from the belfry: 50's/60's Black

This suit is a very cool example of current fashions repeating styles of the past. The "latest" looks for men involve slimmer ties, collars, lapels and pants. The trousers are trim flat front, tapered and without a break. Jackets are more fitted and being shown in shorter lengths. Many of latest fabrics from Europe are sharkskin-likemetallics. Check out Thom Browne's latest designs fof Brooks Brothers' "Black Label" line and see what I mean.

All of the above were typical of the styles of the late 50's and early 60's. If I were a young man of fashion and on a limited budget, I would get me to a knowledgable vintage clothier. Fortunately, you've already found me so you're half way home!

The irridescent "sharkskin" suits of the 50's/60's have become iconic, reminescent of Frank, Dino and the "Rat Pack" who wore them. They and the suits were the height of cool.

Vintage Coinnoisseur Trivia

The Rat Pack's suits were generally custom-made by Jerry Lewis' Hollywood tailor, Sy Devore. Sy did Jerry's amazing wardrobes in "The Nutty Professor" and "Cinderfella". Sy also made Jerry's personal wordrobe until he (Sy) passed. By the way Jerry went through alot of tailored clothing because he was allergic to cleaning fluid!

I'm sure I would have loved to run his friendly neighborhood Beverly Hills Consignment Shop!!!

In my experience, the sharkskin suits and jackets one generally finds are low-end knock-offs of the Rat Pack's stuff but the suits and coats I'm currently listing are of a quality that they could have been owned by wealthy celebrities.

This one is a black lusterous tone-on-tone stripe in imported mohair. The jacket is a three-button single-breasted model with authentic hand-detailing for "Mike the Tailor" of Philadelphia. Look at the pictures and how well the suit hangs, particarly with noone in it! The coat has a narrow notched lapels, straight flap pockets, open breast pocket and center vent. The coat is half lined in black satin. There are two buttons on each sleeve. There are two inner breast pockets.

The coat should fit a small average-sized taller man between a 38-39R to long. The jacket measures from top of the collar to bottom of the hem is 32"; the chest is measured from armpit seam to armpit seam, doubled is 40"; the length from mid collar to the end of the cuff is 34" and the length from shoulder seam to the end of the sleeve is 23".

We have a real "sea of sharkskin" at the moment so take advantage of the great selection while you can!

Enjoy!

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