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On the Street.....Some Kinda Blue, Midtown

 
 
 
 
 















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Friday, December 07, 2007

On the Street.....Some Kinda Blue, Midtown

Comments on "On the Street.....Some Kinda Blue, Midtown"

 

Blogger MARIA H said ... (8:15 AM) : 

Awesome. How colorful and happppy!

 

Blogger Paul Pincus said ... (8:20 AM) : 

I knew if somebody managed to track down Antonio Fargas aka Huggy Bear, he'd be keepin' it real!

 

Blogger wear palettes said ... (8:24 AM) : 

these last days a lot of perfect colors.

 

Blogger Stratos Bacalis said ... (8:47 AM) : 

Very courageous and daring! I do not think there are many men who could pull off something like this!

 

Blogger Laguna Beach Fogey said ... (9:05 AM) : 

Some kinda blue? Some kinda wonderful! It's good to see Mr. Blue rockin' it in his favourite colour.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:29 AM) : 

Ouch! So sharp I feel like I just cut myself! I love this!
SD

 

Blogger Alice Olive said ... (9:39 AM) : 

Wow - great shot. Love the autumnal colours in the background which contrast with his deliberately dramatic colours!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:42 AM) : 

this is amazing! it's as if he came out of a very well drawn adult cartoon/ comic strip... he looks great! luv the blues... must listen to Miles. and Odetta. now.

 

Blogger Chanterelle said ... (9:49 AM) : 

You found him! I saw him in the subway a couple of years ago, thought he was a mirage. He's incredible!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:16 AM) : 

"You ain't been blue, no, no, no,
'Till you've had that mood indigo.
That feelin' goes stealin' down to my shoes,
while I sit and sigh,
"Go 'long blues..."

Sigh.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:20 AM) : 

Holy fabulous! He is gorgeous. A vision.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:30 AM) : 

Sart,

It is great to see you back taking pictures of real people in NYC.

 

Blogger Mitchell Weiss said ... (10:36 AM) : 

He knows that he looks great. His look is positively amazing.

 

Blogger ricpic said ... (10:58 AM) : 

A dissenting opinion. Black skin has a green tinge that does not go well with blue, especially an intense cobalt blue as in this suit.
Black skin does go well with the yellow ochre part of the color wheel.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:15 AM) : 

Everything but the shoes. I wish he'd done some different shoes. I have an intense dislike of this.

But hey, he's OK with it.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:24 AM) : 

I think it's stunning! Such striking color and he's definitely wearing that suit, not the other way around. Also, it really compliments his rich brown skin.

 

Blogger The Spicers said ... (11:25 AM) : 

Vivid and Amaaaaazing!

 

Blogger L_emony said ... (11:35 AM) : 

Has he been at Willy Wonka's blueberry flavoured gum? Wasn't he told of the consequences?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:37 AM) : 

this picture has truly brought joy to my very soul. i have officially been inspired. THANK YOU!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:42 AM) : 

I really like this look.. a burst of color in the fall.

A good-looking man, in a good-looking suit.

Good job, Mr. Sartorialist!

 

Blogger The Vintagent said ... (12:05 PM) : 

The Ice Man Cometh; cool blues for winter days, I'm shivering in sunny CA. While I'm a fan of blue shoes (I've had a pair of blue captoe Prada laceups for years), I would have chosen a darker or different color for this outfit, or maybe a lighter (grey?) hat. But, I respect his adamant choice. I like the cut of the suit, it's very late 60's sharkskin style, and the mix of lavender with the electric blue works very well. I think it makes an effective contrast with his skin color - earth tone vs. jewel tone (like the throat of a hummingbird).

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:34 PM) : 

blue blue electric blue... he's waiting for the gift of sound and vision!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:39 PM) : 

The lavender, the blue is all genius, this man appears to be so satisfied, I wonder who he is and what he does. His whole outfit is a poem, nothing to criticize, you can't improve anything, is cryptic and elegant, so fine... when you see a guy like this you wonder about the thousands poorly dressed men in NYC, no excuse.

 

Blogger Scott_in_Zurich said ... (12:45 PM) : 

Superbad, baby!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:46 PM) : 

great shot Sart

tailoring is flawless

 

Blogger Suzanna Mars said ... (12:58 PM) : 

Electric groove! I imagine this dapper gent arranging his ensemble with no small amount of conviction and pride: it's the thought process that went into this turn out that is so pleasing in this photo.

