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VernonOnCoins
Inner circle
Long Island, NY
1190 Posts
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Posted: Aug 26, 2009 9:52pm
Most of the time I am required to wear a suit and tie when I perform. And quite frankly, it sucks. I didn't become a performer just to dress up like some corporate schmuck...or some middle aged dad.
Chris Angel dresses like a rock star with his ripped jeans and long hair. David Blaine dresses down and casual. For the public, they are the two most recognized names in magic. In fact, they symbolize magic....
So why do we continue to tighten our ties and tuck in our shirts like good little school boys on our way to Sunday mass.
Frankly, I'm sick of it. I'm going to start dressing like a performer; stylish, unique, and apart from all the rest.
Now...where the hell do I start?
www.tarologyfilm.com
www.chrisdeleomagic.com
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Father Photius
Grammar Host
El Paso, TX (Formerly Amarillo)
15702 Posts
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Posted: Aug 26, 2009 11:04pm
Goodwill comes to mind.
"Now here's the man with the 25 cent hands, that two bit magician..."
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JNeal
Special user
784 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 12:41am
I'm going to start dressing like a performer; stylish, unique, and apart from all the rest.
Now...where the hell do I start?
Given the number of Rock, Grunge, Goth, and Gangsta' magicians who have piercings, torn jeans, and t-shirts... if I wanted to be unique, stylish and different from the rest... I'd wear a suit. LOL!
PS. I wanna' be different... just like everyone else!
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Dr. Solar
Elite user
Citrus Heights, Ca.
500 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 4:34am
Sadly Vernon,
Corporate shmucks andmiddle ages dads they too have mainly dropped the suits and run amuck trying to " look like a rock star" with Levis at best and or otherwise ripped knees, having never seen hard labor crawing around patching cement, laying carpet, floors, working in sewers etc. but what the hey, Bruce Springstein wears them. Like it was just said above, perhaps the suit would be a difference. I'm coming from a place where in the late fifties 70% of the work force wore suits and us, those coming from the Beat Generation denounced Brooks Bros. suits and all as robots without substance. Who would have thought by now those of the same cloth are all wearing our "colors". Yeah, the Rat Pack is gone and look what we got in Vegas, everybody running around, playing the tables, taking in the shows dressed like it was KMarts blue light special on sweat pants. There is a new time a new way to think " outside the box".
Doc
"look for me in all things forgotten"
www.drsolar.com
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ElectricBlue
New user
90 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 4:57am
The difference is in what kind of suit you wear. Think James Bond rather than office suit and I think you will find there is a large difference.
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VernonOnCoins
Inner circle
Long Island, NY
1190 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 5:47am
Great insights....
And you are correct...It's not "the suit" that is the problem....but the type of suit.
Rat Pack, James bond type suits, those are awesome....and could make a performer feel slick...
Some of the suits Robert Deniro wears in Casino are eye popping, especially the red jacket/red tie/black silk shirt
I could be happy in that type of suit
www.tarologyfilm.com
www.chrisdeleomagic.com
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Jeff Corn
Inner circle
Las Vegas
1190 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 11:02am
It depends on what kind of image you want to get across. When I was performing weekly in an nicer bar in Albuquerque, I would alternate between the suit and tie and a nice shirt, jeans, and coat. The coat would always set me apart from everyone else, but other than that, it was on me to dress how I felt most comfortable. The owner told me to dress however I wanted, but if I would have shown up in torn jeans and a t-shirt, I wouldn't have made it through the door. When I would do a show for anyone between the ages of 16 and 35, I was in the nicer jeans, shirt, and coat. That's the style they wanted. If you're wanting to work for a Fortune 500 company, you're not doing it in jeans. If you're working for the average 15 year old's birthday party, you probably don't need the tux.
Yes, that is my real name. Yes, I am a real person. No, you probably won't agree with me.
