The Powers That Be

The Power Suit: a term which emerged in the 1980s to describe the suits worn by the rising generation of tenacious working girls. The idea was that 'power' could be worn even if it wasn't an innate archetype at the time with women. It was something that they could put on and therefore be recognized as intelligent, viable creatures. Though this term was only coined in the '80s , and prescribed itself to women's fashion wear, if you think about it the liberal revolutionary initiators of America, men such as Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King and before them Theodore Roosevelt were all fighting against the 'man'- the conservative much like the working girls of the 80's. In order to feel strong , they wore strong. The following American revolutionaries have not only changed American politics forever, but also influenced all men who have something to fight for wear their power in a way which influences how they are perceived by those whom need to be persuaded into believing in their given plight.

Teddy Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt who won America's first Nobel Peace Prize in 1906 after negotiating the end to the Russo-Japanese War sported side burns and eccentrically paired his power suit with a set of spectacles at the end of a black cord of silk. Teddy's silk vests are what's missing in today's repitoire of men's wear. That, as well as a fearless choice of tie. Roosevelt's adimence and self assurance when it came to style was part of his pathos.

Martin Luther King
King's clean and simple black suits, worn a touch loser than other gentlemen did at the time, though it portrayed confidence it calmly suggested modesty. What is most interesting is his ever present tie clip. Sometimes acessories serve as a mode of expression to show the power behind a poignant message.

John Kennedy
Though Kennedy was prey for designers who begged him to wear their items, he stuck true to his favorites. The young democrat opted for Brookes Brother's shirts and single breasted suits from Saville Row, a British company. Not very America, but one has to realize that lack of tradition was what was standing between young man Kennedy and the respect he was dying for from the old boys, and their club, in Washington. British goods ooze tradition.

Barak Obama
Newly appointed President Obama's infamous blue Hartmaz suit typically retails for fifteen hundred dollars at their Chicago department stores. This smart suit speaks to the every day man of America. Here, what Obama wears coincides with his social policies. Obama's power suit works because it speaks to the everyday man. His power is normalcy.