The New York Times is touting Thom Browne, the notorious proponent of ankle cleavage, as “today the most envied and influential American men’s wear designer.” Though the article contains much of interest, including the observation that Browne’s suits “caught on with an underserved customer: the businessman who wants to look both conservative and cool,” one claim in particular caught Izzy’s attention. The paper reports that to gain attention for his style, Browne “started eating breakfast—black coffee and white toast—every morning …at Pastis, neatly dressed in a Thom Browne suit-slash-sandwich board.”
It just so happens that one day this past summer, Izzy, apeing the idle rich, himself breakfasted at Pastis, a pretentious French bistro in New York’s meatpacking district. And whom did he behold sitting at his regular table just next to the entrance? Thom Browne, clad in extremely short seersucker pants with massive cuffs, and going sockless in black wingtips, just like in the above photo. The sight of his get-up did make an indelible impression. Little did Izzy know at the time that he was witnessing a highly effective self-advertisement. Mr. Browne deserves a belated hat tip.
No. Sorry. In this instance, a glimpse of ankle is indeed “something shocking,” and “anything” does not, in fact go. However, this … fad … can go, and the sooner, the better.
I can appreciate a gentleman’s well-turned ankle, but if the ankle is not covered, I prefer that the accompanying leg not be covered, as well. If trousers are in the offing (as opposed to off), then socks should accompany them – and preferably, over-the-calf socks, at that.
I will always treasure the recollection of the self-appointed style critic and failed fashion designer, Mr. Blackwell, on national television, with his socks crumpled around his ankles and his furry shins displayed for all to admire – or not, as the case might be.
No one should aspire to that look.
Comment by La BellaDonna — December 1, 2006 @ 5:05 pm