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George Ledo
Magic Café Columnist
SF Bay Area
2200 Posts
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Posted: Aug 27, 2009 1:19pm
The other part of the equation is how you wear the suit. If it looks natural on you, you can look like a million bucks. If it doesn't look natural, then get something else. There was a quote about Sinatra a number of years ago, to the effect that he wore a tux like a cowboy wears chaps. That's a heck of a compliment.
All the suits and tuxes James Bond wore in the movies were tailored to the individual actor -- Connery, Moore, and so on. Granted we don't all have that luxury, but checking out different brands and fabrics and colors (with someone along as an objective eye) can make all the difference.
That's Burt, aka The Great Burtini, doing his famous Cups and Mice routine
Latest column: That's cool, but why are you doing it?
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Mr. Mystoffelees
Inner circle
I haven't changed anyone's opinion in
3362 Posts
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Posted: Aug 28, 2009 4:20pm
"Yeah, the Rat Pack is gone and look what we got in Vegas, everybody running around, playing the tables, taking in the shows dressed like it was KMarts blue light special on sweat pants.
Amen, Doc!
We have become a society without class. For me, I love to wear a classy suit or tux. Not only lots of pockets, but it just makes me feel a couple a clicks up. I certainly do not want to join the masses who look like they dressed in the dark.
As for feeling like a corporate schmuck, I try to avoid $69 suits, short, wrinkled ties, soup stains, jackets that are not fitted, and unpolished shoes.
And, don't be fooled, "Dress for Success" is still alive and well in the upper regions of society!
Jim
I need to learn humility - then I will be perfect!
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JIMclubber64
Loyal user
269 Posts
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Posted: Aug 28, 2009 4:37pm
For my more dressed-up "suit" (which really isn't a suit at all) I wear white khakis(sp?), a purple dress shirt without a tie, and a dark blue sports coat. It's not casual, but it doesn't have a formal or dressy feel to it, either. But in my opinion, no matter what, if you want to not look like everyone else, stay away from a white dress shirt.
"Magic should always have a purpose. [...] Find your purpose for performing. Only then will you be able to find the right trick!" -- Jay Noblezada
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Magical Dimensions
Inner circle
3501 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 1:55am
You can still wear a suit and look completely different from the rest. Just design a suit that is DIFFERENT with a look that hasn't been done. For example; who said that the bottom of a suit must be straight across? Have it made so that one side is lower so that the cut is in an angle. Who said that the sleeves must come down to your wrist or that the collar must be normal?
Heck, what about the breast pocket being cut in a slant that matches the bottom of your coat?
I wear a suit, bu tands out from the other guys. The other guys are wearing blue or white shirts while a few may wear pin stripes. I wear a white suit that is cut for me and hangs lower to the floor than normal. Everyone else is wearing the same dull colors suits so when I enter the room I stand out from everyone.
When I lived in Korea, I had EVERYTHING made for me the way that I wanted it. There is no reason why you can’t have a suit made that will set you apart. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so don’t go crazy on it. It still must look like a suit but jazz up!
Plus, why do you want to COPY people who dress like a rock star with ripped jeans and long hair, or those that dress down and casual? Why don’t you want to be you and stand away from the pack? There are PLENTY of copy cats and want-a-bees out there ALREADY….. Who in their right mind would want to be a COPY CAT?
Once you become famous then you can dress like a bum or hobo if you want but until then I would become something different and you.
Ray
A fight is not usually won by one punch or kick, you must learn to endure.(Bruce Lee)
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Brian Tanner
Loyal user
Ohio
285 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 10:37am
Quote:
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On 2009-08-26 21:52, VernonOnCoins wrote:
Chris Angel dresses like a rock star with his ripped jeans and long hair. David Blaine dresses down and casual. For the public, they are the two most recognized names in magic. In fact, they symbolize magic....
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Oh God help us all! I beleive they both look ridiculous. They're middle aged men trying to look like goth and skater kids.
