| Kleinfeld is a name that sets many a girl’s heart aflutter as the ultimate destination for finding the coveted dream wedding gown. But even I, entrenched in the world of all things bridal, was not aware of the store’s amazing menswear shop, where a bespoke atmosphere and attention to manly detail transports a willing groom to Savile Row without a plane ticket.
Frank Jedda, the Director of Kleinfeld Men, is the quintessential guide to finding the precisely fitted suit or tuxedo. His impressive knowledge, taste and experience in dressing men for special occasions or proper business is apparent as soon as you meet him.
I thought I would tap him for new menswear trends for the groom that will have him stealing a bit of the sartorial spotlight from the bride.
HOT TREND: THE SHAWL COLLAR
The classic tuxedo jacket typically has a peak lapel, which gives it that formal, dashing appeal. But recently the shawl collar tuxedo has surfaced as the cool, new look. Kleinfeld’s Jedda noted the influence of the red carpet with everyone from Johnny Depp and Bradley Cooper to Tom Hanks and designer-turned-director Tom Ford working this look. Ford, who is always immaculately turned out, rocks this look better than anyone because he keeps it simple and sophisticated.
The shawl collar should always be in satin or grosgrain and should fit smoothly around the jacket, no bumps or wrinkles please. A single button jacket is best with no vent and works well on leaner men. Jedda adds, “You must wear a bow tie with a shawl collar. Wearing a straight tie is the biggest fashion faux pas you can make.” I heard that.
HOT TREND: DINNER JACKETS
Is your groom having a James Bond moment? If the answer is YES, don’t worry...just go with it because the retro-looking dinner jacket is one of the most requested looks by grooms right now. Jedda confessed that just a couple of years ago Kleinfeld only sold a handful of dinner jacket looks, but as of late they’re selling dozens and dozens. What’s with the shift?
Jedda thinks it has something to do with the bride, “The brides absolutely love the way a dinner jacket looks on her groom.” It’s elegant, very sophisticated and fits in with the popularity of today's retro styles. Mad Men, perhaps? The plus of the ivory dinner jacket, which is always worn with black tux trousers, is that it works beautifully with any color wedding dress.
HOT TREND: TWO SUITS ARE BETTER THAN ONE
We’re all quite used to the fact that for several years now brides have been purchasing a second wedding dress to change into after the ceremony, typically something a bit sexier and more party-appropriate. Go ahead and call them copycats, because many grooms have jumped on the bandwagon and are going for two different looks for the big day too. Jedda believes that most men want to wear a tuxedo for their wedding, but depending on the location and theme of the event, a very formal tux might be too uptight to dance until dawn in.
That’s where a change of uniform comes into play. Grooms who opt to double up will wear a classic tux for their ceremony and then switch into a cool dinner jacket look or another suit that’s a bit more relaxed. Perhaps they’ll even add a fun, signature element of their own personal style for the second half, like wearing a three-piece suit or bringing in color and pattern. Fashionable fun for the manly set…I say, go for it!
As always...more to come!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kleinfeld |
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