Articles of Interest

10. Suits

Jun 25, 2020
Ian Kelly, a historian and biographer, dives into the life of Beau Brummell, the man credited with revolutionizing men's fashion. They explore how Brummell’s influence ushered in the era of minimalist suits, blending elegance with restraint. Discussion spans the shift from ornate court dress to modern tailoring, the significance of military-inspired uniforms, and the rise of fashion celebrity culture. They also touch on how contemporary icons like Billy Porter challenge the norms, suggesting that a new style revolution might be on the horizon.
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ANECDOTE

Wedding Sparked A Suit Journey

  • Ray needed a suit for a wedding and felt underwhelmed by traditional menswear choices.
  • That experience pushed Ray to discover how subtle tailoring can create a special dress-up feeling.
INSIGHT

Uniformity Is The Point

  • Menswear's uniformity is deliberate: suits function as a social uniform that both include and exclude.
  • Tiny details in tailoring become powerful signals because the overall look is intentionally restrained.
INSIGHT

The Power Of Sprezzatura

  • Sprezzatura is central to menswear: the appearance of effortless care masks deliberate effort.
  • This cultivated nonchalance signals status by implying a restrained confidence.
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