Today’s Take on 1990s Style: The (Canadian) Tuxedo Never Dies
Two tuxedos, two very different ways; in the ‘90s, men’s fashion was heavily influenced by two looks inspired (authentically and loosely) by this classic tailored look.
By: Harry Rosen StaffDate: 2024-09-24
Many consider the 1990s one of mainstream fashion’s transitional, perhaps even misplaced eras. Dominated by nostalgia, we often reflect on ‘fits from the decade with fond memories that may or may not contain a hint of second-hand embarrassment.
While many trends from the ‘90s have been left behind, some of the most memorable continue to creep back into modern menswear. Here, we examine how the decade made its mark, plus what we were up to at Harry Rosen at the time.
In the 1990s, the event tuxedo was all about minimalist styles with clean lines, neutral colours, and precise tailoring. This decade saw a rejection of the excess and bold patterns of the ‘80s, instead favouring understated elegance and simplicity, setting the stage for the modern, polished look seen on red carpets and formal events.
Today’s Take
Opt for classic shades like black, navy, or grey, and focus on the subtleties such as cut and fit. A single-breasted jacket with peak or shawl lapels paired with flat-front trousers offers a sophisticated and timeless silhouette. Pair with a white dress shirt, a black bow tie, and a quality leather loafer. This approach embodies a refined, minimalist aesthetic that exudes sartorial elegance.
Style Tip: Shoes Make a Statement
While you can never go wrong with a classic patent oxford or loafer, a black tuxedo can be beautifully complemented by a statement event shoe.
In the 1990s, we met the popularized ”Canadian tuxedo,” a term affectionately used to describe wearing denim on denim. Outside of Justin Timberlake’s famous denim look with then girlfriend Britney Spears, this trend sustained as a notable fixture in fashion, characterized by pairing denim jackets with jeans for a monochromatic yet rugged look.
Today’s Take
To embrace the Canadian tuxedo, opt for a well-fitted denim jacket and pair it with jeans in a complementary wash. Create balance with a simple T-shirt or button-down. While classic blue denim is a go-to choice, we encourage you to have fun with this look by experimenting with different shades, like this indigo chore jacket by Officine Générale, over a blue western chambray sport shirt by AG paired with classic blue jeans by Jacob Cohen. The laid-back, stylish outfit is for any age and completed by Henderson blue suede sneakers.
Style Tip: Wear Different Washes
Don’t be afraid of denim-on-denim, seriously. Nail the look by mixing lighter and darker tones. The darker anchor piece, underscored by lighter denim underpinnings, is an elegant take on the classic 90s style.
What Was Happening at Harry’s
The 1990s was a pivotal decade at Harry Rosen as the luxury retail landscape and tastes of Canadian men once again shifted into a modern new era.
Following the national expansion and widespread success of Harry Rosen in the previous decade, customers enjoyed even greater access to their favourite brands in ‘90s. Harry Rosen partnered with select labels in an unprecedented way by launching its first branded shop-in-shops.
BOSS was the first designer to have its own dedicated presence within a Harry Rosen location, allowing customers to enjoy the full brand experience combined with our retail service and expertise. Towards the end of the decade, Zegna and Emporio Armani joined BOSS in having dedicated shop-in-shops inside Harry Rosen locations.
During this decade, Harry Rosen also started offering a well-rounded selection of footwear, aligning with the desire to provide men with everything they need from head-to-toe. By introducing Italian brands like Ferragamo to the market for the first time, Harry Rosen’s shoe selection developed a reputation for excellence and exclusivity. As a result, Harry Rosen became Canada’s dominant retailer in men’s luxury footwear.