And he knew two touches of lilac were enough.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:18 PM) : 

Impeccable. The cut of the trousers and suit are right on. Excellent drape to the shoe.

I also like the brown hat, it goes well with blue.

And his poise is the best accessory of all.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:05 PM) : 

Wow! He is a cool cat!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:19 PM) : 

I usually refrain from commenting on other commenters comments on the grounds that everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but ricpic 10:58 above has moved me with the sheer outrageousness of his generalization that 'black skin has a green tinge.'

1) The gentleman in this photo's skin has no green tinge at all. If you copy the image to an editing program and reverse colour to the negative (which is a handy way to identify questionable 'tinge') the skin shows as a pale greenish blue. Green in the negative indicates the tinge of it's opposite - red; blue is the opposite of orange. So it's clear that in this photo the man's skin, while clearly a rich brown, has a reddish-orangish, not greenish, tinge. A green tinge would show as pink in the negative image.

2) Black people, or people of African descent, who in the Americas are almost always of racially mixed heritage, are not in any way so alike that broad generalizations of this type can be made about their skin tone. In my experience black skin usually has yellow, orange, red, or in the case of some extremely dark-skinned individuals, blue or purple undertones. I have never seen a black person with a green undertone to his or her skin.

3) Anyone, black, white, asian etc., may be made to appear to have a greenish tint to their skin by the processes of photographic recording and reproduction. Such is not the case here. An actual greenish tint appearing in the skin of any human of any race in direct observation is so rare as to typically indicate acute illness, as in 'looking green about the gills.'

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:25 PM) : 

I, too, am going through a 'blue phase.'

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:43 PM) : 

Actually, I really love the blue shoes, because it makes the whole outfit seem so deliberate; it lends an air of maverick confidence.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:24 PM) : 

Yeah baby!
Some kinda blue,
Some kinda real,
Some kinda cool.

Miuccia who?
Oh what a sane breath of fresh air when style trumps fashion. Nicely done.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:39 PM) : 

Where was he going dressed like this?

Did you ask? Did he answer?

Rather interesting,
mltt

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:28 PM) : 

I love the color, the cut of his suit, but most of all, I love that this man put some thought into this outfit. He looks and feels good!!!

 

Blogger ricpic said ... (4:55 PM) : 

Anonymous 2:19

If I said that ginger colored whites shouldn't wear orange would you say that that was outrageous? Think about it.

P.S. There are exceptions to every rule, but, for the mostpart, black skin is green tinged. Two acute observers, Rubens and Velazquez, both saw it and painted it that way.

 

Blogger Claris said ... (5:05 PM) : 

He looks otherworldly...like someone's guardian angel.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:09 PM) : 

"Black skin does go well with the yellow ochre part of the color wheel."

I was unaware that style could be determined by scientific protocol. What-eva. I disagree with the premise and the assertion of rule.

I certainly wouldn't wear this, but i'm ever so glad someone else can/does.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:20 PM) : 

Thank you, "anonymous@2:19p.m."

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:21 PM) : 

i love the way the blue goes with the color of his skin. it makes his face seem iridescent.

 

Blogger Swid said ... (5:35 PM) : 

This dude is my fashion hero for the month.

 

Blogger O!Lightning said ... (5:36 PM) : 

oh yeah. Happy day. Beautful man, beautiful suit, beautiful color, and a feeling of freedom

 

Blogger andrew said ... (6:14 PM) : 

this dude is way bad! i have been looking for blue shoes and i have only found them by gucci. although i dont thnink those are gucci correct me if i am wrong!

i love this out fit so much thank you for this amazing man (Jesus and sart)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:18 PM) : 

Indeed, the color of the suit is wonderful and refreshing against the traditionally darker winter hues we so often see.

However, I am enamored by the fabulous cut of the suit! The sleeve length is precise and there is not an inch of fabric that ought or ought not be there. Truly, a testament to his style and his tailor's abilities!


I am in love.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:28 PM) : 

after reading anonymous at 2:19 pm rant I can only say the blodger doth protest too much, methinks.

