Sharp Stylings #44: Marc Zermati

We can learn so much from yesterday’s fashion icons.  And living in a post-Mad Men world means we can even enjoy aspects of current male fashions! Every Friday, I’d like to start your weekend off right with a little style inspiration from either then or now. Hopefully, my fellow Mod enthusiasts will find the whole or some detail of the whole to appreciate and maybe even adopt.

So last summer, during our trip to Paris, we stayed with our French Boutik pals, Gabriella and Serge (LIKE their page here!). One day, I was leafing through a French book they had on the Swinging Sixties and was blown away by all the great photos. Serge walked over and made sure to point out one of the key figures in the book: Marc Zermati. I was floored by his swank Parisian styling!

Seeing as summer is upon us, I figured this would be a great shot to kick off the season:

Thanks to Alexandre of Bouton Rouge for posting this photo!

For anyone who doesn't know, Marc Zermati was a key figure of the early Punk scene, establishing Skydog Records which released music by Iggy & The Stooges, MC5, and the Flamin' Groovies. In addition, he organized punk festivals in France which included acts such as The Clash, The Damned, Eddie & The Hot Rods, and more. He appears to be active in the music scene to this day!

But, even more importantly... look at how slick he was back in the '60s! And here, he's just rockin' a casual look perfect for summer: a nice light-colored suit jacket and trousers with a 3-button polo shirt.

It's easy to fall into the trap of dressing 'down' in the summer due to the hot weather. Grab a t-shirt, some jeans or shorts, and a pair of sneakers. And I know I don't have much room to talk, living with an almost perfect Bay Area climate where a hot day for us just means the breeze is a little less cool. Nonetheless, summer shouldn't stop you from crankin' out some style.

Zermati's look above isn't right for everyone's summer heat, but if you can get away with a nice off-white colored suit jacket and pants in a lightweight material with a colorful polo, then get to it! Zermati just eases into the day looking breezy, easy, and cool. Granted, his jacket does look a little heavier than you'd want for summer wear, but you get the drift.

Now, I can't speak French very well, but maybe you can. If so, enjoy this clip of Marc Zermati speaking at his exhibit: