As part of my project with GQ and Huawei, the final sequence featured a rather epic formalwear look styled by the brilliant Hannah Elwell. Granted, formalwear is something that I have definitely been embracing more and more, take this editorial for example with Hawes and Curtis.
I’ve historically tried to make my own attempt at con temporising formalwear, such as wearing a mesh t-shirt with a Balenciaga suit and so on, however this isn’t always the 21st Century solution. Embracing a more formal tradition for suiting has definitely become more appealing, and let’s be real – sometimes you don’t have the choice. Unless you are Kanye West at the Met Gala, we all have to conform in some capacity for black tie events and the classic is more often than not a sure fire winner.
In the GIF below and image above, I am wearing a suit jacket by Fendi, shirt and tie both by Dior Homme and trousers by Corneliani. Ideal attire for long casino nights, yachts in Cannes and so much more. Going back to how to dress for the casino, the quote “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity” from Seneca definitely comes to mind.
I also wanted to share three tips on embracing your inner Patrick Bateman for formal events. If you are wearing a tuxedo make sure to pair it with a bow tie for the most formal of functions, otherwise you can embrace your inner rebel and opt for a long tie. Technically the only correct neckwear to wear with a tuxedo is a bow tie.
Secondly, to button or not to button. Again, there are a couple of options here to get your best look. The most formal and preferred option for your best look is a one-button coat, but a two-button coat will also work. Just never button the bottom button if there’s more than one button!
Thirdly, let’s look at shirting. Ideally wear a white shirt, black shirts can work if you want to rebel – something that I do quite often, but there is sometimes the risk of looking like a waiter in all black! The contrast is important in defining a broader silhouette that tuxedos are created to enhance. When it comes to a shirt collar, you have the option of wing-tip collar shirts and turn-down collar shirts, it really depends on whether you want to make a statement or if you’re wearing coat tails, in which case a wing-tip can look phenomenal!