 

Blogger Lolla said ... (6:32 PM) : 

i want to marry him and steal his clothes.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (6:36 PM) : 

wow, what a beautiful sight

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:24 PM) : 

Love the suit and the way it looks on this gent. I am not feeling mixing it with lavender and pink, though, and the hat fits the man, but not the suit. I would also like to see him in some hipper shoes instead of those boring old man shoes.

 

Blogger M. said ... (7:42 PM) : 

Absolutely stunning. The fit is incredible as is the palette. Lavender and blue, such an ethereal, wintery mood. Reminds me of a less formal take on your oft-referred to navy jacket with a purple tie, from Rome, I believe. Right, Scott?

M.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:48 PM) : 

this is why I find myself on this website every 30 min-hour as I study for finals. A stimulating,refreshing and beautiful distraction. :)

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:07 PM) : 

To Ricpic: I just had to respond, because I feel just the opposite. I think his skin tone is perfect for that shade of blue! His skin is dark and cool, and the blue and lilac really bring out the blue undertones in his skin, just as they would bring out the same colors in the skin of someone extremely pale. The way he highlights his skin is, in my opinion, absolutely gorgeous, and even before you mentioned Velázquez and Rubens I was going to compare him to an impressionistic painting.

I think it just depends on what you see as beautiful - as an artist, I love seeing skin in unlikely colors.

 

Blogger Kristen said ... (8:08 PM) : 

I agree with claris. exactly like a guardian angel. oh that we could each have one of him to follow us around and keep us safe/happy/motivated!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:20 PM) : 

I love it when I see people like him out-and-about. They make the world so much more colourful and interesting and I thank them.

 

Blogger Jessica Brown said ... (8:32 PM) : 

A less regal man would be worn by this suit, but he is wearing it and well!

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (8:47 PM) : 

Whoa, Superfly! This is way tight. Loving it and its modern freshness. I want him to be my mentor!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:00 PM) : 

I think this color looks wonderful with his skin tone. And he knows it. He exudes a very calm and sexy confidence, he knows it's all taken care of. Every detail is perfect. New role model!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:22 PM) : 

How I love a sharp dressed man! The paint-blue suit! The paint-blue shoes! The hat! The pink pocket square! He is just amazing, I hope I see him in real life some day. He is a reminder that life is worth living.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:57 PM) : 

He looks polished and a nice fit but I can't dig the blue, it reminds me what the guys in the bands used to wear when I was a teen.

 

Blogger Elizabeth said ... (10:05 PM) : 

That is ONE kind of blue:

the BEST kind.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:51 PM) : 

i came to your sight, and when i saw this, it brightened my day! thanks for capturing this.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:59 PM) : 

the elephant's instep
the gnat's whistle
the cat's meow
the bee's knees

 

Blogger Charlé said ... (11:28 PM) : 

So dapper, this gentleman. I want to be just like him when I grow up.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:30 PM) : 

How oh how did he get the suit to match exactly with the shoes???

 

Blogger George A. said ... (12:34 AM) : 

Thank you anon 2:19 for that response. To ricpic: Being an African-American I've heard the cool-colors is bad for your skin argument and I just feel that, that is so restrictive. This man OBVIOUSLY makes this color work for him and perhaps with the lilac (purple-tones are great on ANY skin tone) - it makes the suit more wearable. Nonetheless he looks incredibly sharp and I can't really see anything wrong with this look. He obviously dresses with conviction.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:39 AM) : 

what a curious color combination.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:17 AM) : 

You want to wear extremely bold colors? Fine.

But the cloth should still hang properly and the suit better be cut to facilitate at lease a modicum of movement. The rippling on his right chest is distracting to no end.

The lapels also don't have any roll at the button. It makes the suit and the cloth look less dynamic and cheap.

 

Blogger ChicTooChic said ... (2:34 AM) : 

Un clasico precioso la combinacion de cuello cisne y traje...fantastico

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (4:00 AM) : 

Brilliant Sahara Blue in a New York City style.

-- desertwind

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:05 AM) : 

Loath prescriptive attitudes. Can a ginger haired person wear orange? I have no doubt that some can carry it off. And does his skin colour prevent him from wearing anything he damn well likes? Hell no!

It's all in the way you wear things, not in following rules set by the unimaginative.

