STYLE ICON – CARY GRANT
Words: Violet
“Everybody wants to be Cary Grant. Even I want to be Cary Grant.”
We couldn’t have put it better ourselves. Archibald Alexander Leach, better known by his stage name, Cary Grant, was (and still is) one of the most iconic movie stars of his time. But he was more than just that: Grant was a true style icon both on and off the screen.
Moments before beginning this piece, we ran into a friend outside TGJ HQ, just off Bond Street. He was wearing a fabulous navy blue suit, crisp white shirt, no tie and a pair of fine leather shoes: put simply, he looked immaculate. Where was he off to looking so dapper? Just to meet his tailor to “have a few alterations done”. What is the point of re-telling this seemingly mundane story? Well, he wasn’t at work; he wasn’t going for an interview, meeting, or date. He was simply out and about in town looking effortlessly stylish in nothing more than a good suit, simple white shirt, and well made shoes. And that’s just it, there was nothing out of the ordinary, nothing that screamed “look at me in my bright yellow chinos and snakeskin boots.” It was a true lesson in timeless style, a la Cary Grant. We’re not about to compare our friend to Grant (he certainly doesn’t need that kind of ego boost), but the point is that sometimes, the outlandish fashion of recent seasons are nothing more than flash-in-the-pan fads; true style will always come out on top, and Grant is a text book example of this.
Hollywood legend Cary Grant personifies this kind of simple, on point style. Taking influence from fellow fashion icons such as Fred Astaire’s amalgamation of casual-meets-formal attire and adding his own unique touches with bespoke detailing, Grant fashioned a look that that has won him iconic style status for decades gone, and those still to come. His father used to say, “Let them see you and not the suit. That should be secondary.” What Grant so effortlessly achieved was the ability to dress in way that enhanced his movie-star looks and roguish smile, but hid his flaws.
The key to his style icon status lies in the fact that he put form and fit over fashion. Now we’re not saying you will ever actually be Cary Grant, but you can sure as hell at least try to take a leaf out his style handbook. Here at TGJ we always have your best interests at heart, so we have broken it down into six easy steps for emulating Grant and his world famous style…
Have a tailored suit to last a lifetime
Grant was rarely seen without a suit on, so forget fast, throwaway fashion and invest in a beautifully made one. We suggest you head straight to No.1 Saville Row and have yours tailor made by Gieves & Hawkes. Grant favoured a selection of grey, blue, black and pinstripe. But if you can only have one, then we suggest very dark navy or black.
Suit, £895, Gieves and Hawkes at gievesandhawkes.com
Be timeless in Black Tie
No one better epitomises the quintessential dapper gentleman; Grant is quite possibly more famous for his Black Tie wearing abilities than even James Bond. He kept his bow tie slightly large, and always worn with a Hollywood smile.
Suit, £795, Gieves and Hawkes at gievesandhawkes.com
Invest in a brilliantly made pair of shoes
A well made shoe can last a long time, his father once told him, “It’s better to buy one good pair of shoes than four cheap ones. One pair made of fine leather could outlast four inferior pairs.” Grant favoured the brown brogue, and even pulled them off with a grey suit (unheard of in his time), so step up and make the purchase.
Shoes, £185, Grenson at grenson.co.uk
Wear a white shirt
It’s hardly groundbreaking, but as Cary Grant said, “I’ve never gone to any special trouble to acquire clothes that could be regarded as noticeably fashionable or up-to-date.” Enter the white shirt. Timeless, chic, it goes with almost anything, just make sure it’s well made and that you keep those collars sharp. For extra Grant-appeal, ensure that you expose ¾ of an inch of white cuff when worn under a jacket.
Shirt, £135, Canali at mrporter.com
Tie it up
“Simplicity, to me, has always been the essence of good taste.” (Grant) Rarely seen without a tie, even off-duty, Grant had more ties than most women probably have shoes. As long as it is simple and subtle you are on to a winner.
Tie, £95, Dolce & Gabbana at mrporter.com
Have fun with pocket squares
Gentleman, the key is in the detail; nothing is as simple or stylish as a flash of a coloured pocket square. Channel you’re inner Grant with a gorgeous little silk number from Hermès or Richard James.
Pocket Square, £50, Richard James at richardjames.co.uk
By Holly Macnaghten
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