Rumor had it that James Bond would not be wearing a tuxudo when Daniel Craig took on the role for Casino Royale. Hard to imagine in 2006. Impossible today. [1,2]
With the 2018 Saline High School prom less than four weeks away, it’s a good time to put related questions of a proper gentleman’s attire into context. Saline Journal began by asking local expert Dave Perry of Perry’s Tuxedos Plus about relevance and influence. Like most years, he’ll rent a large number of the tuxedos that will be worn on May 5.
“Girls go all out,” he began. “They’ll be decked-out.” Generally speaking, “high-end style is their priority.
“Guys wear tuxes to ‘fit’ with this” — whether attending prom as part of a couple or solo. Mr Perry additionally noted a clear difference he sees between those juniors and seniors who come into his shop with mothers or girlfriends, and those who do not.
“Men need a female to appreciate what a tuxedo does for them. That’s when they’re struck by the full effect.”
Saline Area Schools Superintendent Scot Graden told Saline Journal that prom “continues to be an iconic tradition for upperclassmen at SHS,” characterizing it as clearly “formal.” It enjoys strong participation and “shows no signs of slowing down.”
In terms of style, Dave Perry said that most trends start on the coasts and that Hollywood has always had a great deal of influence. Shoulder pads are narrowing now. “The current trend is toward thinner, tighter — and it’s not limited to coats: The ‘skinny jeans’ look is showning up in tuxedo pants.” [3]
David Raft, Saline High School Principal, regards his students as “pretty mature, and they take pride in looking good. This is a big deal to them and they take it seriously.” As he expanded upon this for Saline Journal, it underscored what these clothes help reflect.
“Seniors are excited because they are ending a chapter of their lives here at Saline High School,” Mr Raft began. “This is a ‘celebration’ of their lives here at Saline High. “Juniors are excited because this is their first opportunity to visit ‘The Big House.’ Juniors know that they are officially seniors now.”
It should come as no surprise then that Dave Perry sees mothers wanting to be a part of that from the very earliest point where jacket is first removed from the rack.
References
- “Movies – Trailer trash: No jacket required” Jason Solomons (January 22, 2006) The Guardian.
- “Being James Bond Part I: The 007 Tuxedo” Peter Marshall (October 30, 2011) The Black Tie Guide.
- “The best of black tie in film” Kitty Knowles (June 19, 2015) GQ Magazine.
