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magicsantana
New user
79 Posts
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Posted: May 20, 2008 5:20pm
There doesn't seem to be any set rules to go by. Once upon a time it was a top hat and tales. Not so long ago it was a dark suit and tie. These days anything goes, that seems to include nudity.
I don't know weather this is a good, or a bad thing, and until recently I didn't give it much tought, but the subject came up in a dicussion about Blackstone and Houdini. I wonder if anyone else tought about this when they came up with there style of dress?
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Natanel
Special user
739 Posts
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Posted: May 21, 2008 10:59am
Check out my user picture. That's exactly what a magician looks like.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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Jaz
Inner circle
NJ, U.S.
6113 Posts
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Posted: May 22, 2008 6:06pm
Some say to dress a notch above your audience.
For me depends on venue, your character and style of performing.
When I say this I think of Juan Tamariz, Mac King, Harry Anderson.
To answer your question. Yes, I considered it while keeping in mind my age and character background.
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 26, 2008 8:53pm
The magician is the oddest dressed man in the room.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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jay leslie
V.I.P.
southern california
6323 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 3:44pm
Funny, but true.
I was walking up the drive way at a house last halloween, a lady looked at me in an odd puzzled way, I announced "I know what you're thinking, You're thinking you have a costume and this is what I wear every day." she was amazed I could read her mind but....... what else could she have concocted in a half a second except for an observation of how I was dressed.... silly lay people, don't they know we can Cold-Read with the best of them?
http://www.TheHouseOfEnchantment.com our 75th year
The one and only www.miraclemagiccompany.com/
And you know what they say - if it works... it's a Miracle!
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 5:51pm
I am not stating this to make anyone mad; this is just my opinion… When I see magicians copying Chris Angel’s appearance, what comes to mind is a dirty early 90’s hair band rocker. And when I see magicians in strange bright colored suits and vests, to me they look like bad parodies of magicians. I suppose if they really had a character that must dress this way, I would be OK with it… most do not. Again I am not trying to insult anyone.
Thanks,
Bruce
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Dr. Delusion
Special user
Eugene, Oregon.
586 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 7:57pm
I guess I fall into the bad parodies of magicians... The majority of my jackets I wear on stage are semi- flashy. They all have a few sequins on them. I even have a jacket with tails that I purchased on e-bay. It belonged to a ringmaster of a circus. I guess it's a good thing I have a comedy show...
Bob.
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 8:45pm
Dr Delusion,
Hey, if it works for you and it makes you happy, go for it. My other gripes are the bad colored suits that are not cleaned nor pressed and worn with ratty tennis shoes. And while I am at it pre-tied bow ties and novelty ties should be suspect.
Thanks,
Bruce
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 8:51pm
Bruce
I am very big on flashy colors, but my wife tells me how to mix, and match them. I always wear all black sneakers, and black sweat socks, but I juggle, so I need to be able to move.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 9:00pm
Al,
You make a very good point, check with your spouse or someone you really trust before you leave the house. From what I see of your picture, your attire looks great… your shirt fits and your tie and braces (suspenders) don’t clash. I am fine with color; it is when one looks like a cartoon that I find it odd.
Thanks,
Bruce
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 9:27pm
It was not my intention to insult anyone. I truly apologize if I have done so. I would like to make this comment; I have been attending trade shows (electronics and building industry) for more years than I care to remember. I have seen more good magicians (dressed in tasteful suits or sports coats) given credit for having greater skills, than they deserved. And those with some tremendous skills (dressed very loudly) made fun of and dismissed as a joke by the attendees, because of their attire. I wish everyone well and that they can be the best that they can be.
Thanks,
Bruce
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 9:35pm
Bruce
This is magicians helping magicians. We are here to learn from each other. Please go to my web site, and let me know what you think of my wife's way with colors. LOL
Feel free to play the games on the cover page of my web site too.
http://www.juggleral.com/
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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Dr. Delusion
Special user
Eugene, Oregon.