And, incidentally, I reject the implication that clothing always has to be 'flattering' (whatever that means). Let's hear it for human variety and being oneself.

He looks great. The shape, colour, fit... everything. An absolute star.

 

Blogger Carol Diehl said ... (9:01 AM) : 

He is a walking work of art, with courage, panache, and taste--and the build to carry it off!

 

Blogger Ellie Lee said ... (9:42 AM) : 

love the way he put the lil pink kerchief in the pocket!! so cute!!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:22 AM) : 

Many potential black fashionistas are limited by the constant generalizations such as the ones ricpic is making about skin undertones. an anecdotal example: I spent much of my childhood in red, a colour that, it turns out, is actually quite unflattering on me; if you want to see something even more horrifying, put me in yellow. During college, however, I discovered that, despite the stereotype of "black people should wear red and yellow!" blue is my best colour. Now no one can--or would--tell me otherwise, and certainly no one should dissuade this gentleman from wearing this hue. The suit is both flattering and stylish for him. I don't know if too many people could successfully pull this off, but he does, and both the suit and colour couldn't possibly look better on him.
Besides, regardless of the colour of skin or fabric, the cut of the suit and the confidence with which it is worn are major factors in this man's style. If all you can consider are pseudo-scientific justifications as to why this suit shouldn't be worn, perhaps you should turn your analysis on your own fashion sense; they could be restricting your own vision.
Enough ranting. Keep up the great work, Sart!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:03 PM) : 

i get a little annoyed that every time a black man wears "loud" or "bright" colors, someone always tosses out a pimp or huggy bear reference.

also, i wonder if ricpic realizes that black people come in many different shades, with many different undertones, and we *can* and *do* wear whatever colors we choose.

red-headed white women have been warned away from red lipstick and/or from wearing pink, but i believe sart has posted more than a few examples of these women pulling either off quite well.

anyway, i'm not sure i care for the color of his hat, and i'd be interested to see what color were his socks.

 

Blogger Super Milk-Chan said ... (1:33 PM) : 

He looks like he spends most of his time in a jazz club. :)

By the way, the image thumbnails from your rss feed don't seem to be loading properly. I don't know if that's on your end or has to do with yahoo...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:02 PM) : 

goodness. that man should never take off that hat. it suits him perfectly. can you believe a bubblegum pink pocket square and a lilac ribbed turtleneck? outrageous. he's a vision. bravo for boldness.

as far as i'm concerned, his skin is the most delicious shade of deep eggplant, complimented so well by the purple, and chocolate/navy hat. his glasses are so very nice and subtle, and, well just plain cool.

some people do have olive undertones, but he certainly does not.

i can't believe that there was ever such a rule that Africn-Americans shouldn't wear blue. outrageous, and so wrong, as we can clearly see. obviously, certain skintones shouldn't be paired with certain colors, but i think most people can wear a variation of nearly every color. it's all about tint, hue, saturation, etc.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:13 PM) : 

It's way too much, borderline cartoonish. The blue is far too intense for an entire suit and then he has matching shoes. If he had just gone with the shirt (without the pocket square) and a black or dark brown suit, it might have worked.

My African American father wouldn't be caught dead in an outfit like that. He and his contemporaries have for decades tried to dress comfortably and well in a way that doesn't open them up to all the stereotypes about black men dressing like pimps or in some extreme, non-mainstream way.

I hope you publish this comment. It's a necessary response. I think many people like the photo because they think of blacks as "exotic" creatures who aren't their counterparts. A lot of black people would have a problem with how he's dressed. It's really tacky.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:14 PM) : 

This is up there with my favorite picture you've posted thus far.

Keep up the good work

 

Blogger The Sartorialist said ... (6:01 PM) : 

for Anon 2:13
I agree with some of what you say , especially the "exotic" remark but I think it is unfair to say he looks "really tacky"

you have to remember that this site is very international so too many viewers he is "exotic" but that should not be the case for American viewers

Actually I think the color combo looks very Paul Smith

The suit is actually Italian and as you will see tomorrow this gentleman is related to another very well dressed gentleman who has become a style star on this site

 

Blogger The Sartorialist said ... (6:01 PM) : 

for Anon 2:13
I agree with some of what you say , especially the "exotic" remark but I think it is unfair to say he looks "really tacky"

you have to remember that this site is very international so too many viewers he is "exotic" but that should not be the case for American viewers

Actually I think the color combo looks very Paul Smith

The suit is actually Italian and as you will see tomorrow this gentleman is related to another very well dressed gentleman who has become a style star on this site

 

Blogger Cheltenhamdailyphoto said ... (6:13 PM) : 

what a great idea your blog is; he looks like he could also PLAY the blues. Sharp dresser. I also upload a different photo every day...I invite you to view.

