The fashion appeal of Mad Men alone has garnered huge coverage over the last 8 years and has landed the main characters iconic statuses. The sharp and beautifully cut suits have had the most attention as men everywhere have fawned over Don Draper’s classic grey 2 pieces and Roger Stirling’s immaculate, slim 3 pieces – often accessorised with optional sunglasses and hi-ball.
Fashion is a very important element in many TV dramas. It helps to emphasise the period in which they are set and in the case of Mad Men, give viewers a visual kaleidoscope of 60’s fashion, much of which is still present in today’s classic suitings and newer collections. Much has been said of Don’s dress as he is the main focal point. For me, Roger Stirling really steals the show. I love a clean cut 3 piece on a man and he quite simply makes the perfect model. If I were a man, he would be my fashion icon. He wears his waistcoats high cut and keeps the colour palettes simple.
In tailoring, one the biggest hurdles for customers can be visualizing what that small patch of charcoal will look like as a finished garment. Television provides ideas and inspiration. The variety modelled by the cast in Mad Men showcases every suit cut and colour that a man could possibly hope to own. The show also provides evidence that a crisp white shirt always make the perfect backdrop to any suit.
Classic single breasted suits with notch lapels and straight outer pockets are timeless but you need to have one that is cut to your body. A beautiful suit can quickly lose its appeal if too large, small, long or short in any area. A tailor will make sure that your jacket is proportional to you. The worst thing you can do is be tempted by the shorter, fashion jackets that seem still seem so prevalent. They can unbalance your look. And make sure that your trousers give one break on your shoe. Trouser length is very personal, but you can very quickly lose your edge by showing too much sock or too many folds of cloth pooling around your ankles. Accessorise with a good press (and subtle coloured pocket square if so inclined – Don keeps it simple in white) and you’re good to go.