What's it with the medieval chic in Harry Potter when the wizards in the 1920s were wearing contemporary fashions? Maybe someone has been setting a trend while the Muggles rock the Beatles and Flower Power.
1960
17th January 1960
Dear Gellert
Please find enclosed a new set of pyjamas to replace the previous set sent as I understand they were getting worn out. I have chosen the colour grey to suit the colour scheme of your domicile. I understand from the Muggle tailor that they also have loden green and navy blue. Please write back if you would like to switch the colour or size. Your Auntie sends a wool blanket and socks in bright orange.
Your friend always
Albus Dumbledore
Spring 1960
Dear Albus
May I request a spare set of pyjamas in loden green? I understand that this brand also offers loungewear. A dressing-gown would be nice as well as slippers. It can get chilly up here in the alps. Can I also request that you change the colours of Auntie's blankets and socks before sending them to me? Orange is not my colour.
What is this I hear about the Supreme Mugwump having a major wardrobe malfunction at a press conference launching some new laws about Magical beasts? Something about your pants ripping, I hear. One must admit those sweets you are so fond of must go somewhere, like your waist and bottom. You were always as soft and cuddly as a teddy bear, even back then. I have salvaged the page from the Daily Prophet and pinned it up to admire your little moment of embarrassment. Are those Union Jack boxers or just plain stripes? One cannot tell from black and white photos.
It is not every day that the leader of the ICW bends over and exposes his undies for the entire magical world.
Highly amused
Gellert Grindelwald
15th April 1960
Dear Gellert
Oh, dearie me, I was hoping they did not catch that awkward moment. Or at least you would not see it. If you must know, I was wearing my striped boxers. I was just trying to tie my shoelaces when that rip happened. Sigh, the one day you decide not to put a fixing charm on one's laces…. Perhaps it is time for me to consult with my tailor about revamping my wardrobe. My garments are getting a bit dated after all…
As requested, I have sent over a dark green dressing gown, matching pyjamas and enclosed a charm to alter the colour of the socks and blanket to dark grey. I have also sent you a pair of bedroom slippers. They were out of stock, so I obtained a pair from another brand. I find the fluffy bobbles and bunny-faces absolutely darling. I hope they will go a long way to keeping your feet warm.
Your friend
Albus Dumbledore
Summer 1960
Dear Albus
I must protest. What you are committing is a crime against all good taste and fashion. Neon pink robes? With fluffy bobbles? And those moons and stars? Have you finally lost whatever marbles you have left? Please tell me the picture on the Daily Prophet's first colour edition was taken at some fancy dress party, or your alma mater's formal dinner. You Hogwarts folks like your bright colours but lack the fashion-sense of Beauxbatons to pull it off. Durmstrang's limited colour palate is so much more sensible and dignified.
Oh, and when was the last time you went to a barbershop? Your hair is way too long. Aurelius was pushing his luck with his long hair back then, but it was such a hassle getting him to a barber in town, we just left him be. At least he shaved. My Alliance had its standards after all. That beard looks like a bush. I do hope you still bathe regularly. It will be a sad day if my personal hygiene as maintained in my prison cell is better than the Supreme Mugwump's. Also, as the figurehead of the magical world, you should be setting a higher standard for all to aspire to. If bobbles, tassels and garish colours become the norm, I think I will remain where I am, danke.
If you will heed my advice – which I seriously doubt – lay off the sweets, take up a sport or exercise at least thrice a week. Those robes and the beard do not hide that paunch of yours, Chubby. My wholesome diet of cabbage soup, rye bread and oatmeal does wonders for my health and so do those exercise sessions I have dragging my chains about. They have added another couple of pounds in weight after I charmed the bricks to sing naughty songs about the warden, just to see how much magic I can still do shackled and wandless.
Bring back those lovely three-piece suits and waistcoats. You looked divine in them and should look good after losing some weight. If you want a more historical feel, shirts with open collars or lace cuffs in the style of the 18th century. If you insist on medieval chic, please remember that just because you can, doesn't mean you have to wear an entire rainbow. Robes and capes work best in monochrome. Only the jesters wore multicolour back then. And some colour sense please. Red and purple shades do not suit your colouring, not until your hair goes completely grey or white. Blue, now that brings out the colour of your eyes, liebling. If you insist on keeping that beard long, please comb it. Monsieur Flamel might be able to give you a few pointers on how to braid and tie it up properly. Personally, I prefer you clean-shaven.
I do hope your friends outside are talking some sense into you. The office of Supreme Mugwump should not be reduced to such a joke…
Gellert Grindelwald
17th July 1960
Dear Gellert
Oh my, was it that bad? Perhaps I should have stopped transfiguring my hair red and gone with my first choice of a purple robe. I was just over to open a new wing of St Mungo's for children. I read that pink is a colour child patients find soothing. I tried switching my patent leather shoes with those pointy shoes that were all the rage in the Middle Ages, but seriously, they were not fun to walk in. One cannot levitate oneself constantly to get about. My favoured barber has passed of old age, and I have yet to locate a suitable replacement.
About those robes – well, recent studies have shown that constricting garments like trousers may have a negative effect on the flow of one's magic. There is a new dress movement for free-flowing garments. And I am rather sold on the idea of robes for wizards. Fresh air refreshes thoroughly. Or FART.
You were not the only one to point out my fashion sense (or lack of). However, Minerva has told me that if I insist on wearing robes and medieval style headgear, she will don her cape and pointy hat in Hogwarts. I suppose she could give me some pointers on how to match my colours since witches are said to be much better at this and less likely to be colourblind.
Oh, I have been meaning to ask this for a long while – are the colours of a Cruciatus and that of Avada Kedavra different? They seem the same to me. Are red and green two different colours?
Your colourblind friend
Albus Dumbledore
P.S. I am keeping my sweets and not getting involved in this exercise thing of which you speak. So there.
Summer 1960
Dear Albus
Merlin, so that was why you turned up at your mother's funeral in a bright red vest! Auntie told me she thought you did not have time to change. It looked good on you though. Did you ever think of fixing your colour blindness with magic? If you do not feel like fiddling with your magic, get a trustworthy assistant to vet your wardrobe choices before running out in front of the press. Especially now that papers come in colour.
Your friend
Gellert Grindelwald
Author's Notes:
Now we know why Dumbledore has such eclectic fashion sense. Is it possible for wizards to be colourblind? Harry Potter was short-sighted and wore glasses for his entire time in Hogwarts. Hermione used magic to fix her teeth. So yeah, possible for Albus to be colourblind.