Men's Apparel Group Sets Their Sights On Oscar Fashion

Business Wire, March 25, 2001

Entertainment Editors

NEW YORK--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--March 25, 2001

Men's Apparel Group, makers of fine tuxedos, under the labels of Oscar de la Renta, After Six, and Raffinati, sets their sights on fashion at the 2001 Oscars and the bevy of handsome formalwear looks. Since 1903 Men's Apparel Group has been responsible for dressing men in formalwear for weddings, proms and various other black-tie affairs and continues to help men look their very best.

This Oscar season Men's Apparel Group, the foremost authority on formalwear, has taken the liberty of creating specialized categories to honor those actors whom, at least on Oscar night, truly represent grace, elegance and sophistication in their tuxedos. "It's the subtle differences in formalwear that can make or break an actor's look on Oscar night." Says Men's Apparel Group President Bob Bennett. "That's why we have chosen to acknowledge those actors who have put themselves together with class."

Tom Hanks is the winner of the "YOU CAN COUNT ON ME" award since year after year he shows up on Oscar night looking dapper and gentlemanly...everything a Hollywood leading man should be.

Conversely, the "CAST AWAY" award goes to Ed Harris. His jacket looked great enough, but he went wrong by wearing it over a banded collar shirt with pleats. I guess he didn't understand what the invitation meant by black-TIE. Someone in his camp should do him a favor and send that shirt to a deserted island...never to be seen again!

Hollywood launches a thousand careers every year and thrusts young actors into the spotlight overnight. Yet while these tremendous talents are finally beginning to get the recognition they deserve, they are still far from becoming household names. That's why we've created this award especially for the actor who is on their way to becoming a star. The "ALMOST FAMOUS" award for the best dressed up and coming actor goes to Joaquin Phoenix.

Looking more like a Hollywood legend than a young thespian new to the business, Jamie Bell from Billy Elliot receives our "WONDER BOYS" award for his stylish foray into formalwear. His all black ensemble was both young and classic at the same time.

Finally, the "REQUIEM FOR A DREAM" award - recognizing the best dressed...and dreamiest actor - goes to Benicio del Toro for looking svelte and sleek in a hidden button notch lapel jacket and a classic black bow-tie under a white lay down collar.