01: CROWNING GLORY
Three-piece jacquard suit and shirt, from Dolce & Gabbana. Silk bow tie, from Kiton. Metal cufflinks, from Ermenegildo Zegna.
You can always count on Italian fashion powerhouse Dolce & Gabbana for unabashed opulence. This peak-lapel three-piece from its Fall/ Winter 2018 collection titled “King’s Angels” features repeating crown motifs all over the suit but balances out the busy design by keeping the palette black (albeit with a slight dressy sheen). With a suit this regal, not much else needs to be done. Just keep it simple with a black bow tie and matching dress shoes.
02: VELVET REVOLUTION
Velvet blazer, wool trousers and cotton shirt, from Kiton. Metal cufflinks, from Ermenegildo Zegna.
Another way to switch it up with the black-tie dress code is with a velvet smoking jacket. The naturally lush texture of velvet lends a richness to the deep jewel hues of emerald, navy or even maroon. You can keep it relatively understated by grounding the jacket with a pair of black trousers, or go the whole hog and do head-to-toe velvet.
03: BLOOM TIME
Acrylic, polyester and cotton blend suit, from Off-White. Cotton shirt, from Brunello Cucinelli. Silk bow tie, from Kiton.
Virgil Abloh’s choice to present the Off-White collection at Pitti Uomo, the biannual trade event where aggressively dapper gentlemen gather, is almost as unexpected as this floral jacquard double-breasted suit. Abloh – polymath, streetwear savant and now Louis Vuitton menswear creative head – is known more for his highly coveted graphic T-shirts and sneakers. But that’s exactly the appeal of this decidedly offbeat option, which will stand out with its weighty, retro feel.
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