Newport News, VA to be exact. Wore a red velvet leisure suit to the Jackson 5 concert at the Hampton Coliseum in 1972. Caddy at the Williamsburg, VA Country Club. FIT graduate and a lover of the 30's drape. The only man I know who can speak texture and have any of it make sense. Stints running custom at Saint Laurie, Dunhill and a few he'd just as soon forget.
A new gig with the custom shop at J Lucas Clothiers. Showed me how he had a worn out pair of driving moccs refurbished with a leather sole. They look perfect. Duck canvas pant contrasts with an elegant spread collar shirt and a tie...I've never seen a tie drape like that. His writer is Boyer. Polo shirt is Fred Perry. Hermes...but only the leather goods.
"Taste is emotional. It has spirit and it needs years to marinate." Together we looked out the large window onto Madison Avenue and watched people walk by. Avery smiles, "The other day I was walking down the street and my feet didn't hit the ground because I'm wearing what I want to wear and just as I'm feeling so good a woman walked up to me and said, "You're too elegant to be smoking a cigarette. Put that out." And I did." he laughs. "Or, at least I wanted to."
That's style right there. I'm impressed by the contrast of the socks against the cuffed pants and shoes.
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing duck canvas pants, oxford, tie, and jacket for years, and had the hubris to think I was unique. Mr. Lucas does it better, I think. Did you happen to ask him who makes his pants?
ReplyDeleteNice pants and great photos. He might speak texture, but you can shoot it. I'm really feeling the deep cuff.
ReplyDeleteWhere might one get duck canvas pants like these?
Brian- Everything w/ Avery is about contrast.
ReplyDeleteSchorsch- I'll ask and get back to you.
Anon- Thanks. I'll ask and get back to you.
Mr. Lucas is the epitome of cool. Please inform him that I am also from Newport News, VA. I grew up around the corner from Hampton University. I'm a white gentleman that misses the African American sense of soul about the place! Need to go back home and visit!
ReplyDeleteThank you,
Hilton
I want it ALL! The shirt, the trouser (yes, find out who made it) and the belt. But most of all those shoes, retrofitted w/ leather soles: outta sight!
ReplyDeleteGreat to A.L. back in the game. When Avery speaks on attire he's what JAY-Z is to rap, a lyricist. Avery tells a story on fabrications and clothing, and it just flows.. All the best my friend.
ReplyDeleteA.T.
What an elegant man! I'm glad he didn't put out the cigarette though. Not that I think its ok mind you...
ReplyDeleteML
mlanesepic.blogspot.com
You know someone pulled off a look when it is something I would never wear, but I like how he does it. I have a strange aversion to tassles on shoes and belts buckled on the side... but I can't hold a candle to this guy; though holding a candle to him may help keep the cigarette lit.
ReplyDeleteFollow this man, he knows his stuff. I believe Mr. Lucas is also right on this: It does take years to marinate taste (I'm still working on it!).
ReplyDeleteAnd I think everyone has experienced that feet-off-the-ground feeling from being in the moment with your "look" that day. Good taste, good story, good post! Thanks, Tintin.
-DB
Canvas duck? Maybe Carhartt makes 'em... Ha ha.
ReplyDeleteAlso: One thing Southerners and Jersey Guidos have in common---the "Wifebeater."
Avery is one of the few gentlemen who creates as well as displays what I term "dressers" attire. It is seldom understood by men of mere 'style' but usually appreciated. It goes beyond any arbitrary "rules" and creates and defines beauty. It is that which is often aspired, but only occasionally achieved. Thank goodness for the few like Avery. He enables the rising from the ashes.
ReplyDeleteWow, I'm sitting in Newport News now. Tell him the sad news that the original Beecroft and Bull store in Hilton Village closed down.
ReplyDeleteThat belt buckle off to the side thing is the first thing that caught my eye!
Avery Lucas is my dad and I can say from personal experience, he is one of the most talented "dressers" with a vision that can not be compared with anyone else. Know as I grow older I can better appreciate his style and grace, and I must say I'm a bit jealous. It takes a certain finesse to pull it off like my dad does, and he does it with ease. Trust me, I'd know. LOVE YOU POPS!
ReplyDeleteHilton- There sure are a lot of Hampton folks around here. We were stationed there a couple years. '71 to '73. Avery and I had a lot of fun swapping stories about the area. Fullers restaurant in Phoebus. The Hampton Police Cadet Corps. Great fun.
ReplyDeleteAnon 22:59 - I hear you. Here's the deal on Avery's DUCK PANT! I am told by Mr Lucas he made them in 1992 out of a German fabric. That's right. He made them.
A.T. Flow is a good word. Weave is better. He'll put you in a trance.
M Lane- I don't think I've heard a nicer way to ask someone to extinguish their smoke but Avery rightly pointed out - - this is NYC where a pack of cigarettes'll set back $12.
brohammas- Describing dress is complicated. You make it look simple. Well said.
DB-
Marinate. I love that. It's so true but try telling that to some 30 year old shopping at J Crew.
Secret wash button down made in Peru. Micky got 'em bent over and they ain't got a clue.
But show the boy Avery and maybe he stands a chance. At least, you know, he ain't gonna look like everyone else. Peace.
Stew- Ha ha.
Schmatoligist- Love the name and the comment. I agree and it's amazing to see Avery today among the ill dressed and advised. A little bit of this man's advice goes a very long way.
Chico - Is Fullers still open?
Taylor- Keep your eyes and ears open around your old man and you're gonna go far. Thanks for your comment.
Terrific awesomeness!
ReplyDeletenow that is a stylish man who aint afraid of color!Good for you Mr.Lucas!
ReplyDeleteDelighted to stumble across this feature. I bought a number of shirts from Avery Lucas at Saint Laurie in the 80s. They were the best shirts I ever found during my 3 year stay in NY (I'm English). He also made me a double-breasted chalk stripe suit in a retro style that was then his trademark. That suit is sadly long gone but amazingly two of the shirts survive. Will definitely look him up at his new location when I get the chance.
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