Señor Ripley
Sean Connery, Paul Newman, James Dean, and Gregory Peck are among the performers from the 1960s who have left an unforgettable stamp on menswear. And with good reason. But the French film star Alain Delon, who died on Sunday at the age of 88, is more than deserving of a place in that pantheon and he didn't need Hollywood's support either. An absolute icon of French cinema, from his stunning looks and great selection of work he set a European standard for menswear.
Alain Delon was born on November 8, 1935 in a commune in Sceaux, France. Into his teenage years, he joined the navy at 17 years old but later got discharged a couple years later. In 1957, Delon’s friend was asked to accompany him to the Cannes Film Festival and was spotted by a talent scout there and decided to pursue a career in acting. His first roles were very small but as he went into the 60s his time to shine was about to come.
During the 60s and 70s, Delon became the heart-throb of European cinema and the most emblematic face of French cinema. That's not to say he didn't try to make it work across the pond, but it was in Delon's homeland that his talents and wardrobe flourished. With films such as Rene Clement’s “Purple Noon” and his work with Italian director Luchino Visconti with films such as “Rocco and His Brothers” and “The Leopard.”
As is typical of French style and timeless icons, the key to duplicating his clothes is to focus on fit and silhouette. Delon was a big fan of beautiful shirts, switching from cotton chambray or linen types to more formal Oxford shirts that never clung to his body but hung tightly about it. While his style was never particularly daring, he frequently flung a knitwear item over his shoulders in a preppy, purposeful manner. Ensembles were considered without appearing worried over. He was an icon for the “Old Money” aesthetic and style, inspiring people with outfits for many years to come.
His fashion sense was the epitome of French sophistication, often defined by sharply tailored suits, crisp white shirts, and slim ties that exuded timeless refinement. Whether on-screen or off, Delon mastered the art of understated luxury, frequently opting for monochrome ensembles, well-fitted blazers, and polished leather shoes that enhanced his effortlessly suave image. His ability to make even the simplest outfit—like a turtleneck and trench coat—look effortlessly chic cemented his reputation as one of the most stylish men of his era.
Beyond formalwear, Delon embraced casual yet refined ensembles that reflected his laid-back charisma. He often sported well-fitted jeans, lightweight knitwear, and tailored outerwear, capturing a perfect balance between relaxed and polished. His style was also defined by small yet striking details, such as a cigarette dangling from his lips or a pair of dark sunglasses that added an air of mystery. His influence on men’s fashion remains significant today, with modern designers and celebrities still drawing inspiration from his cool, minimalist aesthetic. Whether dressed for a gala or a casual stroll in Saint-Tropez, Delon’s fashion choices always exuded confidence, masculinity, and an unmistakable French allure.
Delon passed away on August 18, 2024 in his home in Switzerland. As the decades passed, that picture of Delon grew far more complicated; controversy was never far behind him, and he would go on to espouse some deeply objectionable views. But his film and fashion legacy lies in the Sixties, when he tackled art at full force and embraced his looks and skills to an absolute max.
