I had the opportunity to meet one of my favorite writers, Robin Givhan, this week. She covers Michelle Obama and writes about fashion for the Washington Post, and was the first person to win a Pulitzer for fashion criticism. I encourage any of my readers (yes, all 3 of you) to check out some of her articles at the washingtonpost.com, or to take a look at her Pulitzer package.
She told me one of her favorite ideas was that the suit is the greatest triumph of western civilization. I unfortunately forget the name of the woman who originally said this to her, but her argument was very interesting.
What man doesn't look good in a well-tailored suit? The jacket disguises what a man doesn't want to show, like some extra gut or muffin tops, and amplifies his best features, like broad shoulders and a narrow waist.
Beyond that, the suit commands respect in every corner of the world. A modern executive man in a suit could go to a meeting in New York, Rome, Tokyo, Cairo, Sydney, or Moscow and command the same respect. The most flamboyant, effeminate hair stylist would appear polished and put together to his clients in a Dolce & Gabbana suit, while the most conservative of Southern Baptist preachers' sermons would hold extra authority when partnered with a three-piece Brooks Brothers.
Fashion is about communication. And like all forms of communication, some fashion statements get lost in translation. The suit, however, is universal.
Thanks for the inspiration, Robin!
