This ad from mass-market clothier Galey & Lord dates from 1965. But apparently that’s no random model who sat for the portrait. According to textilehistory.org:
In the mid-1960s, six prominent socialites had their portraits painted by Henry Koehler. The garments were crafted using G&L fabrics. Ads appeared in the New York Times Feb 2, 1965.
If that’s your father, leave a comment and let us know.
I’m surprised that you’ve never heard of Wikipedia:
“Ruby Keeler (born Ethel Hilda Keeler; August 25, 1910 – February 28, 1993) was a Canadian-born American actress, dancer and singer most famous for her on-screen coupling with Dick Powell in a string of successful early musicals at Warner Brothers, particularly 42nd Street (1933). From 1928 to 1940, she was married to singer Al Jolson.”
“Go Into Your Dance,” Al Jolson & Ruby Keeler, their one shot together on the silver screen, Highlight: – About A Quarter To Nine (available Youtube). Great Harry Warren/Al Dubin score for Jack Warner. Directed pure Hollywoodiana by Archie Mayo.
A friend of mine worked for Galey & Lord as a salesman starting in the early 60’s. He was a West Point grad and as you had to have an engineering degree for the job, he fit right in. It was a much sought after sales job at the time, more so than IBM, Zerox or Burroughs. All these sales jobs required an ivy style suit, wingtips or bluchers, tie, white ocbd and HAT! You had to be 5-10, keep your coat buttoned, no facial hair, waspy although Irish catholic was good, no bow ties. Women or minorities were out of the question.
The company is now owned by Patriarch Parters, I believe which is run by Lynn Tilton. She is a real rock star in her own right, Yale grad and quite a story!
I agree with kencpollock, which is why I like the look so much. It’s balanced; the subject looks comfortable. Is that a cigarette in his left hand? I can also handle the waist suppression.
For those of you not named Richard Press, headline reference is to 1:53 here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ge8qktLangw
Ruby Keeler belted the number when she was married to Al Jolson before that famous street became Disneyfied.
I’m impressed that anybody knows that Ruby Keeler was married to Al Jolson! Kudos, Squeeze.
@Jeff Jarmuth
I’m surprised that you’ve never heard of Wikipedia:
“Ruby Keeler (born Ethel Hilda Keeler; August 25, 1910 – February 28, 1993) was a Canadian-born American actress, dancer and singer most famous for her on-screen coupling with Dick Powell in a string of successful early musicals at Warner Brothers, particularly 42nd Street (1933). From 1928 to 1940, she was married to singer Al Jolson.”
“Go Into Your Dance,” Al Jolson & Ruby Keeler, their one shot together on the silver screen, Highlight: – About A Quarter To Nine (available Youtube). Great Harry Warren/Al Dubin score for Jack Warner. Directed pure Hollywoodiana by Archie Mayo.
A friend of mine worked for Galey & Lord as a salesman starting in the early 60’s. He was a West Point grad and as you had to have an engineering degree for the job, he fit right in. It was a much sought after sales job at the time, more so than IBM, Zerox or Burroughs. All these sales jobs required an ivy style suit, wingtips or bluchers, tie, white ocbd and HAT! You had to be 5-10, keep your coat buttoned, no facial hair, waspy although Irish catholic was good, no bow ties. Women or minorities were out of the question.
The company is now owned by Patriarch Parters, I believe which is run by Lynn Tilton. She is a real rock star in her own right, Yale grad and quite a story!
@Squeeze. Thanks for the tip on the Keeler-Jolson picture. I’ll check it out.
Six year after,1970 in the post atomic dystopic world.
It looks very much like a Norman Hilton ad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-Norman-Hilton-Fashion-Men-Dress-Clothes-PRINT-AD-/130982592609?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e7f2bc061
“Websites dedicated to the new-age prepster include nerdboyfriend.tumblr.com, and Ivy-style.com.”
Uh oh.
http://online.wsj.com/articles/update-a-preppy-style-with-a-street-vibe-1404342136?mod=_newsreel_1
I agree with kencpollock, which is why I like the look so much. It’s balanced; the subject looks comfortable. Is that a cigarette in his left hand? I can also handle the waist suppression.
Peruna, are you a fellow SMU alum/fan? Interesting to see that name used somewhere…
Reminds me of John Cheever
marinephil,
Cox, Class of 2017