 

Blogger UESman said ... (7:08 PM) : 

Impeccable. Is he a friend of Mory's (noticing the shot location)?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:00 PM) : 

ahh - so awesome! love the kind of blue reference. this guy has got to be a jazz musician, right? he reminds me of sonny rollins in stature/the way he holds himself. if only sonny dressed like that at his concerts. i can't wait to find out who it is he's actually related to!

all the objections to this guy and his outfit based on skintone, based on it possibly being too "exotic" or pimped-out - WHATEVER. this guy looks hot, and comfortable and confident in his own skin. that's how *I* hope to feel every day when i get dressed in the morning, and that's what makes this guy a total style icon. (plus, he's not wearing something out of a magazine or a store window - which makes it that much more inspirational, to me at least).

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:36 PM) : 

(Anonymous 2:13)

Hi Sart,

Unfortunately, a lot of people in the U.S. and abroad have very distorted ideas of African Americans -- they think they're all hip hop artists or dress in extreme ways. When they meet black people who don't conform to their false ideas they have the nerve to get upset.

I know that you posted the photo because you find the combination genuinely appealing. But I wrote to point out that, in addition to my simply disliking the combination (looking at it gives me a headache), it represents a kind of style that many African Americans try to avoid PRECISELY because it does play to a stereotype: The sharp-dressing black person in too-loud clothes who doesn't have that much going on upstairs.

I read this site all the time and when someone is dressed in a way that pushes the envelope there's usually a range of opinions. I couldn't help thinking that the reason the reaction was almost unanimously positive here is that the "blacks are exotic" standard was being used.

 

Blogger Lola said ... (8:57 PM) : 

I don't see how Anon 2:13's comment is relevant in the least. I think this gentleman looks exotic because of his clothes, not his skin color...I would be (pleasantly) surprised to see a man of any race dressed like this. What's wrong with him dressing snazzily? What's wrong with African Americans, or white people, or Eskimos, or even Martians dressing in a non-mainstream way? I applaud this man for being stylish and unusual.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:37 PM) : 

in response to anon 2:13

I am a young black woman and I LOVE when i see older black men dressed in this style. Im also offended by your comment that this man has some how opened himself up "to all the stereotypes about black men dressing like pimps or in some extreme". I mean there in was a time in this country when black women were constantly draped in some type of animal print and put in some setting to suggest they were some type of exotic sexual jungle creature. Should I stay away from leopard and all other animal prints b/c they play on the hypersexual nature of black women?

 

Blogger discotheque confusion said ... (9:56 PM) : 

Paul Pincus; the huggy bear comparison is spot on, I knew there was something I couldn't quite put my finger on!

Congrats on being featured in the UK Observer magazine by the way, Scott. Nice to see the profile of fellow bloggers becoming increasingly raised.

 

Blogger olivia said ... (9:58 PM) : 

Hard to explain how intense the impact of this is, it kind of makes me want to to scream really loudly and jump up and down, in the best way. Maybe my favorite photo yet!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:27 PM) : 

He is *fierce*! Beautiful, beautiful colour, particularly with the lilac and pink, and the cut of the suit is perfect.
Don't over analyse it, he's amazing. This his has made my day Sart, thanks again!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:11 PM) : 

Re: anonymous 2:13 and this comment,
"My African American father wouldn't be caught dead in an outfit like that. He and his contemporaries have for decades tried to dress comfortably and well in a way that doesn't open them up to all the stereotypes about black men dressing like pimps or in some extreme, non-mainstream way."

