John Gibson: If you want to dress like the Mad Men . . .

Published on Wednesday 10 February 2010 09:07

TIMES are tough in the garment trade but American-owned Brooks Brothers, though, have been getting the breaks, their doors wide open to the passing George Street throng.

Jubilant general manager Peter Heggie, in charge there since it opened two and a half years ago, having five years previously launched Daks at Multrees: "It's dodgy, yes, for most retailers in the trade but we feel robust and competitive enough to weather the current squeeze.

"A new BBC TV drama series from the States, Mad Men, about the advertising world in 1960s New York, is stimulating the clothing styles of that era among some of our customers in suits, shirts and ties worn the series.

"We're doing three entirely different styles in suits – the Madison Avenue named after New York's advertising hub, the Fitzgerald after President John Fitzgerald Kennedy and the Regent, inspired by London's Regent Street. We offer 26 optional sizes in all our basic shirts."

Mr Heggie, sounding like he'd sell his soul on Madison Avenue, somehow has found time to concur with a new survey dealing with "middle men" in trouser level. Some blokes hoist their pants so high that, by the age of 57, the waistband can be just seven inches under the armpit.

It's the great age giveaway, a revelation and possibly close to strangulation.

Hatred is unsexy

The delectable Susan Sarandon in your face, never an unpleasant experience. She's telling us: "Laughing does a lot for the face. Do the things you enjoy. Surround yourself with good people.

"Denying yourself is not good for the face. You can't be a bitter, angry person. Hatred is unsexy and not great for your skin."

Your advice, Susan, is appreciated but comes too late for me. That's where it all went wrong with my face, being bitter and angry all those years. And my plastic surgeon has long given up

Afterwords . . .

. . . here's Sylvester Stallone talking: "Every time I look at a film I've done, or a scene, I think I should have done better." We're with you all the way, Sly. Our sentiments exactly.