2008 Woodie Awards
Mad Men inspires sophistication, twists to classic fashion
Issue date: 10/2/08
Unless you were in Europe, Africa or Asia over the summer, you've probably heard that the new television series Mad Men is taking critics by storm. The acclaimed drama about the lives of advertising executives in the 1960s has drawn more than just a viewing audience. It has caught the eye of the fashion world for its conservative, well-structured costuming. Moreover, Mad Men's wardrobe has crossed over into reality and much of this fall's men's fashion is tailored after it.
The flashy suits that models once paraded down the runways are history; Instead, tailored, well-cut suits in dark palettes replace them, with black dominating the scene. Subtle but distinguishing characteristics are being revived. A simple white pocket square in the breast pocket of any black, grey or brown suit can add sophistication and class that one would expect from the likes of a fashion magazine editor or designer. Add a simple gold or silver collar pin to accentuate the neck and tie and pair it with a tie bar of the same color. It's a touch of old school in a modern world. Trust me.
I recently went to a favorite store of mine in search of a fall jacket and was amazed to see American-style coats and jackets on display, considering the store was about as European as it gets. What did I see over and over again? The bomber jacket: restyled and refreshed. That's right, that batty old jacket your uncle used to wear (or still does) has been trimmed down and redesigned with a bit of flair.
The elastic lining of the sleeve-ends and jacket-bottom are the same, but the zipper and short elastic collar are new. Some zippers have been replaced with buttons, either single- or double-breasted. Some have both an inner zipper lining and an outer button top. Others have moved the zipper off-center and at an angle. The elastic collar is gone, replaced by a classic trench coat collar or an extending collar that reaches up the neck, as a polo shirt with a popped collar would (side note: Please don't pop your polo shirt collars).
The flashy suits that models once paraded down the runways are history; Instead, tailored, well-cut suits in dark palettes replace them, with black dominating the scene. Subtle but distinguishing characteristics are being revived. A simple white pocket square in the breast pocket of any black, grey or brown suit can add sophistication and class that one would expect from the likes of a fashion magazine editor or designer. Add a simple gold or silver collar pin to accentuate the neck and tie and pair it with a tie bar of the same color. It's a touch of old school in a modern world. Trust me.
I recently went to a favorite store of mine in search of a fall jacket and was amazed to see American-style coats and jackets on display, considering the store was about as European as it gets. What did I see over and over again? The bomber jacket: restyled and refreshed. That's right, that batty old jacket your uncle used to wear (or still does) has been trimmed down and redesigned with a bit of flair.
The elastic lining of the sleeve-ends and jacket-bottom are the same, but the zipper and short elastic collar are new. Some zippers have been replaced with buttons, either single- or double-breasted. Some have both an inner zipper lining and an outer button top. Others have moved the zipper off-center and at an angle. The elastic collar is gone, replaced by a classic trench coat collar or an extending collar that reaches up the neck, as a polo shirt with a popped collar would (side note: Please don't pop your polo shirt collars).
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