Tailored to perfection …
The Met Gala’s red carpet at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York never disappoints. This year’s theme “Tailored For You” celebrates dandyism as seen in the Costume Institute‘s newest exhibit, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
THE GLOSS editors are huge proponents of fine tailoring to sharpen any outfit. They share their suited and booted style inspiration, from the OG Diane Keaton to Bella Freud, plus their favourite vintage pieces that never go out of fashion.
“I think, at its essence, dandyism is about going against the grain. The pulling together of the unexpected: a look that shouldn’t work on paper but simply does, or something that brings a new perspective on a much-loved classic. This could be Colman Domingo – gala co-chair – or Harry Styles in a gender-bending blouse and pearls,” says Sarah Macken, Contributing Editor.
“Equally, Alexa Chung brings a new verve to traditional two-piece suits. Annie Hall may have imprinted on us as the blueprint of cool but, when it comes to tailoring, Chung mixes it up.”
“As Ruby Slevin, founder of female-led tailoring brand Banshee of Savile Row, told me recently; ‘You don’t want to follow the original look down to a tee because you run the risk of it being a bit hammy,’ she advised.”
“Right now, for me, the perfect tailoring buy is a silk blazer by Anine Bing in the softest shade of cream. Speaking of light and bright colours, an off-white pair of tailored trousers and a polka dot blouse remind me of Amsterdam brand Róhe, as originally inspired by Rod Stewart in full retro regalia.”
“I always think of Diane Keaton when it comes to tailoring. In her recent book, Fashion First, she says; ‘There are so many wonderful things to love about a suit. The pants don’t have to be too tight. Neither does the jacket. I like my sleeves to go down long. Suits make me feel comfortable.’
I especially love how she accessorises with belts and hats – Zendaya followed her lead at the Met. Like Diane, I believe a good suit imbues confidence. I have a favourite Dolce & Gabbana suit I picked up years ago in a sale which always makes me feel invincible. Ironically, it’s very similar to Melania Trump’s controversial First Lady portrait!,” says Penny McCormick, Contributing Editor.
“A more recent and much loved addition to my wardrobe is a black corduroy suit from sustainable Irish brand Dear John, which specialises in tailoring and classic menswear-inspired pieces.” @dearjohnclothing
“There’s nothing like a well-cut jacket to pull an outfit together. The fit can really change everything, from your posture to how you feel. A custom-made jacket, to fit you like a glove, is the dream,” says Sarah Halliwell, Beauty Editor.
“I’ve been listening to Bella Freud‘s Fashion Neurosis podcast and love the insights into her own tailoring, which often has a great David Bowie or Bianca Jagger vibe. In fact, Nick Cave only wears Freud’s suits.”
“I’m a sucker for a vintage jacket, even if it’s a bit big. I found a pinstripe velvet one in Armstrong’s Vintage in Edinburgh, Scotland recently – a treasure trove.”
“I got this blazer at a market a few years ago, created from vintage men’s blazers by Dog’s Dinner, kind of patchwork style. I like to shop for men’s blazers in charity or vintage shops for an oversized shape and have built up quite a collection this way,” says Síomha Connolly, Deputy Editor.
“However, my best tailoring find to date is a vintage Yves Saint Laurent linen safari suit that I bought at a flea market in Bushwick in Brooklyn, New York about ten years ago. I take it out every summer without fail, and love to mix and match the blazer and trousers when travelling. I think it was around $100, which felt like a lot at the time, but now seems like a serious bargain!” @bushwickmarket
“Another good find was a green tweed vintage men’s Valentino blazer that I got in Lou’s Lot in the George’s Street Arcade in Dublin.” @louslotshop