586 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 10:04pm
Bruce, I agree with you 100 percent with making sure what ever you wear is clean and in good shape. There's another magician in my area that should read this. I don't know how many times I've done a birthday party show and afterwards have a parent or even one of the kids come up to me to say that they've seen this other guy perform and " boy, did he smell bad " . I've been close to this guy myself and the problem is his jacket. He always wears the same coat, and I don't think he's ever had it cleaned. I'm not on the best of terms with him, but I think maybe I need to find a way to let him know about the need to get his jacket cleaned.
Bob.
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 10:17pm
I spend $7 to $10 a week at the cleaner.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 27, 2008 11:10pm
Al,
Thanks for sharing your website, I enjoyed my visit. Your attire fits your persona and works for me (not that you need my validation).
Dr. Delusion,
You are correct; there is no reason to be dirty regardless of what you wear. Cleanliness shows that you have pride and respect for yourself and for whatever it is you are trying to achieve. I know people hate to hear this, but the old saying is wrong, “books are judged by their covers.”
Thanks All,
Bruce
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Natanel
Special user
739 Posts
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Posted: May 28, 2008 9:57am
I am a little hesitant to think that sneakers are the best possible choice for a professional magician.
May I recommend the Cole Haan x Nikes? Cole Haan is the dress shoe company that Nike owns, and they have a line of dress shoes with Nike athletic footbeds. This would give the comfort and ease of sneakers while still looking very professional. One might find these pretty cheaply on ebay.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 28, 2008 10:32am
Nathanel
I also wear thick "gold toe" black sweat socks, and I find that they don't fit well under dress shoes, but your suggestion does have it's merrits, and I will look into it. I already have about 50 pair of these socks.
Thanks
PS- A very interesting looking shoe, but I will have to try a pair on first.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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BCS
Special user
793 Posts
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Posted: May 28, 2008 9:23pm
Natanel,
Are you a clothes horse or have spent time as a haberdasher? I was impressed by another post you made about Talbott ties. For larger guys like me, I would recommend Allen Edmonds shoes. They make some nice rubber soled dress shoes and they seem to fit those with larger and wider feet.
Thanks,
Bruce
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Ken Northridge
Inner circle
Atlantic City, NJ
1721 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2008 7:06am
To answer the question directly: Black tuxedo and top hat. Like it or not, no other costume is better for identifying one as a magician. It looks darn classy too. For marketing purposes you can’t go wrong, especially in the beginning of your career.
Copperfield, Angel, Blaine are all huge names and can wear anything they want. They command respect by name alone. Juan Tamariz, Mac King, Harry Anderson and Al Angello are good examples of entertainers that are in tune with their character and have created something unique with costuming. Until you identify exactly what your character is, or until you’re on TV as much as Chris Angel, a black tux is always a safe bet.
"Love is the real magic." -Doug Henning
www.KenNorthridge.com
www.FacePaintingByJen.com
www.KensGospelMagic.com
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2008 8:04am
Ken
Thank you for the kind words, it takes one to know one. I use my top hat in my juggling act, and it has been part of my look for years. I go through about one a year.
I get my Jerry Garcia, Tommy Helfinger, and Piear Cardon ties from Marshalls, and the Burlington coat factory they are fine silk ties that sell retail for $35, and I get them for $12. I have one Hermes tie in my closet that I bought on ebay, I have never worn it, but I do look at it occasionally.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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Natanel
Special user
739 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2008 10:19am
BCS: I have heard really good things about Allen Edmonds and intend to get a pair soon. I wear around a 12-13 but have relatively narrow feet and I have had really good sucess with Bally. I currently rotate Bally loafers, Ferragamo ankle boots, and Johnston and Murphy oxford laceups with a pair of Ferragamo wingtips on the way.
I never have worked in a haberdashery but simply enjoy fashion as a hobby. In fact the only thing I am a bigger nerd at then magic is fashion. However these two loves balance out: All the money I make performing gets spent on fashionable clothing.
All said it's nice to see someone appreciating the finer aspects of menswear.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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Natanel
Special user
739 Posts
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Posted: May 29, 2008 10:21am
Al Angello: I do think you dress well suited to your character and are miles ahead of many tacky magicians but it's a shame to let an Hermes tie go to waste! PM me if you would think about selling it.
