Over the year designers of women’s couture have been celebrated with fashion shows, magazine covers and mentions in chic columns. Names like Galanos and Herrera have been renowned for their designs as well as the beauty of the construction. But in the world of men’s fashion, Oxxford Clothes has been living up to its standard of excellence for nearly 100 years.
Oxxford Custom Suit* (Value $5,000)
Founded in 1916 by brothers Jacob Weinberg and Louis Weinberg, Oxxford Clothes has time and time again been considered “the quintessential American suit maker.” Why, in 2001 Forbes Magazines declared Oxxford to be “the best American suit.” Perhaps it’s because the brothers established and stay committed to their goal of establishing “the standard by which all men’s tailored clothing is judged.”
From the start, the Oxxford suit was worn by the likes of Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Walt Disney, Joe DiMaggio and U.S. Presidents. In fact there is a Dallas connection to the Oxxford story. Neiman Marcus was the first to introduce Oxxford to its clients.
In 1985 author Alan Flusser described the points of high-end suits in “Clothes And The Man” —“In most cases, the softer the feel of the suit, the better it is. One might try putting one’s hand on the chest and squeezing the cloth. If it is soft to the touch, chances are it’s not only a fine fabric but of quality manufacture. Perhaps the easiest way to experience the feeling of wearing a hand-made suit is to try on one manufactured by the Chicago clothing firm of Oxxford. While the design is for the older man, it is the finest quality ready-made suit manufactured today.”
But Oxxford has added new cuts that appeal to the younger audience thanks to the artisans who treat each jacket, pair of trousers and garment as if it were a piece of artwork, which it is. For instance, such little touches as the one-piece waistband on the back of the trousers may not be obvious to the uneducated but to men of discriminating taste, it’s just one of the differences in wearing Oxxford. That’s why the Oxxford client is typically at the head of the boardroom table.
* Compliments of Neiman Marcus
** Photo provided by the Dallas Museum of Art’s Art Ball
***Restrictions: Must be redeemed at Neiman Marcus Downtown