Gerald R. Ford: Presidential Style

[MrDaniels]

I was too young to be truly politically aware at the time of Ford's presidency, and frankly never paid him too much attention (probably have seen more footage of Chevy Chase playing him than the man himself!).

So as the tributes and news stories started to pour in, I have to say I was taken aback by what a great dresser this guy was. I'd say arguably the best-dressed president of the last 50 years (and during the mid-70s to boot...one of the lowest eras in American Suit History). What say you all?

 

[Qasimkhan]

Definitely well dressed, often showed cuff and wore French cuffs. Suits seemed to fit him well and paid attention to color. If I remember right, he had his suits made by a tailor in Grand Rapids, at least while he was a congressman.

He was the best-dressed president between FDR and Reagan, although Truman probably came close to his level.

I wouldn't say he was a great president, but he was a good one and, most importantly, a great man and just what our country needed at that time.

Steve

 

[sho'nuff]

i think he was a man's man president.
in korean, you would call him, "mot-si-soh" ?

i think more of his elegance not came from his clothes but his character, work ethic and belief in God

 

[Mark Seitelman]

I think that if President Ford were to read this post he would be somewhat amused.

President Ford and Betty Ford were never figures of fashion or style like JFK and Jackie (or President Reagan and Nancy Reagan). The Fords were wholesome, honest, friendly, hardworking Mid-Westerners. The tone of the tributes is that first and foremost Mr. Ford was a decent, honorable man. The Fords dressed properly and respectfully for the occasion and the office.

President Ford's style was solid, Mid-West, and Republican. He occasionally wore a brown suit. He also occasionally wore a loud plaid sportscoat or suit which was definitely American and not English.

I never recall hearing that President Ford bought custom or bespoke. He probably bought good, dependable, American brands, such as GGG, Hickey Freeman, and Oxxford. I recall that he bought a suit made by St. Laurie (sold by a retailer).

I would say that President Ford was cut from the same style cloth as President Nixon. I would say that both fell into American Trad.

May he rest in peace, and may his family and friends find peace and comfort.

 

[LARon]

Well said, Mark; nice tribute, too. Thanks.

 

[amerikajinda]

Originally Posted by diorshoe

i think he was a man's man president.
in korean, you would call him, "mot-si-soh" ?

Yeah, if you were a woman, you could call him "mawshissaw"...

 

[DandySF]

Just came across this article about Ford's shirt tailor, located in Palm Springs, CA:

Tailor: Ford a 'button-down' kind of guy

Denise Goolsby
The Desert Sun
December 30, 2006

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Arlene Rosenthal said she's not exactly sure how she first became a tailor for former President Gerald R. Ford, but surmises it must have been through word-of-mouth.
"Somebody told Mrs. Ford about me," she said.

Rosenthal, who owns Rosenthal of Palm Springs Custom-Clothier, said she started doing custom-made shirts for Ford in 1991.

Rosenthal said Ford always ordered blue or white Oxford button-down shirts. He purchased about 15 from her over the course of 10 years, she said.

Rosenthal said Ford was true to his fiscally conservative roots.

"He was frugal," she said.

Ford's first purchase - four shirts at $100 a piece - were paid in two payments.

"He gave me a ($200) deposit," Rosenthal said.

Rosenthal did Ford's fittings at his office in Rancho Mirage.


"He was very business-like," Rosenthal said. "He wanted me in and he wanted me out," she said with a chuckle.
The first time Rosenthal went to measure Ford, she said she made sure she double-checked her numbers before she left.

"I sat out where the presidential seal was and made sure I had my order right. I didn't want to screw up," Rosenthal said.

 

[jagmqt]

I came across this thread looking for tailors in Grand Rapids and couldn't help but laugh...

Read "Write it when I'm Gone" by Tom DeFrank...you'll reconsider your opinion about Ford's attire.

He was common, and that was his appeal. He had a disdain for the high-end.

jag