Black tie seems to make men nervous. On one hand, it’s understandable, since black tie occasions are increasingly rare in our hyper casual times. The mere prospect of wearing anything that doesn’t stretch, come with a hood or repel water (and pretty girls) is a great unknown for a whole generation of men. On the other hand, it shouldn’t baffle, since black tie is essentially very basic, with a few modifications that set it apart from regular suit and tie.
Recognition for the world's most recognizable men who didn't scream for even more attention on the night when they get more attention than ever (with one glorious exception).
Men’s evening shoes are in a class all their own, made with materials, finishes and aesthetics that distinguish them from regular dress shoes.
My three black tie favorites from this year's Oscars.
In praise of the men who looked great without screaming for even more attention.
It’s official: the Oscars are possibly the worst occasion on which to observe well-executed black tie, with very few exceptions. Not only are simple tailoring cues missed by a mile, but there is also that unnecessary urge for some men to make a statement.
Last night was the third and final time Tina Fey and Amy Poehler would host the Golden Globes, which bums me out. They’re fantastic, and they didn’t disappoint last night.
In lieu of seasonally repeating myself with yet another post-awards show piece about the black tie turnout at the 2015 Golden Globes, I went with a podcast about the telecast itself, the comic stylings of our co-hostesses and some of the awards and recipients.
Amidst last night's usual parade of misfires dictated by ill-informed and overpaid stylists or stars themselves who either don't know better or don't care... the growing number of men who opted for a necktie instead of a bow tie, really…
How to go casual is not a problem with men. I never feel a compulsion to write about hoodies, jeans, sweatpants and sneakers because “As-Casually-As-Humanly-Possible” is a powerful and overwhelming chorus that doesn’t need another voice, no matter how many respected designers and luxury brands send them down the runway. As Bill Maher inimitably put it, our country won’t stop until we can hit the mall in Crocs and a diaper.
Put a guy in a situation like a beach, a gym or a JAY Z concert, and he can demonstrate uncanny sartorial appropriateness – even if he’s nowhere near a beach, a gym or a JAY Z concert. But send a guy an invitation to a black tie event and it’s like watching a dog walk on its hind legs.
As I've said in previous editions of this piece, Hollywood stars command bigger paychecks and higher profiles than their Broadway counterparts. The money and visibility gives Hollywood more access to designers and well-paid (and often overpaid) stylists to help them…