People who work for Theory 11: Do you want a young guy without a stupid gelled haircut or eurotrash jeans for your videos? PM me.
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Al Angello
Eternal Order
Collegeville, Pa. USA
10477 Posts
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Posted: May 30, 2008 8:10am
Nathanel
I bought it on ebay because it has jugglers on it, but I just haven't had the right event to wear it yet. Perhaps at my grand daughters wedding. I bought it used for $65, and I keep it in plastic. I am not exactly a clothes horse, but I do like fine neck wear, and I have about 100 good ties that I keep on a carosel in my closet.
I also like to wear my ties with matching suspenders, so I have about 25 pair of different color suspenders in my closet, and I try to wear them all.
Al Angello The Comic Juggler/Magician
http://www.juggleral.com
http://home.comcast.net/~juggleral/
"Footprints on your ceiling are almost gone"
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Vick
Inner circle
It's taken me 9 years to make
1046 Posts
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Posted: Jul 29, 2008 8:55pm
<-------------
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick
Blog of a real world working magician
Magic would be great, if not for magicians
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cheesewrestler
Special user
Chicago
613 Posts
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Posted: Jul 30, 2008 1:44am
Ask a graphic artist to draw "a magician" and he'll draw Alexander Hermann.
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Vick
Inner circle
It's taken me 9 years to make
1046 Posts
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Posted: Jul 30, 2008 11:39pm
Quote:
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On 2008-07-30 01:44, cheesewrestler wrote:
Ask a graphic artist to draw "a magician" and he'll draw Alexander Hermann.
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Who looks like me ;-)
Ok, I bear a slight resemblance to Herrmann
Unique, Thought Provoking & Amazing Magical Entertainment Experiences
Illusions By Vick
Blog of a real world working magician
Magic would be great, if not for magicians
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sethb
Inner circle
The Jersey Shore
2619 Posts
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Posted: Aug 1, 2008 10:40am
A magician should look like whatever he/she is attempting to be. Robert-Houdin said that "A magician is an actor playing the part of a magician," and it's completely true.
So your attire/costume should reflect your character and support your performance. For example, I pitch Svengali Decks, Magic Worms and Money Paddles at street festival and fairs. The whole pitch is based upon the fact that I sell amazing tricks that everyday people can do.
So I dress like an everyday person, in chinos and Docksiders, with a long sleeve shirt, so that I can purposely roll up my sleeves partway for effect (that proves I'm a magician!). I want to appear neat, normal, businesslike, yet casual, friendly, approachable and comfortable. So, the overall impression is that the tricks are amazing but easy to do; it's fun but it's also a business; and I'm performing but I'm also selling. And my attire fits right into all those parameters.
Your attire is something that is defintely worth some careful thought. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC
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Lawrence O
Inner circle
Paris France
6269 Posts
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Posted: Dec 6, 2008 6:17pm
What role do you play as a magician? Whatever casts your persona is the way you should dress only with something odd that makes it special.
Magic is not a performing art where people don't know how situations are reached, it's the art of showing parallel dimensions that can't be reached
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Alan Munro
Inner circle
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
5426 Posts
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Posted: Dec 9, 2008 8:23pm
No matter how well someone dresses, they can look like a chimp if they don't carry themselves well. This point was rammed home when I saw a couple of preachers, in tuxes, talking on a public access TV show. They were slouching!!!! Slouching in formal wear just looks awful! If you want to see how someone in a tux carries himself, go see a James Bond movie.
A tux is simply out of place for most shows. I rarely wear one, anymore.
http://www.sneakymagician.com/
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JackScratch
Inner circle
2151 Posts
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Posted: Dec 10, 2008 2:41am
Magic is performance. You are playing the part of a character. A magician wears whatever best serves to aid in his/her portrayal of that character. You need to expand your approach beyond "what is the accepted uniform", and start thinking about what character you will be playing, and what you need to wear to best portray that character. Depending on the production, of course, I doubt very much, that I would be able to suspend my disbelief, if the actor playing Sherlock Holmes, were wearing a disco outfit.
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