I'm no spring chicken, myself, yet I dress in age appropriate attire when I perform, and I look and feel d@#n good. Someone mentioned earlier about Vegas patrons dressing in sweat pants, when not so long ago, sharp clothes were the norm in casinos. This is so true, and yet very sad. There are a number of up scale restaurants in my area, and at one time they had strictly enforced dress codes. Alas...no more. It seems that they've had to lower their standards to the sweat pant, shorts and ball cap, tank top wearing slobs, just to stay in business.
As stated earlier, you can dress appropriately for the venue without looking like a stiff. There are so many styles and fabrics of sport jackets, trousers, shirts, and ties, you'll be able to look and feel good while performing. It's nice to see that some places still have their standards intact.
Did I say that out loud ?
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Magical Dimensions
Inner circle
3501 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 2:25pm
Brian Tanner
Well said!
Best
Ray
A fight is not usually won by one punch or kick, you must learn to endure.(Bruce Lee)
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MichaelOzMagic
Loyal user
Des Moines, Iowa
206 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 5:13pm
I think that every magician should look different. For one I don't like balck suits because every magician is wearing one. I like to dress different by wearing somthing that is unique and people say" Good finally somthing different." I a red suit with a nice white polo and also red pants. But another thing you need to look at is what fits your personality?
If you find what fits you then most likely the audience will like you!
NOt trying to be offensive just my personal thoughts!!
thanks magician 4life
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VernonOnCoins
Inner circle
Long Island, NY
1190 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 6:04pm
The master, Juan Tamariz wears jeans and a multicolored top hat. On television.
The world conformed to him.
www.tarologyfilm.com
www.chrisdeleomagic.com
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chmara
Inner circle
Tucson, AZ
1699 Posts
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Posted: Aug 31, 2009 6:07pm
Sometimes it depends on who writes the checks.
Corporate audiences tend to equate grunge with awful smells -- as do restaurants.
A unique look, however can be accomplished with a little thought. What about a suit from India (look under India Wedding suits on line) A "Gangster"" look (not Gangsta) from old movies might also work
One reason I live in Tucson is I hate to wear ties -- but when I was performing in Chicago, Las Vegas or San Fran, I had to look different....and not look like a waiter or busboy --- or homeless person who wadered in.
Then, of course, there are performers who perform in Drag to avoid a tie.
Gregg (C. H. Mara) Chmara
Commercial Operations, LLC
Tucson, AZ
C. H. Mara Illusion & Psychic Entertainments
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Wilber
New user
70 Posts
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Posted: Sep 3, 2009 1:43pm
When you wear formal attire you will be treated differently and more professionally.
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bob tripp
New user
96 Posts
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Posted: Sep 5, 2009 3:43pm
At one time in mentalism I was 'Karlan Vandah-"the Man With the X-ray Eyes" In Magic I was "Uncle Sham 'the red-white and blue Magic man presenting the United State of Amazement' In those days I wore wardrobe that fit the character. Once in a while I wil still do "Uncle Sham". But now-a-days I am Bob Tripp < "demonstrating traditional psychic feats". I want to be the best dressed person in the room. If you are working a show, and every body is dressed better than you, your self confidence suffers.
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trickychaz
Special user
West Virginia
527 Posts
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Posted: Sep 14, 2009 11:51pm
More imporatant than the suit is the person dressed in the suit, but it depends on whom you are presenting yourself to. Reguardless you need to look clean and neat. I don't think the torn jeans would work well at any coporate event large or small. I wear a nice dress shirt tucked in with a few buttons loosened. Others on the Café have said that I need to have a tie and jacket on. If they are paying you 600$ they want to see that you put your best effort forth and are worth what you charged. Then again I knew of a guy that dressed in black shorts with black shirt black hat with cards stapled to it tacky shoes, and was getting 400$ to appear at fairs for 4 hours.
