No Poetic License For Fashion – Just the Same Ol’ Same Ol’

Posted by Guest on October 1, 2009

Billy Collins is the biggest celebrity today in the world of poetry. He commands huge speaking fees, and entertains his audience with funny and sarcastic poems that keep them applauding and wanting more. But what does he wear? And does this make him a “real poet” in the eyes of his listeners? That brings me to the next question…. Is there traditional garb for poets?

My impression – whether born out of the Beat poets of the 1950’s or just my imagination – is that sunglasses are the highest focused accessory. Poetry = esoteric symbolism. Sunglasses = hidden mystery. Get it? Poets are the eyes of the world, sunglasses play up the eyes. Such a strong statement is even starker when juxtaposed against a background of wrinkled shirts and faded blue jeans, so typical of today’s poet’s wardrobe. Are poets so driven by their eyes that a steam iron doesn’t suit their vocabulary, or their clothes closet?

But the 1950’s were a long time ago. Are today’s poets still living in the past? Is it time to upgrade, refresh a wardrobe? Or, would you not recognize a modern bard when you see one? Should we even be making a fuss about their time-honored “look” instead of gulping down their words in sheer ecstacy? Besides, how many poets are there anyway? I was surprised to learn that in June 2009 over 11 million people Googled “poems.” I have the feeling that many of those 11 million are poets themselves. And I’d really like to know what they are wearing.

I saw an early photo of Billy Collins online where his tieless, open-collared shirt and crumply-looking sports jacket spoke volumes about leisure. Another more recent snapshot captures him in a blue shirt with rolled-up sleeves, and blue jeans. He’s still in leisure mode. Is he the universal poet with the typical non-sparkly wardrobe?

I recently found two fashion websites that I want to pass on to you. Both are competitors for the Nuffnang awards for best blogs. Both show awesome clothes for what I envision as the garb of the “new poet.” http://ohsofickle.com.sg sells their designs, and http://monoxious.com has some great pics of Phi’s Spring/Summer 2010 collection in white, black and khaki, as well as some graffiti designs.

If you could design a new look for poets, what would you suggest? Over-the-knee boots, lots of red, nose rings?

Poet’s Tongue is the brainchild of poet Alice Shapiro who offers a Poetry Karaoke™ program for beginners. If you want to take creative entertainment to the next level, visit http://aliceshapiro.com/poets-tongue