Style Profile: Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando will be forever revered as one of America's leading Hollywood men - capturing the essence of versatility, raw talent and debonair. Brando's roles have had a daring scope, ranging from Don Vito in the Godfather to Jor-El in Superman making his adaptability and classicism well sought after by Hollywood - much like the Brando by Paul Evans.
Like all classics, Brando remains an inspiration to the world, including multiple aspects of menswear. Marlon’s personal style is just as revered as his on screen counterparts, adapting to each one of his roles while becoming Hollywood’s first method actor and style chameleon. In “A Street Car Named Desire,” we see Brando take on the role of brutish husband Stanley. An abusive, rough around the edges gent, Brandon’s on screen portrayal projected that in wardrobe with fitted white tee shirts and classic American denim. The look is simple, but an iconic staple of the menswear world, proving that sometimes less is more.
A modern way to update this look is by snagging a polished supima cotton Henley, and adding raw selvage denim and topping it off with a beautiful brogue shoe. Preferably in oxblood.
Brando’s roles remain, to this day, some of the most influential parts in Hollywood, but Brando’s personal style took a life of its own off camera. Slim fitting knit tops, paired with a roomier dress pant and an optional overcoat or leather jacket became a standardized uniform for Marlon. Additionally suits became a second skin for the actor helping iconize roles like The Godfather and introducing tailored looks to the American gent. And while uniforms are typically a sign of the mundane, Brando made an effort to showcase his charisma through classic suiting and effortless cool.
There are a plethora of current style icons for the world of menswear and, like the worlds of Hollywood and fashion, “one day you’re in, the next day you’re out.” Style follows the same sequence. Like the classic white button down, Marlon Brando will forever be a staple of classic menswear taste.
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