Detroit Fashion Pages

Cirque de Monaco: What Men Should Wear
Posted: 2/25/2009

In many ways, today's generation aspires to define itself in history just as the 1960s accomplished. Our first African American President successful utilized innovative technology to spearhead a savvy campaign on his way to the White House. Our nation has begun the march towards more Earth friendly Green Technology. Anti-war sentiments are becoming stronger and stronger. The current banking, housing, and job crisis has the American public pushing back against the establishment that bears responsibility. Likewise, in the 1960s, we were witness to the Civil Rights Movement, the Feminist Movement, and the Anti-Vietnam Movement. Out of that era, we saw the birth of attitude. Freedom. Self expression. The 1960s were about swagger long before it became today's catchphrase. Oh, and men knew how to dress. More than an expectation, it was an absolute sartorial requirement.

In the 1960s, a gentleman's style epitomized the height of masculine sophistication. The 1960's gentleman could best be described as a tall glass of hard attitude with a slight twist of chauvinistic charisma. Famous personalities like the trendsetting Rat Pack revolutionized and established the standard for the effortlessly smooth gentleman. They lived hard and played even harder. So, if you are heading out to the Detroit Institute of Arts Cirque de Monaco Ball and want a swagger like Ole Blue Eyes; here are some places to visit and upgrade your style quotient:

Suit- Brooks Brothers has been producing traditional men's clothes since 1818. Well, they have dusted off the books and searched through the archives to design The Fitzgerald. The slim silhouette offers a polished and clean throwback feel that will make your style timeless. The Fitzgerald can be purchased for around $998.00. Too steep? Visit Men's Warehouse and try the navy two button Jones New York for $350.00. Really want to summon your inner Rat Packer? A one button peak lapel tuxedo will definitely kick your elegance in high gear. Both stores offer numerous options. Brooks Brothers can be found in Detroit, Troy, Auburn Hills, or Clinton Township. Men's Warehouse can be found in multiple locations including Dearborn, Grosse Pointe, and Royal Oak.

Jewelry- Elegance is always in the details. The Claymore Shop in Birmingham offers a variety of tie clips, pocket squares, and cuff links. You can select from the store's private labels or choose brand names such as Ralph Lauren or Robert Talbott. Killer cuff links will range from as low as $75.00 to as high as $350.00. A jazzy pocket square can range between $40.00 and $70.00. Subtle sophistication with flair is always a trademark of the well dressed gent.

Hat- A gentleman can't stake a claim to 1960s swagger if he fails to own a hat. The hat has long become a forgotten element to a man's wardrobe. Hats exude the type of cool that beg imitation. What is cooler than a felt brim tilted to the side? Nothing! Check out Henry the Hatter located in Southfield or Downtown Detroit to fulfill your stylish needs. Look to pay between $80 to $500 for a Bailey, Dobbs, or Borsalino felt hat. Just wear it in style.

---Glen Antoine Palmer
The Gentlemen's Standard
http://gentlemenstandard.blogspot.com/
"Be the rule, never the exception"