Dress Shirts and Lifestyle | Deo Veritas Blog » Don Draper

Mad Men Then and Now | Thoughts on Don Draper and Social Media

AR — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:05:57 +0000

As you already know, we’re a fan of AMC’s Mad Men series. There’s something about its classic style we find appealing, from the office furniture to their timeless suits. Even the accessories make an impression: tie clips, collar pins and cuff links all finding their place again in a man’s wardrobe. Of course, the snappy writing ties it all together, along with the undercurrent of sexual tension simmering beneath Don Draper’s fearless gaze.

But let’s dig a little deeper, beneath the gloss. Mad Men is a step back into another era, a different time. We know what we can expect. Their way of living was simpler and slower than the hustle and bustle of today’s technology and lifestyle demands. Perhaps this is what pulls us into the show, being able to unplug online and sink into our sofa’s, watching their world unfold. They have safe jobs during the birth of corporate America.They work but can have a smoke and a drink during a stressful workday. They live during a time when the economy was honest and a man came home to dinner.

It’d be delusional, though, to want to be in that world. While it’s nice for an escape, the social barriers regarding civil rights had yet to be broken down. Women had few options for a career or lifestyle. Besides, using a typewriter could be cumbersome.

What’s interesting is the show’s premise. It’s at the dawn of advertising with the rise of television. Marketing is about clever slogans, jingles and commercials. Now, that method is dying as we Tivo and block out direct marketing noise. Instead, we connect online through social media, talking directly with those creating the content we’re interested in. So while we watch Don Draper swagger through the birth of his advertising age, we are now experiencing the decline of his time.

What we can embrace are the show’s old world fundamentals, great style and substance. We could use more of this today, with everyone capable of participating online with these new tools now at our fingertips. So while we enjoy the show, we can also bask in the new technology that has allowed us to savor the moment.

Libation: The Old Fashioned

AR — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 17:25:30 +0000

I was in the mood for something to unwind the day’s burden. We had about a hour before our table was ready, so I wanted something strong but mellow. Usually, I’d get a Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks, but my buddy suggested an Old Fashioned. I hadn’t had it before, but our good friend Don Draper recently made one, so I was curious.

The bourbon (Maker’s Mark) came through clearly, but wasn’t overwhelming as the sweetness masked the bitterness, garnished with an orange and cherries. It went down easy, leaving me with a gradually building buzz. Yes, this was the right choice, so we ordered another.

Later, I uncovered the magic ingredients, dating back to the 1880′s from Louisville, Kentucky. Straightforward, simple, forgotten in the mind’s of many and reinterpreted many times over. Sometimes, it’s nice to take down a classic, something different from the regular lineup, a refreshing step back from modern boredom. Nostalgia never tasted so good.

And now, you can have one too. Here are the drink’s recipe for success:

Whiskey or Old Fashioned glass
1 sugar cube or a teaspoon of crushed sugar
2 dashes of Angostura bitters
Add some water to dissolve the sugar, now mix
Add 3 or 4 ice cubes
2 ounces of bourbon or if desired, rye
Stir and add garnish, twist. Some prefer orange or cherries or both

Now kick back, have an interesting conversation with the brunette and you’re good to go. We’ll recommend a good libation every now and then to help freshen up your rotation. If you have any recommendations, feel free to let us know.

We’re Mad for Mad Men

AR — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 05:05:08 +0000

I’ve joined the Mad Men bandwagon. My friends have been asking me to check it out, but I was still getting over The Wire. Going from The Wire to Mad Men requires a transitional period or possibly a time machine. Nonetheless, I was bowled over by the writing, acting and the look of the show. It seems the limitations of basic cable have spurred the writers to think outside the box and triumph with a creative edge only thought to be found on HBO or Showtime. Who knew intelligent plots and fierce writing could still exist? Sure I can’t relate specifically to the time period, but I can identify with the characters’ motives and dilemmas. It’s also fascinating to be introduced to a new world in which style and manners were expected and not saved for special occasions.

What I find striking about the show, however, is the cinematic look and feel of it. Everything looks clean, shiny and new, which it was at that time. The actors and actresses look terrific, reflecting the period’s economic boom. Their style and fashion adds to their glamour of casual smoking, sex and booze, specifically for Don and Betty Draper. It’s not that they are wearing anything trendsetting or fashion forward for that era, but wearing something that is iconic and timeless for everyday use. The men are usually wearing dark colored, slim fitting, two button suits with skinny ties, complimented with a white dress shirt. It’s a sleek, simple look that defines that era and attitude, which looks fresh and modern today.

There’s been a growing interest with the Mad Men 1960’s style with the show’s audience, but also on the runways with fashion designers such as Michael Kors. Banana Republic had a splashy campaign tied in with this season’s premiere, hoping to cash in on the Mad Men frenzy and their own classic look. Personally, I like the custom tailored, slim fitting suits and skinny ties with a clean white shirt and French cuffs. There’s a simple elegance I find refreshing. It’s a look that can be a foundation for any man’s wardrobe, never going out of style like a fad, but proven to be a long term, quality investment.

So for those of you out there familiar with the Mad Men series and style, what are your thoughts? Do you feel like getting a skinny tie or a fedora and think “What would Don Draper do?” Do you like that classic look or go for something else?