Vest van zwart laken, onderdeel van smoking 1929

This black woolen vest, part of a tuxedo made by H. Reit, is deceptively simple. But beneath its surface lies a history of cultural codes and social aspirations. The color black, first and foremost, speaks of somber elegance and formality. Think of the black robes of scholars and judges, and even clergymen, signifying authority, intelligence and sobriety. Yet, contrast this with the carefree attitude of the wearer of a tuxedo at an evening event. Like a mask, the tuxedo permits a temporary departure from everyday constraints, hinting at hidden desires and suppressed emotions. The vest, in this context, is a key that unlocks the door to societal belonging and personal expression. As our gaze falls upon it, we may find that the vest is both an individual article of clothing and a mirror reflecting our own complex relationship with social norms, personal desires, and the silent language of attire.