Dark Shadows mentioned in October 9, 2007 issue of ABC Soaps in Depth

[MsCriseyde]

Uh, no.  While it's absolutely hysterical to picture him that way most likely Barnabas wouldn't have been caught dead (no pun intended) in a leisure suit. I mean, the man rarely even took off his tie when he wore a smoking jacket.

Sorry, but to say that Barnabas would never 'change with the times' is a bit ludicrous.  

Quite a few men escaped the 1970s without ever donning a leisure suit, particularly those whose tastes in clothing were on the conservative side, which I think is what MB was getting at here. I don't think he said Barnabas' clothing would never change with the times. Even conservative styles of dress change slightly with time. I haven't seen enough of AN's DS wardrobe to comment, but Ben Cross, while he did sport a slightly more casual look than Frid, was still pretty conservative. Most of what he wore on the show could still be worn today without generating much attention.

[Nancy]

That reminds me of a very funny scene  back in the late 1980s when JF and I were visiting Union Square's farmer's market to pick up some fresh produce for a party.  These two guys, around our age, were nearby and started staring at JF.  I think for a moment they were not sure it was JF because he was dressed very informally in jeans, a polo shirt and white sneakers.   Finally one of the guys said, "Geez, it's Barnabas in sneakers!"  JF smiled but didn't look them but I cracked up. 

Nancy

well, can you just see him in a 100% polyester LEISURE suit!?  Mike Brady eat your heart out!  

[Mysterious Benefactor]

Quite a few men escaped the 1970s without ever donning a leisure suit, particularly those whose tastes in clothing were on the conservative side, which I think is what MB was getting at here.

That was exactly my point. And being an affluent Collins - especially an 18th century affluent Collins - Barnabas would have been ingrained from a very early age on the proper ways for a gentleman to dress and present himself. It would have been very hard for him to leave those deep-seated habits behind. (Thus the need for that 100 kiloton explosion and/or complete personality transplant.  )

I haven't seen enough of AN's DS wardrobe to comment, but Ben Cross, while he did sport a slightly more casual look than Frid, was still pretty conservative.

Newman's Barn was dressed on a par with Cross' Barn's more casual attire. Though it was far from what most people would consider casual by today's standards. It's not like he went around in t-shirts and jeans.    He didn't most always wear suits like Frid's Barn - but he did wear dress shirts and slacks.