I understand the pressure one feels to contradict hurtful stereotypes, and not just with regard to style (though I will limit my examples to clothing for brevity). Nobody wants others to make negative judgments based on something as ultimately shallow as clothing is. I think everybody second guesses themselves while dressing in this manner-- "I want to wear those skinny jeans, but people will assume I'm a trendwhore;" "if I'm overdressed, people will think I'm obsessed with appearance or narcissistic;" "if I'm underdressed, people will think I'm a slob;" "pair *that* skirt and *those* heels, and people will think I'm seeking a certain kind of attention..." ...so I had better choose something else? The opinions of others greatly influence our lives, and we certainly can't just disregard them wholesale, but at the same time, you'll never fully control your audience's opinions. It is a difficult line to toe between dressing how you want to and dressing in a manner that doesn't facilitate stereotyping, and you kinda need to figure out what will and won't fly on a day-to-day basis.

I do think, however, that you shouldn't let the opinions of ignorant others COMPLETELY control your decisions. Sometimes it's just the best thing ever to wear something unusual that resonates with your personal taste or aesthetics and it's worth disregarding the attention of others and the silent judgment that entails. You think, "People probably think I look retarded but WHO CARES! I'm wearing my HAPPY boots today!" Is this where self expression comes into the "getting dressed" process? I didn't really have a point to make here, just sympathizing with the speaker's concern (or rather, his/her father's) and musing on its implications...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:07 AM) : 

am i blue? not anymore, i'm not.

 

Blogger zuccotto said ... (1:44 AM) : 

I don't give a wit re relatives... I just like the blue, the blue and the blue. The fellow isn't kidding, he does mean blue. Outfit fine by me, though I'd be curious re other than the turtleneck.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (5:32 AM) : 

Sart...you're in 'The Weekend'(The Guardian newspaper's Saturday supplement)!! Have your read the article? Is very good, and I got so excited when I saw it. Hopefully you will start to get a larger English following now.
On that note when are you next coming to London?

 

Blogger ser.vivo said ... (8:24 AM) : 

Honestly, i don't use to have this kind of disagreement, but I think I have to say it.
I don't like the combination afroamerican+purple. It's so tipical. Almost a stereotipe.
Althought, the other "models" are fantastic!

Au revoir.

 

Blogger Cheltenhamdailyphoto said ... (8:30 AM) : 

Yes Dulcie that's where i found him! I've now linked him through my own blog.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:50 AM) : 

I think the emphatic color works well for this guy because his skin tone is also intense, and I think with a suit color this un-subtle that's the only "matching" issue that matters (undertones are really irrelevant). I like the style and shoulders of this suit but M. Fan seems right -- horizontal chest creases indicate fit problems, or maybe this fabric is just toooo soft, like cashmere flannel? (hard to believe). I think he would be better balanced with different shoes (but what?) and some of the lavender showing at his wrists. The hat stumps me -- it fits him stylistically, the color harmonizes with his skin perfectly, but something's missing. Maybe he should try something with the hat band to nod to the intensity goin' on down below? (Alternatively, maybe the shoes should echo the hat?)

 

Blogger Butch said ... (9:12 AM) : 

We're all bound to dress out of our culture--or cultures.

Dress is also about idenification of the self with something/things to which we aspire.

Those who, for whatever reasons, don't want to see, literally and figuratively, certain cultures will balk when confronted by them. This includes their members.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (9:58 AM) : 

This world would be more positively spectacular if there were more people who dress like him. How BOLD! What attitude!

 

Blogger popcarts said ... (12:43 PM) : 

you go, butch honey.

 

Blogger Miss Cavendish said ... (1:11 PM) : 

I LOVE a blue and lavender combination, especially when worn by an elegant gent of a certain age. Just fabulous.

 

Blogger bettieshambles said ... (1:35 PM) : 

This reminds me of pictures that I've seen of my father from long ago. I love it.

I am having a hard time understanding the whole skin-tone, suit color debate. I have dark skin, and am a designer so I have a reasonable understanding of color. I wear every single color you could possibly imagine and it always looks fabulous. Darker skin does not limit, it simply changes the eye. I have a feeling his actual appearance isn't the problem, but rather what you've made up in your mind as acceptable. OPEN UP.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:23 PM) : 

An electric hybrid of Lando Calrissian and Scatman Crothers.

 

Blogger ginjin3 said ... (4:37 PM) : 

the tailoring is flawless. i love the mix of textures and colors he has on. the hat and the sunglasses adds the perfect touch. i wish i saw this gentleman in person, that would really blow me away.

