-pickers....on his way to join a skiffle group with a washboard strapped to the back of the bike. Your picture brings it all back.

Yes I had winkle pickers…ONCE. They were useless for running for a bus. They ended up with curled up toes, like Persian slippers.

A great wave of nostalgia came over me reading this. A great illustration of those days Lewis. I remember those ridiculous beehive hair do’s - we really thought we were the Bess A wave of nostalgia came over me reading this Lewis. A superb illustration of days gone by. Many a bunion survived those days from the shoes we wore.

Fabulous Lewis and there have been some great hair styles throughout history. Cheesy Lew made me laugh.

Great picture and great memories, brilliant.

Excellent character Lew , skilfully done , wonder how many jars of Brylcreem I went through , well only on the top of my head , outside the beret belong to the RSM , shorn short . Brylcreem, Braso and Brut , didn’t wear the Brasso surprising what went into your kit bag hard days but great fun , well looking back it was .

Wonderfully drawn as always with your usual acute observations - the side burns, the pocket handkerchief, the slight paunch and glimpse of flesh, the belt and of course that leering eye - Fantastic Lewis

Great sketch, very nostalgic.

Bet it took him ages to form that quiff with brylcream! I missed out too as a student nurse in 60’s no winkle pickers for me I had to wear lace ups, hair screwed up in a cap so no beehive do. At least I have no bunions and corns now 😉

Like weasel and stout, Coat. Whistle and flute, Suit. Daisy roots, Boots. As you will know Lewis all Cockney.

Brilliant as always !!

I never saw one with a cravate…..but many a DA, yes. I came a bit after but do have the bunions from the 6” heels.

I’m glad you only got as far as a cravat Lewis, I think the full rig out would smack of creepiness and I would give him a wide berth. Great character though, especially that Punch like nose.

Awesome work Lewis 👏

Those were the days Lewis!

What a character - good work as ever, Lewis!

Fabulous work

Love it Lew another cracker and a great read.

Thanks to all for your great response to this nostalgic nonsense.

What a smoothie you are!