The Black Nouveau

In the world of Mens Fashion there are few designers who can be called true genius’ for their designs. Mr Thom Browne is among that few. He is the American designer of the label which bares his name,  and was named GQ Designer of the Year in 2008, and also won the prestigious CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year Award in March of 2006. Thom Browne’s design aesthetic is classic, his suits are composed of flat front pants with exposed ankles and a jacket that concludes mid-wrist and doesn’t cover the backside. They almost always have three buttons, narrow lapels rolled to the middle button, side vents, and trouser without belt loops.

 Thom Browne is without a doubt my favorite menswear designer, and he holds a somewhat special place in my repertoire. When I worked as the assistant to New York based, Bespoke mens shoe designers Derrick and Kirk Miller of the Barker Black label, I gained a great interest in Thom Browne. Mainly because his label was started by himself and Kirk Miller (of Barker Black) and Kirk would tell me how he helped Thom launch his brand, and he would almost always come into work with a Thom Browne jacket or trousers. And thats how I became interested in the genius of Thom Browne and his beautifully made suits, that gave men a new silhouette of dressing, a true throw back to the 1950’s. Also just recently, after a long day at work I was strolling down 5th Avenue and who was walking just ahead of me in a navy blue well fitted suit, was non other than the man himself, as you can imagine my excitement got the best of me and I almost ran right into him! But he was very gracious and kind and could tell I was a die-hard fan, I shook his hand and told him how much of an inspiration he is and how exceptional his work is. It was one of the best moments I could ever ask for.

 Mr Thom Browne, we at The Black Nouveau salute you.

Image courtesy of OWN Magazine

James