Legendary director Francis Ford Copolla celebrated his 80th birthday in April. From his pen, or rather camera, came the famous trilogy about the Italian mafia “The Godfather”. And the first associations with this film, in addition to the famous Don Corleone, are elegant mafiosi. The film, although it is in color, is replete with black and white colors. And all because of the most strict classic appearance of the Corleone family.
We do not recommend that you organize your own criminal group and become a mafioso - questions may arise for you at the legislative level. But dressing like an inveterate gangster is easy.
Vito Corleone's criminal group is truly organized. The mafia here not only follows its own rules and laws, but also adheres to a single outfit. A strict corporate style is the key to the success of each member of the “family”. The gangsters needed to present themselves correctly and for this they used clothes with all their might. It is unlikely that such groups would be taken seriously if they were dressed in shorts and sandals.
Straight to the point
The main element of the wardrobe is, undoubtedly, the suit. The suit can be different: two-piece, three-piece, even a tuxedo. The main thing is to wear it for suitable events. For example, a tuxedo with a bow tie for my daughter’s wedding. A three-piece suit with a tie for important negotiations. But I’m trying to make myself comfortable in something more comfortable: a white starched shirt and an unbuttoned jacket are quite suitable.
This also includes patent leather shoes, polished so that you can look in them instead of a mirror. Suspenders are an excellent replacement for a belt, especially if you are overweight. A white scarf must be present in the breast pocket of the jacket.
All elements of clothing should be as strict as possible: no bright colors. Your appearance should speak two things for you: 1. you are a business person; 2. You are not to be trifled with.
On style: gangster fashion and the best films about the mafia
Al Capone was one of the pioneers of the image we have come to associate with gangsters. The common mafioso style that has become part of popular culture - the double-breasted pinstripe suit and Borsalino felt hat - is based on the image of Capone. Tailor-made Italian suits ($500 each—that's $6,500 today), a statement silk tie, suspenders, and patent brogues—this was the look of Al Capone, who had a weakness for white fedoras, cufflinks, and tie clips.
Al Capone (center)
However, many gangsters had good taste and were, as they would say now, influencers. Mayer Lansky wore bow ties, soft wool suits and sunglasses. Joe Barbosa looked great in chinos, cardigans and bomber jackets - complete with the same sunglasses. Joe Bonanno sported luxurious heavy coats (which also became one of the symbols).
Mayer Lansky
Joe Barbosa (center)
Joe Bonanno
By and large, their tastes did not differ from those generally accepted. Rather, the secret was in the details. Powerful rings (Capone loved pink stones), diamond pins for a shirt collar - everything was expensive, high-quality, solid.
Al Capone
The fashion for this style returned in the 80s thanks to the gangster films of Scorsese and Leone. It returned, but did not become widespread: a number of brands used individual elements in their collections. Mafia Style was inspired more by pop culture than by ordinary consumers. The redundancy to the point of foul, which distinguished the outfits of gangsters, came into place in the 80s (remember the videos of Jackson and Madonna - Smooth Criminal and Vogue).
Interest in dudes who combined elegance with cruelty has not gone away: pop culture regularly exploits this style. A lot of films have been made about gangsters, here are three of the most stylish, in our opinion:
"Good guys"
“For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster. For me, being a gangster meant much more than being the President of the United States,” Henry Hill begins his story with this confession. Henry's dream came true, he made an excellent career as a criminal, had a good time, in his opinion, and lost everything. Martin Scorsese's filmography is full of amazing work, but Goodfellas is, for many, his best film.
Quote:
- Why don't you get yourself a nice girl?
- Mom, I find myself a good girl every evening.
Still from the movie "Goodfellas", 1990
"Face with a scar"
Brian De Palma's 1983 film from a screenplay by Oliver Stone is a remake of Howard Hawks' 1932 film of the same name. Al Pacino plays Cuban emigrant Tony Montana, who quickly rises to the top, takes over the criminal business from his boss, and marries his girlfriend (Michelle Pfeiffer’s first serious role. At one time, “Scarface” caused a storm of critical reviews (“an empty, mocking film” wrote a reviewer for The New York Times), and today is considered one of the best remakes of all time and simply a cult movie that greatly influenced pop culture.
Quotes:
- Be happy with what we have.
- You rejoice, but I want something completely different.
- Yes? And what do you want, I wonder, Tony?
- The whole world, Chico, and everything that is in it.
- First we will get money, when we get money we will have power, when we have power we will have women.
Still from the film "Scarface", 1983.
