Written by Lewis Cameron

14.02.14

 

Statement tailoring is always a happy alternative to the classic black suit, especially when it comes to dressing up for a formal occasion requiring a little more effort and with it being Valentine’s Day, what better way to express statement suiting attire than to chat about men donning red suits.

 

Obviously I am not advising or promoting red suits for V-Day as that genuinely would come across as a disastrously cheap act of novelty. I am however promoting the stylish men who have donned a red suit in the past and have pulled it off to a high, fashion forward standard.

 

To insert a sense of organisation and structure we will keep things linear and go back to 2011 where our explosively red story begins with 30 Seconds to Mars singer/actor Jared Leto who pulled on a Hugo Boss variant. Swiftly followed by Spiderman’s Andrew Garfield who appeared in a bold Balenciaga ensemble at the Parisian blue carpet premiere back in June 2012.

 

More recently in 2013, UK fashion icon Tinie Tempah rocked Paul Smith for GQ’s Private Dinner back in January alongside Hollywood superstar Will Smith who displayed a three-piece in May at the New York premiere of his Sci-Fi flick After Earth that very same year. Both gents kept it slick and contemporary with Tinie sporting a simple black bow tie and leather fringed loafers with Will Smith accessorising with a classic black belt, white shirt and silk black tie.

 

For those not overly satisfied with minimal accessorising Balmain AW13 has exactly what you are looking for. An oversized alternative, complete with a high waisted detailing and a wide black cummerbund to seal the deal.

 

If that wasn’t enough, even more recently, Bottega Veneta’s Cruise collection offered up a nautical infused double breasted number for SS14 with Van Assache showcasing a colourful red number for AW14 last month. Featuring knotted metallic buttons and an overall sharp metallic sheen to the entire suit.

 

Moral of the story? Men can wear red suits and they can look damn good doing it.