I guess it comes down to your preference. Dress nice in your corporate photos, and then ask the client what the dress code is at the event. They may be ok with the way you currently dress, or they may prefer the sleek look. The best way to figure out what to wear is having various styles to choose from and then ask your client. I am no expert though
Charles
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ferrissteve
New user
88 Posts
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Posted: Sep 16, 2009 11:49am
The James Bond suits are an excellent analogy. If you get a suit cut/altered to fit you perfectly you will stand out amongst the crowd. The fit will scream custom and sophisticated before the color of the wool (Polyester = Evil) ever will. And if you want to spice it up add a pocket square to the mix and you will be golden. A suit doesn't have to be boring, it just takes some work figuring out what looks the best on you and what options are available. Colorful jacket linings are also a fun way to set yourself apart in the corporate arena
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BCaldwell
Special user
is really regretting his
524 Posts
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Posted: Sep 16, 2009 12:16pm
The clothes you wear should suit (wow, really bad pun intended!) your personality and your style of magic.
"...that's just my opinion. I could be wrong." Dennis Miller 
~Bob~
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john5d
New user
17 Posts
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Posted: Sep 27, 2009 1:32am
I can't imagine myself wearing anything other than how I dress everyday. Just casual. It's just me.
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RJE
Inner circle
1855 Posts
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Posted: Oct 1, 2009 2:20pm
The clothes you wear while performing are supposed to be your costume. Your costume should reflect the character you are trying to portray.
For corporate walk around, your costume may be a suit. For a children's show, your costume might be that of a pirate.
There is no, one size fits all, for all performers.
Some will feel comfortable wearing the same costume to most of their shows, because they are always trying to be the same character.
Some performers will have a closet full of different costumes for different characters they portray in different shows.
Others may have different costumes for the same show and they decide which to wear on any given occasion.
Different clients, venues, environments etc... might demand different characters. You do not want to confuse your role and arrive dressed inappropriately. You do need to have a sense about what is expected at times in order to chose the correct costume.
For instance, some shows might expect the character to be dressed in a costume that resembles a suit (perhaps an upscale walk around show or emcee at a gala event), but it doesn't mean it has to be an "off the rack" business suit. It might be something a bit more flashy, without crossing the boundaries of the character and the expectations placed on them.
So the costume may be "suit like" and appropriate for your character, while at the same time possibly inappropriate or "too flashy" for the office Monday through Friday.
On the other hand, the suit might be finely tailored and totally appropriate for your character and a day job.
If though you show up at a daycare show in the same suit as above, you might not meet the expectations of your character according to your client. They might expect something a little bit more in either the traditional tails of a magician or else something a little bit more on the fantasy or silly side.
In both examples, I stress MIGHT and not WILL, because the client's expectation and show being presented can always vary.
So the real question is not, "Should I wear a suit or not?"
The real question you have to ask yourself is based on client, venue, conditions etc... and should be, "What character am I trying to portray and what are the expectations of the client for my character?"
Only then can you determine what clothes you are going to wear.
Remember, you are an entertainer playing the role of a magician whether it is at a meet and greet for a Fortune 500 company or for the local scout troop picnic. Choosing the correct costume for the role is part of your job.
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Alex Palombo
Regular user
Abington, Pennislyvania
105 Posts
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Posted: Nov 25, 2009 8:55pm
The reason is the old time magician wear them(houdini,blackstone) so wear them too
Philadelphia SYM Assembly 96 Member
Magicians' Alliance of Eastern States Member
 MAGICIAN DIRECTORY member
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aitchy
Loyal user
220 Posts
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Posted: Dec 1, 2009 5:08pm
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/001906.php?__utma=1.1703627936.1259705256.1259705256.1259705256.1&__utmb=1.1.10.1259705256&__utmc=1&__utmx=-&__utmz=1.1259705256.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=victorian%20coat&__utmv=-&__utmk=198409135
if you can pull it off and have the right look / shape / style - then this would be the coolest "different" costume.
