The stories behind 'Little Black Jacket'

TUXEDO PARK — After the Tuxedo Historical Society's 2011 celebration of 150 years of "The Little Black Jacket," its members thought they had learned all there was to know about the garment.

Not so.
Peter Marshall of Toronto will share his extensive research on the subject in a multimedia program, revealing some interesting surprises that question some long-standing our assumptions.

Marshall created www.blacktieguide.com in 2006 after purchasing his first tuxedo and discovering the void of advice that existed regarding traditional black tie attire for gentlemen.

The comprehensive site took five years to complete and involved extensive original research spanning libraries from Vancouver to New York.

Over the years the guide's audience has grown to over 90,000 visitors per month, making it the world's preeminent primer on men's formal wear.

He supplements the site with a blog and also lectures, writes articles and consults with journalists and the formalwear industry.

Marshall will take the audience through the evolution of the dinner jacket with special attention to the garment's association with Tuxedo Park.

Essential information
The program will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Tuxedo Park School, Mountain Farm Road, Tuxedo Park.

The event is open to the public; admission by donation. Registration is required. For more information, email tuxedoab14@gmail.com or call 845-351-2926.