Hot Feet – Bresciani Novelty Socks

I’m not typically one for so-called “novelty” garb, but as with all rules there are exceptions.  A friend of mine was kind enough to think of me and send over the above pair of Bresciani hose, which are certainly a novelty. I wrote recently about Pantherella, and Bresciani is certainly another step up the quality ladder.  Hand-linked toe, large lightly ribbed section at the top to keep everything up, and fine-grade Australian merino are quite the combination.

These arrived though with a little surprise.  My friend did tell me the pair he was sending were quite unique and had text embroidered onto them, but I would never have expected this.  Upon opening the envelope, I discovered a pair of dark gray hose containing the first canto of Dante’s Inferno.  What a lovely way to spice up a pair of flannels.  Yes, yes, it’s all a bit kitsch and unusual, but it’s good to have a bit of tongue-in-cheek fun now and again, isn’t it?  In fact, I’m now considering stitching some verses of Pope’s onto cocktail cuffs.  But I would never wear these shirts with Signore Alighieri’s stockings – that would just be ridiculous.