Throw a fit over today’s style
Renowned for outfitting men with sophistication, Joseph Abboud embarked on a fashion journey that began decades ago. But what inspired his path into the world of men’s style?
“I was a Boston boy,” Joseph shared. “Enchanted by the glamour of classic films starring icons like Errol Flynn and Gary Cooper, I was drawn to the allure of Hollywood fashion, which eventually led me to join Ralph Lauren.”
Abboud pondered the evolution of style, lamenting its current state. “When did the sense of style erode? Imagine, shorts in an office setting! The pandemic played its part, pushing many men to work remotely clad in their pajamas. The culture of dressing up for occasions has faded—be it visiting the theater or heading to the office. Once upon a time, New York embodied America’s fashion prowess with its elegance and allure, but that grandeur has waned. Now, theaters see patrons in T-shirts, carrying takeaway bags. In the past, enthusiasts eagerly awaited the September issues of GQ and Esquire for the latest fall trends.”
Abboud went on to say, “Every man ought to invest in a classic navy blazer and gray suit for those special moments—a wedding, a funeral, or meeting the girlfriend’s parents. Once, a stroll to admire the window displays at Saks, Bergdorf’s, or Barney’s was a comforting celebration of style. Nowadays, the city has lost some of its sparkle, influenced by current political climates.”
Worse for wear
Cindy chimed in, noting a shift in women’s street-style as well. “Women today parade city streets in shorts and revealing outfits. Where are we headed?”
Joseph: “COVID was disastrous for young men understanding what’s appropriate. Listen, we knew Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren — the greatest icons in American fashion. Giants like Giorgio Armani, Karl Lagerfeld. I had the privilege of knowing these people. A man needs a suit. For a wedding. Job interview. We need to figure out what to do in New York City. Half the shops are closed. People sleeping in the hallways. You’re afraid for your safety. New York City, greatest city in the world, should be ashamed of itself.
“I’m going back into archives and picking out pieces I loved 20 years ago. I’ll style it differently. Maybe take that suit jacket and wear it with a cargo pant and cashmere turtleneck. Not buy less, but buy better. Our European counterparts do that very well, especially the European women. They know to tie a scarf or to wear a jacket they’ve had 10 years. I’d made maybe 7 million suits here in the United States and am proud of that.
“But today, when someone will have a bikini for $800, I say to myself, how can a bikini that’s made of a quarter of a yard of fabric be $800? Or a handbag be $25,000? How can that be? Point is you don’t need five or six suits. Buy one nice suit. Listen, when I launched in 1987, there were 100-plus great department stores in America — probably four or five left.”
Tell me if you had a lousy person you ever dressed. Didn’t you ever have a pain in the ass?
Joseph: “Yeah. I did the Olympics with NBC and CBS. Occasionally, some were appreciative. I want to dress the American man, but I am unthrilled with their long hair and tattoos up the behind.”
City Yves-dropping
Wait. More stuff. Saint Laurent dressed Claudia Cardinale, Catherine Deneuve and Capucine. So Metrograph downtown is doing this one now through the end of August. It’s a series of flicks and flacks, “Dressed by Yves Saint Laurent.” It’s seven movies in all. Go. Tell me about it.
Meanwhile, everybody else not in a theater is rushing to that whatsisname zillionaire who is heading for Mars every Thursday. I can understand that. They want to get on line. Neither Elon nor whatever our vice president’s name is — not everyone can make another baby every week.
Only in space, kids, only in space.