:D

 

Blogger tintin said ... (5:54 PM) : 

That suit has a great cut to it and I'm betting it's bespoke. I don't really care about the color as much as the fabric. Mohair? Linen? I can't tell but it looks a tad on the light side for one of the coldest weeks in NY. If I wore a linen suit in December the fashion police of this city would have me doing time in the stockroom of Men's Wearhouse.

 

Blogger sophie said ... (6:02 PM) : 

how can ANYONE pull off a cobalt blue suit? im very impressed...

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:28 AM) : 

He'd make me smile.a.smile.

If i were to spot him on a crowded street.

p.s.
Must everything be politicized.

No unsavory association with past stereotypes even possessed an inkling in my thoughts of this picture.

Till one commenter ruined this portraits intended context.

I personally just appreciate this one man's obvious love of color and unique style choice.

That is one of the many reasons why I stalk this site. To witness otherwise unseen fashion moments, one portrait at a time.

Shame on those who's taken this portrait beyond unintended political bounds.

 

Blogger Jonesie said ... (2:27 AM) : 

MY! I do live in the wrong city!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (7:32 AM) : 

Wonderful.

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (9:06 AM) : 

I don't understand how anyone can't like the way this man looks. To quote somebody or other on somebody or other - I don't know what IT is, but he's got it in spades...what is that whole blue suit green face conversation about, anyway? you fools.

 

Blogger Unknown said ... (9:21 AM) : 

Note to M.Fan: that suit on that man could be orrible poly and still rock but ANYONE can see that it's BEAUTIFUL.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:06 AM) : 

"I do think, however, that you shouldn't let the opinions of ignorant others COMPLETELY control your decisions."

Of course not. But how we dress reflects all kinds of issues, including how we are perceived and would like to be perceived. For African Americans, American culture is still quite racist. Should we start with the fashion industry?

I don't know too many African Americans who go into luxury stores wearing unkempt clothes even though that's their right. They are in part concerned about perceptions. They know that even if they're perfectly dressed they're still likely to be followed around.

I also disagree that this style is not largely associated with black men. The only over-the-top, loud, colorful patterns I can think of worn by non-blacks in America are ultra-preppy styles worn by WASPs and golfers. Those are clearly play clothes. (I'm not wild about them either.)

Again, I'm talking about how clothes are read in American mainstream culture, not a fashion magazine. Black people who want to be taken seriously, who don't want to be just perpetual "edgy," "exotic" outsiders, pay attention to these things.

For the last time, it was interesting to me, not that some people liked a style that I don't but, that NOBODY ELSE thought it was a bit extreme, which goes to my "exoticism" point.

I've seen many styles on this blog featuring far less extreme looks that sparked much more debate.

The reason I know is because I really enjoy this blog.

 

Blogger OnTheCorner said ... (11:15 AM) : 

god! he´s great!

 

Blogger The People Could Fly Project said ... (8:18 PM) : 

i love this so hard. it reminds me of a painting in my parents house of a black man playing a flute. he is so black that he is blue, or has blue undertones.. when i was little they used to make up stories about him and tell us..

so extra fly
extra fly

ummhmm

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:58 AM) : 

i know i'm late to the discussion, but..

very interesting points on both sides about the social implications of fashion.

i tried to imagine a caucasian man dressed similarly, and the reations it might stir.

it brought to mind a caucasian man featured on oct. 17 2007 wearing a bubblegum pink coat over an irridescent lilac suit. comments were, once again, overwhelmingly positive. both these men really seemed to just own it.

reactions to the outfit were slightly different than from a really sharp, more traditional power suit or somesuch. less reverent appreciation and more endearing approval, if that makes sense. but still on his team, rooting for him with enough respectfulness that it didn't seem derisive. and look at how much beloved support there was for the man with the fan (Sept. 5 2007).

i think the people that anonymous poster mentioned, including his/her own grandfather, who dressed thoughtfully and deliberately in opposition to stereotypes helped to create a gap between those stereotypes and the current day, allowing african-americans the freedom to dress more liberally today.

so i guess i'm saying yay for the previous generations who dispelled stereotypes, and yay for their beneficiaries, who have more freedom to express themselves sartorially.

sorry for the massive ugly run-on sentences, but what do people think?

