From left, WINSTON SILL's photo of the PM looking relaxed in a fabulous white shirt, a file photo of Professor Rex Nettleford, and PICKERSGILL.
Barbara Ellington,
Senior Gleaner Writer
NOW GENTLEMEN, it's your turn. I will tell you right off the bat that many of us who have to see you up close at public events wonder how on earth the women in your lives appear in public with you looking like you did not make the effort when they are dressed to the nines! Picture a gorgeous looking woman; fabulous outfit, great accessories, hair and make-up and then you in retro everything that's a size too small because your girth expanded and you did not go shopping, and on top of that you need a shave!
Thank God, you are in the minority and many of you are learning that clothes are important. So, have an extra Cohiba if you wore a pink, baby yellow or lilac shirt this year. And if you arrived for the beach party in some sand coloured draw-string slacks, sexy thongs and body-hugging tank top, you know why your lady had eyes only for you.
SINGLED OUT
If we singled you out at this year's JCC ball for looking great in your tuxedo, it's full marks. Men like Harry Smith and Mark McKenzie got it right.
Over the years, men like Basil Buck have always looked right in polo shirt and jeans, Bruce Golding is always well-groomed but, most importantly, he appears comfortable, Bobby Pickersgill, James Robertson, Ryland Campbell, Josef Forstmayr, Aubyn Hill and Mike Lee Chin understand the business of suits for the boardroom, cocktail hour and black tie event. Yet, when it's time to dress down, they can wear shorts and Tees well too. Mr. Robertson and Mr. Pickersgill can give lessons on tie selection and Mr. Hill knows that one needs not keep a jacket on in the raging heat.
Yes, guys, take the jacket off, hook it on one finger and carry it slung over your shoulder while walking on Knutsford Boulevard. These are the tropics and it does not look good to see columns of sweat under your armpits!
SAVVY
SOPHISTICATION
We recently noticed the subtle undercurrents of savvy sophistication in Wayne Chen's wardrobe. He looked delicious in that black, long sleeved sweater at the recent art event, as did brother Bobby at Thalia Lyn's Sunday open house. There is just something about the energy that oozes from a man's abs when it's restrained by close fitting knit shirt. These lads have some great examples to follow because when their parents step out, they still turn heads. And, next time you see big
brother Mike Lee Chin's white shirts, you'll understand what I mean.
Not to be outdone is Karl Hendrickson who looks movie-star fabulous whether strolling the grounds of his properties in khakis and polo shirt, or attending a wedding in black and white tux. He takes sartorial elegance to new heights and we like him because he's not into grabbing attention.
Gregory Maine would look drop-dead gorgeous in fig leaves or scandal bags (now, here's a reason for cloning); Rex Nettleford has an excellent sense of personal style and even selects fabric for his fine collection of custom-made shirts. He wears them well too.
Beenie Man understands the importance of the complete look and even though I don't like his music, I love his wardrobe pieces. Shaggy continues to have the inside track on Versace couture and lives the 'less is more' credo. A word to those entertainers and others who love the bling just because you have 10 fingers, is no excuse to pack them with rings.
Our Prime Minister could use a little help in the casual wear department. He seems to get good advice on his suits but those shirts that are a cross between the Mandela line and dashikis just don't do a thing for our island's number one guy.
I would love to dress you, sir; nature and good eating habits have enhanced your good genes and with your great complexion I see your trim frame in everything from pastels to the range of tropical brilliance between mango, strawberry and melon.
Scores of women whisper loudly that you should go for some trendy designer polo shirts teamed with khakis, Dockers, cords, linen blend slacks, jeans and, yes, some shorts for when you are just chilling with friends. Throw in some Bally sport shoes, loop the occasional sweater sleeves over your
shoulders and top that with your favourite shades, and it's a fifth term, sir!