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jazzy snazzy
Inner circle
run off by a mob of Villagers wielding
2052 Posts
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Posted: Dec 1, 2009 7:56pm
Are those costumes durable aitchy?
I'm beginning to like the Steam Punk concept. Maybe work up a Jules Verne type character. Lately I've been alternating 3 tuxes, all with vests, dark shirts and wild ties.
Seem to get a lot more respect that the busker suit. And lotsa pockets!
"The secret of life is to look good from a distance."
-Charles Schulz
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aitchy
Loyal user
220 Posts
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Posted: Dec 2, 2009 5:31pm
A friend use's them for his "dress up in old costumes and have photos taken" business
so they should be pretty good quality and long lasting - they have a good return service so you can buy it and see when it turns of weather the pockets will standup to decks and tips - did you see the silver one - too far maybe
I too like the steam punk idea.
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David Alexander
Special user
627 Posts
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Posted: Dec 5, 2009 12:43pm
James Bond, from Goldeneye to Casino Royale, was dressed by Brioni. The company sends over 30 suits or so and by the time the film is through shooting two are left. This level of Brioni suit runs in the neighborhood of $5,000, although good Brioni suits can be found beginning at $3,000.
As has been said earlier, much depends on the venue and the market you’re working. For the most part I work country clubs and corporate events so I wear Oxxford clothes. They make a statement and help create an image of competence and success which makes my job as a performer much easier because of the impression made when I walk on stage. People do make judgments based solely on appearance.
For evening performances I normally wear an Oxxford tuxedo. If I want to dress down a bit I have several Oxxford suits as well as a couple of Oxxford Navy blazers.
When I was working a corporate event in San Diego some time back the VP I was dealing with was wearing an Oxxford cashmere sport coat. He saw me as one of his class when I pointed out that my tuxedo was Oxxford and the vest Versace. Up to that point he hadn’t seen me perform but my choice of clothing created an image and a set of expectations in his mind that worked in my favor.
I have found in many years of performing that dressing a bit better than one’s audience (for the demographic I most often work for) is the right thing to do.
Some time back I was working a country club dinner with another magician. Even though the group wasn’t particularly large the agent had sent over two of us to walk around and do magic at the tables.
I was wearing one of my Oxxford tuxes and he was wearing a dark suit and a black t-shirt. He looked like he’d slept in his car and as he smoked he smelled like an ash tray. His magic technique is quite polished (many of you would recognize his name) but his appearance put the audience off. He was not seen as serious, while I was because I was dressed appropriately.
I would observe that success comes a bit easier if we don't see our audiences as “corporate schumcks.” As humans we communicate on a variety of levels. One’s attitude towards one’s audience is often shouted at them without having to say a word.
One of the things I learned in my long apprenticeship with Frakson was the mantra he recited before he walked on stage – one of the keys to his enduring success as a performer: “I love my audience…I love my audience…I love my audience.”
Not a bad thing to do to put you in the right frame of mind to perform.
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Steve_Mollett
Inner circle
Eh, so I've made
2604 Posts
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Posted: Dec 5, 2009 2:22pm
My preference is Nehru suits and Victorian-style safari suits.
For corporate clients, though, traditional suit & tie.
Author of: GARROTE ESCAPES
The absurd is the essential concept and the first truth.
- Albert Camus
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jazzy snazzy
Inner circle
run off by a mob of Villagers wielding
2052 Posts
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Posted: Dec 5, 2009 2:44pm
One word of caution. I purchased some outfits from DKNY that looked really great. However, they burst into flames on two occasions. It was quite spectacular and the audience thought it was part of the act even though I nearly made an ash of myself. Those jackets went up like flash paper. It happened so fast there was no time to get burned. I would suggest checking the material if you use fire in your act. Better to look distinguished than extinguished.
"The secret of life is to look good from a distance."
-Charles Schulz
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