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:53 AM) : 

He looks like a million bucks. People need to calm down and cut back on the novel length comments.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:34 AM) : 

OH my GOODNESS, I love this outfit SO MUCH!

I get so tired of all the black, black, black, black, and the gray. I love color. I try to avoid wearing neutrals (especially black) as much as possible. And I love it when somebody has the self-confidence to buck trends and stodgy old fashion rules that dictate what is essentially BORINGNESS. This outfit is absolutely impeccable and appropriate in every way -- the style, the fit, the attitude of the man wearing it -- and yet it is like a bolt of lightning because of the color!

-Evelynne

 

Blogger DK said ... (4:23 PM) : 

Ahhh, Sart. I've been a little busy lately, but the kids have a snow day today, and I'm back. It just wouldn't be right if old DK didn't comment here. I know I'm late, but here goes.

Yeah, we shouldn't overpoliticize stuff. Yeah, he has the right to dress like he wants. Yeah, I am impressed that he has loafers that match perfectly with the suit. But...I do think it's two buttons away from a zoot suit.

I mean, you have to understand the Black culture to understand why there are certain people that have issues with this outfit. Blacks historically dressed flashy because that was there venue of expression in a world of overabundant oppression. "The "white man" can't tell me what to wear. I have my own money. I'm going to look good." This was a very unsubstantiated way of thinking, and it was very soon adopted by a lot of the seedier elements (i.e. pimps and hustlers).

Now, I must say that my father is a very dapper dresser and he did steer me away from this type of look. To each his own, but I think fashion is something that should be studied so that the individual can develop a style that reflects their individuality. A cookie-cutter flashy look like this one, I must say that I would never endorse.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (3:15 AM) : 

well what a very thought provoking comment anon 2:53. an inspiring contribution.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (8:18 AM) : 

Beautiful! This shade of blue is divine, almost royal blue, but not less vibrant! The pink note is genius.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (11:40 AM) : 

man rocks... blue shoes is what crosses the line into deliberate iconic status... the guy that said that thing about black skin and blue is ignorant...

Dark skinned black has a blue hue... I know... cos I am one and a photographer...

 

Blogger Kristin said ... (11:44 AM) : 

I actually LOVE this!

 

Blogger in defense of retail therapy said ... (12:58 AM) : 

smooth criminal.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (12:34 AM) : 

love it,love it, love it!!!
I'm in love! if it's all EREDI PISANO', I'll say "Forza EREDI with MORY KABA" we want to see more of this kind of outfit on this blog, most def SCOTT!

 

Blogger RECIEN LLEGADA said ... (5:58 PM) : 

this a new total look in electric blue

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (2:51 AM) : 

Dear Sart,

If possible, could you please put together a year-end group of photos for '2007's best dressed man and woman, including the 'most colorful','most unique', etc., for us to see on your website!

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (10:59 PM) : 

Fits him so well.... I could never pull that off. Love the little pocket-square.. extra touch of coordination.

 

Anonymous Anonymous said ... (1:43 PM) : 

I am delighted by this man, his choice of clothes, his attitude, and the fit of the clothes. Very cool. Very hip. Very daring, and successful.

I am amazed by the reactions of blacks and non-blacks, citing skin colors, racial expectations, etc. This guy doesn't strike me as a pimp! He's a hipster of some ilk. This guy takes it right up to that line, and stops before he becomes undone by being overdone. He's blaring individuality, confidence, style. His lack of 'bling' and fur takes him off the shelf of pimp and onto the display stand of jazz musician.

Who knows what this guy REALLY is? I can say assuredly he is AWESOME.

 

Blogger bomb.ass.ting said ... (8:26 PM) : 

To say he's a 'pimp' is idiotic and ignorant. He's very motown jazzy and he knows what he can pull off. Very suave, takes you back to a much more chill era.

 

Blogger None said ... (1:14 PM) : 

I was browsing through your old archives - being a newcomer to your blog. And this picture just jumped out at me. It made me in a strange, unexplainable way - happy. Thanks.

It's an uplifting picture of a very interesting choice of clothing of I like to think, an equally interesting man.

Thank you for taking it so well.

 

Blogger Jay said ... (2:48 PM) : 

The pocket flower looks like a rose in bloom.

 

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