Don Draper has influenced what men want to wear
We've seen it before with reality programmes like TOWIE and Geordie Shore, now men are being influenced by Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire.
London’s oldest tailor, Ede and Ravenscroft, has seen sales of classic men’s accessories such as braces and bow ties soar over the last year, partly thanks to the nation’s love for TV period dramas.
Today’s stylish men are adding a modern twist to classic looks by opting for bright, colourful and patterned accessories.
Ede and Ravenscroft has seen sales of patterned braces increase by 125% in the last year, pocket squares by 16% and bow ties by 15% - all evidence that gentlemen are looking to add individual character to their suits, with inspiration taken from the likes of popular TV series Mad Men and Boardwalk Empire.
Clare Little, Head of Retail, at Ede and Ravenscroft comments: “Ede and Ravenscroft has recently seen an increase in sales of colourful accessories, coinciding with the trend for men to dress in a more classic style.
"These sales have carried on steadily increasing in line with more period dramas hitting our TV screens. It’s great to see men coming in store looking for ways to add character to their everyday dress.
"Ede and Ravenscroft has a wide and varied accessories range, from beautiful paisley silk pocket squares to brightly coloured braces which all add character and personality to men’s suiting.”
Influential dapper characters include Albert ‘Chalky’ White from Boardwalk Empire, set in the 1920s. He uses bright bow ties and colourful pocket squares folded as a pointed flap on the chest pocket, which often clash, to dress up his suits.
Accessories are key to pulling off the Mad Men 1960’s look; hats, tie bars, bowties and pocket squares provide a way for men who wear suits everyday to show their personality. Don Draper, the show’s lead character, uses colour and pattern to great effect and his style stands him out in a crowd. Suits are never worn without a pocket square for which he prefers a simple horizontal or “square” fold. He adds flash to his ensemble with cufflinks, tie pin and a hat, whilst maintaining a classic look.
Tagged in fashion Mad Men men's fashion Boardwalk Empire