What brothers, young and older, are wearing - The Ebony Man Steps Out - clothing - Brief Article

WHEN the new Brother steps out, whether he has his lady on his arm or whether he's styling alone, he redefines the cutting edge. As this recent sampling of style indicates, Brothers on all levels are redefining casual wear, formal wear and business attire. A new and striking piece, favored by Samuel L. Jackson, Will Smith and other style-setters, is the long dress coat, which can reach down to mid-calf or even the ankles. Black on Black outfits are also in style.

FATHER AND SON, jazz musician Wynton Marsalis and Jasper, set a new standard in family outings in a pair of tuxedos.

MAKING HISTORY, Best Actor Denzel Washington, accompanied by wife Pauletta, keeps it simple and elegant with a Giorgio Armani tuxedo.

SEAN (P. DIDDY) COMBS, who one group named Best Dresser of the Year, models a tuxedo with white vest and tie, accentuated by a huge cigar.

THE LONG COAT is a major fashion statement for celebrities and Brothers on the street. Will Smith (above) shows off a pinstriped version by Ozwald Boateng while Hart's War star Terrence Howard (far right) wears the traditional three-button, pinstriped suit. Experts say suits are coming back, but casual wear is still a dominant factor. Ebony Fashion Fair model David Carter (above, center) demonstrates new possibilities in casual wear: a mandarin-collared blue suit. At right, striking hat gives new depth to a window-pane suit, courtesy of Stacy Adams.

BLACK SUITS are big for evening formal wear. NAACP president Kweisi Mfume and son Christopher make the scene in tuxedoes with contrasting vests and different tie styles.

ACTOR/SINGER Tyrese Gibson (left, with Mfume and his son), Attorney Johnnie Cochran (right) and actor/comedian Chris Tucker (below, left) exhibit the increasingly popular black-on-black style. Many Brothers dress up the black suit combination with black shirts and contrasting ties in gold and silver.

THREE DIFFERENT FORMAL WEAR combinations are displayed by the Rev. Al Sharpton, comedian/activist Dick Gregory (c.) and boxing promoter Don King.

TWO WAYS TO ATTRACT ATTENTION at a major outing are shown by the Rev. Jesse Jackson and actor Emmanuel Lewis.

JUDGE GREG MATHIS (above, right) is another believer in the black-on-black style. His combination is accentuated with a contrasting gold tie.

FORMER UNITED NATIONS AMBASSADOR Andrew Young, recuperating from a leg injury, makes the ultimate statement with a Kente cloth vest.

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COPYRIGHT 2002 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group