"King of New York"
"King of New York" is a dark urban thriller filled with gangsters and crazy cops. Christopher Walken plays Frank White, a Robin Hood thug who wants to help the poor,” was how the Los Angeles Times described the film. The film directed by Abel Ferrara was criticized for its glossiness, foppishness and cruelty, but time has put everything in its place: now “The King of New York” is perceived as a classic. And Christopher Walken's work is like chic glitter.
Quotes:
“You guys were getting fat while everyone else was starving.” Now it's my turn.
— I spent half my life in prison. I never succeeded, but I never killed those who did not deserve it.
Still from the film “King of New York”, 1989
It is cold outside
The suit will need to be saved in bad weather, and a raincoat fits this role. The ideal solution would be a classic trench coat. If the weather outside is near zero, wear a stylish coat. Remember that all clothes should be in muted, nondescript shades. Place a homburg hat on your head - a wonderful accessory that will complement your look. Enemies will tremble with fear inspired by your solid and formidable appearance.
PAJAMA PARTY: How to dress like a real gangster
So, do you want to become a real gangster? There is nothing easier, we will teach you. Black people from Harlem are mistakenly called gangsters.
(impressive, isn’t it?) with false teeth made of gold (the presence of a brulik is considered especially chic), in chains like a Christmas tree and with pants and a felt boot on his head that are always falling down.
(the guys couldn’t restrain themselves) But this is a true insult to the classic culture of gangsters and now we will take a closer look at what they are like and how to become a real Sicilian mafioso.
To be a true mafia boss, dashing courage is not enough; you also need a huge number of colorful attributes. Gangster clothing style can be considered one of the specific varieties of retro style. This style is characterized by elements of luxury, pretentiousness and pathos. So, clothes:
We don’t need excess, so we choose a suit. For us, the main thing is accuracy, grace and convenience (in case we have to independently carry a corpse from the trunk for a long distance).
You definitely need glasses, cufflinks, a gold watch on a chain and any other fancy accessories to complement your style. The shirt should be striped or classic, and the trousers should be perfectly pressed with such a crease that you can cut yourself on them! Tie. The tie should reach the trouser belt - the standard length, because shorter is ridiculous. If you're going to add suspenders to everything else, it's best to choose ones that fasten with buttons rather than those that are attached with clips. The clip can fly off at a crucial moment, if it is at the moment of disassembly and the clip knocks out the enemy’s eye, then all right, but if you have to hide, then the fallen pants are not at all comme il faut. We choose with buttons. Socks. One tone lighter or darker than the trousers. Shoes – two-tone loafers, flaunt so flaunt! And don't forget about the classic double-breasted jacket. Behind the two sides fits not one Thompson submachine gun, but two.
And don't forget the Borsalino hat and cigar!!!
Robert will show you how to do it right
The car is definitely a Ford V8.
which should contain a gentleman's set of weapons, limestone, a mini-shovel, a basin, powder for preparing cement mortar, handcuffs and a case for money.
You can hate people and adore animals
Women's version. Sometimes, in the modern interpretation of the female gangster style, only a slight reworking of the male image is used. A striped suit and patent leather shoes are also used.
But it’s impossible to imagine a mafioso without a beautiful woman in a boa or furs! A girl who is next to a man dressed in gangster-style clothes must fully match her gentleman. A woman's outfit should be distinguished by sophistication, sophistication and femininity. The dress can be used in two types, which include either a little black dress or a luxurious evening dress, embroidered with sequins, bugles, rhinestones or beads. Women's shoes must have heels. The entire set of accessories, which includes a fur coat, muff, small hat with or without feathers, should indicate luxury. Diamonds or their imitation, created at a high level, would be considered a good addition to the image of a gangster’s girlfriend.
Silk, satin, velvet, pearls and fur! Short dresses and bold sleeveless options. Stockings, garters and small bags with compacts. and definitely a heel...
... and a bold gait! Tricks:
Since you are a gangster's woman, know how to stand up for yourself. You can put poison in your powder compact... And you can put a small pistol in your stockings or underwear.
Attach a flask with a strong sleeping pill to your garter
You can choose unusual shoes...
and remain a modest lady
(who shot, me? You are mistaken).
And the main thing is self-confidence.
Have a wonderful evening everyone!
What then?
Well, in your old age, when you have already moved away from your mafia affairs, calmly switch to loose suits. Light brown trousers, a graphite checkered shirt, big socks tucked into leather shoes. Let your successor wear formal suits and adhere to the dress code.
I would like to note that the appearance of the mafia in the film “The Godfather” is not exaggerated. Just take a look at what the Sicilian crime “families” actually looked like.
1 of 3
Ep 12 The Mystery Of Meyer Lansky
Author: Anastasia Vlasova
