The next doll of the fashion world?

I searched. This never got posted. Enjoy.

http://archives.chicagotribune.com/2008/aug/28/business/chi-thu-obama-suit-aug28

smjones@tribune.com

wdonahue@tribune.com

Thursday, August 28, 2008
The next doll of the fashion world?
Drawing attention to Chicago’s fashion industry, Obama is expected to wear this Hartmarx suit jacket during his acceptance speech Thursday



By Sandra M Jones and Wendy Donahue
August 28, 2008

Mayor Richard Daley has taken pains to try turning Chicago into a fashion town, hiring a fashion czar and setting up programs to keep fledgling designers from fleeing to the coasts.

But it could well be another famous politician, and his wife, who finally launch Chicago’s fashion industry into the national spotlight.

Though the presidential election is more than two months away, talk is swirling among fashionistas that Barack and Michelle Obama could bring a much-needed dose of excitement to how Americans dress and, in turn, recognition of the renaissance that is taking place in the Chicago fashion industry.

When Sen. Obama steps onto the stage in Denver on Thursday night to accept the Democratic nomination for president, he plans to wear a classic two-button, navy, merino wool and cashmere suit from Chicago-based Hartmarx Corp., the company said. The largest suitmaker in the U.S. has sold suits to Obama over the years and, at the presidential hopeful’s request, sent two tailors to his Kenwood home earlier this month to custom-make a suit for the historic speech.

The company’s highest-end Hickey Freeman suit brand is made in Rochester, N.Y., but Obama opted for the Hart Schaffner Marx label made in Des Plaines at a union shop. The team made the suit in four days.

For those who scoff that pleats are out of fashion, let the record show that Obama’s pants were indeed pleated, with an inch-and-a-quarter cuff. (He has the height to carry them off, OK? And a 33-inch waist.) The suit would retail at a store such as Nordstrom for $1,500.


FULL story at link.

wearing American clothes made by union workers.

Zoot suits. Check out Denzil and Spike in the film Malcolm X to see what I mean - wicked wide brimmed fedoras too.

You need a hip flask to really pull off a zoot suit.