ADAM BAER of The New York Times Style Magazine writes: “Saarinen chairs, ‘Mad Men,’ skinny ties: there’s no doubt that the 1960s are on our minds. but if the Los Angele Conservancy has its way, it Sixties Turn 50 campaign will do more than inspire retro design. The program’s nine months of tours, discussions and online activities are designed to celebrate and preserve L.A.’s modern architecture, cementing the notion that the sites are, in fact, historic. In the 1960s the city became the epicenter of innovation, thanks not only to the tract houses built after the Case Study Houses program but also to cerebral works lke the Los Angeles International Airport Theme Building, the Music Center by Welton Becket in Bunker Hill, the now endangered Century Plaza Hotel by Minoru Yamasaki and the space-pod Chemosphere house by John Lautner. ‘We just didn’t document our knowledge about the importance of some of these buildings,’ says the architectural historian Alan Hess. ‘We need history to keep ourselves straight.’Scholarship to the rescue.

Go to laconservancy.org/sixties for more information.

A self-defense method developed by Edward William Barton-Wright in England during the years of 1898-1902, Bartitsu is an eclectic mix of martial arts designed for the discerning gentleman. In 1901 it was immortalised (as “baritsu”) by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes mystery stories.

Bartitsu was the precursor to what we know today as mixed martial arts. Mr. Barton combined elements of boxing, jujitsu, cane fighting, and french kick boxing in order to create a self defense system that could be used by discerning gentlemen on the mean streets of Edwardian London.

Barton based this new style on a varied mix of different fighting styles, the most prominent of which was jujitsu. There were also elements of boxing, the Golden Age fisticuffs style during the 19th and early 20th century, known for its stiff upright stance. La savate was also incorporated, which was a French style of kickboxing developed from street fighting sailors in the port of Marseilles during the 19th century. Barton also pulled la canne (stick fighting) from the shrewd streets of France, due to the prevalence of English men often carrying canes and umbrellas. But most eccentrically, Barton developed another unique aspect to Bartitsu, simply known as “Improvised Fighting” that included some creative and effective self defense techniques that used improvised weapons and surprises. A great example is exemplified in an article Baron wrote in Pearson’s Magazine describing using one’s coat or hat as a means of distraction.

Although we’ve lost many of these accessories in our everyday wardrobe, you can be assured that the Gentlemen at GENTRY are currently working on modern day reimaginings of Bartitsu where we improvise items such as the blackberry and iphone as weapons of mass destruction. Until we perfect these methods of modern day self defense, educate yourself on the basics of Bartitsu, The Martial Art of the Gentlemen.

Or if you are pressed for time, you can watch this video: Bartitsu – The Martial Art of the Gentleman

Contrary to popular belief, chivalry is not dead yet. In the past several years there has been a slow and steady renaissance of the gentleman. Once again, it has been ushered back into the zeitgeist as a time honored tradition where man is expanding beyond cargo pants, beers and football games. Manliness is being vaulted back to an artform.

Which is exactly why we love this book by Brett & Kate McKay, The Art of Manliness, Classic Skills and Manners for the Modern Man.

Between its tattered pages you can find invaluable information dedicated to helping men uncover what manliness means in the 21st century.

According to its back cover, “This book contains a wealth of information that ranges from survival skills to social skills to advice on how to improve your character. Whether you are braving the wilds with your friends, courting your girlfriend of raising a family, inside you’ll find practical information and inspiration for every area of your life.”

Some things you’ll learn to do: Shave like your grandpa; Give a man a hug; Predict the weather like a frontiersman. Give a dynamic speech; Be a perfect house guest; Live a well-balanced life.

Teach yourself some skills. Get it here.

Classic.

Timeless.

’73 Benz.

Meet Brandon J. Scott. His line B:Scott is just as amazing as the whip he cruises.

This is the unofficial GENTRY company car. Shirt optional. Necktie required.