Quote:
Originally Posted by
dieworkwear 
I generally like the over-thinking we do here on StyleForum, esp on CM, but sometimes - the hyper rational, overly analytic mindset suffocates the spirit of aesthetics. I mean, on some level, you either like the cut or you don't. And while that coat isn't something I could pull off - partly because I'm a conservative, quiet introvert who works in academia - that doesn't mean that it's not a beautiful coat. Fine if others don't like it, but breaking it down into whether it's because of asymmetry or lack of function kind of kills the joy of style.
Like hendrix said, there's tons of designs we like that are asymmetrical. Ticket pockets, breast pockets, etc. And tons of things we like that serve no function (other than aesthetics). Ties, hanks, etc. Most people here don't like it because it's not a classic design. Don't know if it's more complicated than that.
I have to disagree (surprise!)
Rationality is the hidden fabric of beautiful things. That's why art that demands respect and admiration can be discussed in such great depth. Good art only becomes more beautiful to the observer under scrutiny, critique, and contemplation. It is arguably bad art otherwise. The same thing goes for books, music, buildings, etc. Now, that's not to say good art can be wholly "figured out." Rational, logical analysis reveals mysteries as well as contradictions. The latter may kill the beauty in a thing, but not so the former. We can all live with a little mystery. In fact, it might be necessary to hold our interest.
The problem with the Taub coats posted here is not that they include new features. It's that those new features are bad. They are bad in terms of classic menswear because the value of such clothing is intrinsically tied to its classic-ness. There is very little good reason to wear a tie or to have lapels and a breast pocket anymore. It is just as there is no particularly good reason we say "hello" to greet people in English--other than that is what we have always done and it is well-understood by others. Hence, reckless expansion of the classic menswear language would only eat away at what makes it a worthwhile venture to begin with. Funny back yokes are reckless because they have neither a functional purpose, any clear aesthetic message, nor any apparent grounding in classic norms. It's like making up a new word without a defined meaning. Just guttural noise.
Now, maybe you aren't concerned with what's good or bad in terms of classic menswear. But then, one should ask, why express a broader artistic vision so meekly? It's like wearing a fun tie. It is a sad effort at rebellion and expressiveness when one does not have the courage or intellect to fully shake off his shackles. Don't just give me an overcoat with a slash through it--give me a new, better overcoat.
If
Eric Glennie had proposed an asymmetrical back yoke, would anyone be on board?
