Shaeri
When I saw the challenge that we would be creating clothing for men inspired by the 1950's, I immediately thought of my Encyclopedia Cooltanica...my dad, Sam. Growing up, I saw pictures and heard countless stories about when my father was growing up during the 50's and how much he loved his black '57 Chevy with the Suicide Knob on the steering wheel. My Mom would always chime in and talk of nothing but Dad and his stovepipe jeans and his tight white t-shirts. All my life I've had a love of the 50's just from what my father had told me about because he made it sound so cool.
Also, I did a little bit of research outside of my Dad's photos and stories of the 1950's and I found a tremendous picture of Desi Arnaz. When I saw the sweater that Desi was wearing in that photo, it struck a chord and I started designing like crazy.
The 50's marked the beginning of men wearing pink and there is nothing like the combination of black and pink that says the 50's so well. So, I created a black and pink argyle sweater vest with a pink shirt underneath and put them over my idea of what my Dad's stovepipe jeans might have looked like. I also stuck a comb in the back pocket so he always has a way to keep his hair neat. Dad made two things clear. Rolled cuffs on the jeans and no belt. So, I rolled the cuffs and made sure there was no belt with the jeans.
This outfit is a tribute to my father, Sam. I love you Daddy. Thank you for being such an inspiration and such a cool and hip dad. You really are my man from the 50's. Thank you There for giving me a reason to call my Dad to talk about the things he loves so much.
Also, I'd like to thank Chilly, his black biker boots finish off the outfit. No matter what I design for guys, my men's clothing always ends up being for mild-mannered guys with just a bit of the bad-boy underneath.
