Denim on denim. Denim from head to toe. Denim everything. There is no question that in recent weeks, the infamous Canadian tuxedo has rebranded its fame in the market. I have witnessed the transformation of a full denim outfit go from being an outlandish fashion statement to becoming a go-to for any function.
Dubbed the “The Canadian Tuxedo” in 1951, as history marks, when the American singer Bing Crosby was denied check-in at a Vancouver hotel for being “underdressed.” His lack of formality in question: denim on denim. His Levi’s double denim outfit was too ragged for the high-class hotel. While the bellhop was soon to realize Crosby’s persona, making the concierge aware that he was no average guest, Levi’s opportunity to create a strong PR campaign was unstoppable.
While the Canadian Levi Strauss & Co was founder of the iconic terminology that reigns today, U.S. Levi’s hopped on the marketing campaign without hesitation. It created a custom denim jacket, personalized for Crosby, made from the same 501 jean material. They had red details to further authenticate the jacket and inside the jacket included the message “The notice to hotel men.”
Initially, the tuxedo jacket was intended to create a humorous product that gained remarkable traction in the fashion industry. At the time, denim was seen as clothing of rebellion and more of an innovative and eccentric fashion statement.
Pop-culture stars from Elvis Presley and Bruce Springsteen, to Drew Barrymore and Ralph Lauren fed into the popularized look, each finding their own version. As the style moved from the 50s to the early 2000s, the Canadian tuxedo remained show-stopping.
Moving forward, the tuxedo evolved from different washes to touch-ups in the original style. It hit the red carpet with Brittany Spears and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards and Dior’s collection for the Fall/Winter 2017 collection on the runway. From notwithstanding a hotel entrance, the Canadian tuxedo moved to the world’s most notable fashion platforms.
While the original Bing Crosby look resembled a conventional black tuxedo reimagined in denim, the evolution of the outfit is prominent. In modern day fashion, it can be anything from a denim button-down or blouse, paired with classic denim jeans or a skirt. As long as it’s entirely denim, you can satisfy the iconic look.
The monochrome trend can become a bit overplayed as we see it more and more. What’s important is to keep the accessories cycling and the add-ons ever-changing. From the shoes you pair it with to the jewelry we choose to match, the accessories have the power to amplify the denim. Below are some suggestions.
Boots: Pull out those cowboy boots you’ve been waiting for the right time to style, it’s your time to shine. My favorite pair of red cowboy boots, for a sneaky low price off Amazon, will definitely be coming out to play this spring with a jean skirt and jacket.
Multi-Metal Jewelry: If you know me, you know I adore the look of multi-metal rings. But it does not stop there. I’ve seen a growing trend in mixing metal necklaces, bracelets and even earrings. A mix of silver and rose gold, or any kind of variation, is an effortless way to add a bit of intrigue to the overall attire.
Sunglasses: Spice your tuxedo up with retro round or bold cat-eyed sunglasses. Adding an element of edge is the exact goal of accessorizing the denim suit.
Belt: The bigger the better. I can imagine the great power a chunky belt can do to optimize this look. A strong gold or silver belt buckle with a wide leather to wrap around your waist.
Kitten Heels: What a beautiful opportunity to bring all the attention to a chic pair of kitten heels. Red, animal print, or even a bold black shade will do. The monochrome simplicity of the denim will highlight the beauty of a small heeled shoe.
