<p>Okay - I've read with vicarious pleasure all the threads and posts about finding gowns for our singers on here. And I know all about tuxedos for orchestra performers. But I have the dilemma now of trying to find something interesting for my composer son to wear at premieres and galas. I suppose our male singers may have similar needs?</p>
<p>A suit is too dull. Rock star outfits are inappropriate. Maybe something a charismatic conductor would wear after the concert while mingling with patrons? (Of course, my son doesn't have the budget of a successful conductor...) For years he wore an old black velvet Yves St. Laurent suit I had purchased at a White Elephant sale before he was born - but he's both outgrown it, and worn it out.</p>
<p>I’ve seen a lot of black turtlenecks and also nice sweaters, but in both cases, forget what the pants were like. Corduroys? Thinking of Jordan Hall here. Of course, Steve Reich had a baseball cap on. Will ask various family members who are up on fashion :)</p>
<p>I have always liked vests for their flexibility. You could even pick an interesting material or two and have them made. With a charismatic young conductor I could picture it being part of a “signature” look. My other thoughts are all interesting unusual accessories- scarves, hats or shoes.</p>
<p>I would hit up the same spots the girls hit up. Go to high end outlets , think Armani or Zegna, Barneys, or Saks Fifth Off, especially right now where a lot of the formal wear is up to 75% off. Even get a size larger and take it to a really good tailor for a fitting. Also check to see if you have any really good consignment shops nearby. It’s after the holidays that folks take things in.
If you want to check out some interesting new profiles, look at Barneys web site and then go on the hunt elsewhere. Personally, I am more likely to buy jeans at Target, but I am married to a clothes fanatic with limited means.</p>
<p>How about a nice dark grey pinstripe suit with a black banded-collar dress shirt. It’s takes away the dullness of a suit and tie, but is still stylish. You can probably find an Yves St Laurent or DNKY suit and shirt at Macy’s for under $400. Just keep looking on website and you can find a great deal. What is your budget?</p>
<p>This is fun. Please keep throwing out suggestions. Not sure of the budget but a 21st birthday is coming up, and a gala…</p>
<p>Somehow I don’t see my son in a pinstripe suit - not his particular style - but the vest idea is intriguing. As is the really good consignment shop. The problem with some of our high end consignment stores is that they’re all for women’s clothing. Men’s is harder to come by.</p>
<p>High end outlets - hadn’t even thought of it for guy clothes. Whenever I look at things on the web it always looks so relatively conventional rather than ‘artistic.’ Half the time when I see something on the web that looks promising I discover it’s a cheaply made costume for vampires or something!</p>
<p>Even at 75% off, you might end of spending $300-$500 on a good, well designed, forward thinking jacket. To that add an interesting (patterned silk?) coloured shirt, vest and slim pants. These can all be found at interesting thrift shops. And don’t forget the Fluevogs. <a href=“http://www.fluevog.com/code/?w[/url][]=gender:men”>www.fluevog.com/code/?w=gender:men</a></p>
<p>musicamusica, your link to fluevog (I like the black and pink wing tips) made me think that my tassel loafers could be older than SpritManager’s son!</p>
<p>Unlike a lot of hip footwear, Fluevogs are REALLY well made, I know that D has had a pair for four years that she wears on a weekly basis. They have fantastic customer service and let you bring them back to the store if they need repair (FREE!)</p>
<p>I think there is a Fluevog up your way in SF. D flies up for a monthly coaching and last time bought some groovy purple boots there. Makes me wish I had younger feet.
Seriously— I can really see the importance of dressing a young composer well. Somewhere between edgy and classic. I imagine that by now he has the occasional interview with the media or an after performance schmoozing with patrons. And who knows when Gordon Getty might have him over for cocktails? Gotta be ready!! Have fun.</p>
<p>Musicamusuc, you are essentially the only other person whose mentioned fluevogs in my (cyber) presence. My gal pal makes a trip to Montreal every year for their blowout sale. I had the opportunity to wear hers on a recent trip and was surprised at how exceptionally comfortable and well-made they were, so they get my vote.</p>
<p>Now pair that with a retro smoking jacket and black turtleneck and he’s good to go ;)</p>
<p>Black velvet jacket goes well, or an interesting vest. Agree with Zara and H & M (though H & M clothes don’t last that long). Boutiques might be best, vintage or otherwise. I think it is a delicate balance, because the composer wants to give a lot of credit to musicians and so being too much of a presence can work against that, but at the same time, the composer needs to be a presence, which is a way of valuing the work. There is a wide range. Most composers on the East Coast seem to be in regular cotton button-down, turtleneck or even T shirts, but I went to one composer’s concert and he was elegant in a black velvet jacket, and I thought it was a great way for him to show respect for the music.</p>
<p>Compmom - I like what you say about the composer needing to strike the balance between ‘a presence’ and ‘too much presence.’ That is so true! And, yes, there are plenty of composers out there who don’t dress in any particular way - for good and ill. It will all also depend on the particular circumstances: varying for premieres and fundraising events - and audience. In front of a symphony orchestra audience one would want to dress one way, in front of a summer festival audience another way, and at the $1000 seat gala, yet another. And with one’s own young hip New Music Ensemble perhaps yet another!</p>
<p>I’ve started roaming around on E-Bay for smoking jackets… I did see Gustavo Dudamel on the PBS broadcast wearing the most glorious deep blue velvet jacket.</p>
<p>My son is very much one of those kids with a “look,” somewhere between hipster, retro and classic. And surprisingly, it’s made up mostly of Banana Republic (fantastic slightly edgy/dressier sweaters, Mad Men suits, etc. - watch for frequent sales/promotions), vintage (this is the key, but it’s easier in LA) and a bit of Urban Outfitters (he’s gotten a couple of go-to jackets there). For shoes, he stalks Bed Stu for black friday sales, etc. - amazing boots and shoes.</p>
<p>Spirit - for smoking jacket and such check out Gentlemen’s Emporium (google it, or name plus .com) – think they might actually even be in your neck of the woods ;)</p>