Thursday, October 15th, 2009...9:04 pm
Mad Men for Brooks Brothers
On October 19th, Brooks Brothers will unveil its collaboration with Emmy-award winning costume designer Janie Bryant, whose work for the hit AMC TV show Mad Men has garnered much attention in the show’s first three seasons. To celebrate, Tuesday night, at their Madison Avenue flagship, Brooks hosted Ms. Bryant and several of the show’s cast members for a swingin’ cocktail-infused shindig.
Offered in what Brooks is calling a “static” grey fabric, the 2-button jacket features narrow lapels, diagonal pockets, and side vents. Flat front pants round out their version of the classic sharkskin. They were made in the USA, at the Brooks-owned Southwick factory in Haverhill, Mass.
Extra satin around the armpits. My friend Jack said it is the “key” to a good suit.
The limited edition suits — only 250 were made — will be sold at $998.00 online at brooksbrothers.com and at various locations nation-wide. I was fortunate to try one on while at the event, and similar to Brooks’ Fitzgerald collection, these feature a nice, high arm hole and a trim fit — possibly trimmer. In all, it is a classic suit, one every man should own at some point in his life. Those who question its authenticity should know, more than once, while wearing my vintage 60s-era sharkskin, I was stopped by fellow party-goers and asked, “Oh, is this it?”
Michael Gladis who plays Paul Kinsey (l), and Vincent Kartheiser also known as Pete Campbell, (r)
Janie couldn’t stop exclaiming how pleased she was with how well everything came together, and “how appropriate to hold the event in New York and on Madison Avenue, no less.”
I couldn’t help thinking, “Of course, that weasel Campbell gets to wear the suit.”
While perfect for Sterling Cooper some may consider a sharkskin suit too much for the modern office. From what I saw Tuesday night, it is great for a cocktail party, the three martini lunch happy hour, or for that occasion when that special someone begs you to take her dancing.
Later this week, look forward to full coverage of the event itself by first ever guest editor to all plaidout, Cary Randolph Fuller. In the meantime, you can follow her on Twitter.
And while you’re at it, follow Janie Bryant, too.
12 Comments
October 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
The suit looks amazing…working button holes? Did you end up going to the L.L. Bean Signature event too…I want to see a recap of that real bad.
October 16th, 2009 at 8:28 am
Loved it!! Such an excellent piece and I can’t wait to see what Cary has to say.
October 16th, 2009 at 10:30 am
All BB suits have the capacity for surgeon’s cuffs.
October 16th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
That’s a sharp suit. Not as costumey as you would expect.
October 16th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Those suits looked dated already.
October 16th, 2009 at 2:26 pm
wow, campbell looks like a hot mess. pull yourself together man
October 17th, 2009 at 11:39 am
I am loving that photo of you and my absolute favorite, Pete Campbell.
October 18th, 2009 at 1:42 pm
what great suits!
and what an amazing tribute to Mad Men
the fit doesnt seem to be like the usual “boxish” cut of tradition Brooks Brothers. the fit seems more slimming and figure flattering. these are really fantastic
October 18th, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Terrible!!
Mad Men on the inside label?
October 18th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Dave, do you have a better suggestion?
October 21st, 2009 at 4:31 pm
[...] of booze and smokes Draper and his buddies inhale every day, but we do like his wardrobe. Luckily, Brooks Bros., Jos. A. Bank, Banana Republic and costume designer Janie Bryant all have “Mad Men”-inspired [...]
November 17th, 2009 at 12:49 pm
Wow, for all his exposure to good stylists and excellent wardrobes, Kartheiser’s own suit looks two sizes too big. I think the space between his shirt collar and the neck of his jacket has its own area code.
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