Despite popular opinion, Patrick Bateman as written by Bret Easton Ellis in his 1991 novel American Psycho, or portrayed by Christian Bale in the 2000 film adaptation, would look terrible in today’s corner office. Patterns and colors would be at war on Bateman’s boxy frame. Think shoulder pads, chalk stripes and floral. Ellis said as much when he admitted to trolling fashion magazines for a mismatch of brand names. In the words of Bateman himself: “I mean, look at his suit, for Christ’s sake.”
But American Psycho: The Musical, which opened April 21 on Broadway, provides the fashion link between Bateman’s past and present. (Check out our review here.) Men’s wardrobe partner Mr Porter clad the cast in sometimes cartoonishly boxy suits that reflect the late ’80s, but the small touches — the ties, the cuff links, the shoes — provide a modern touch, even next to the 30-inch digital Toshiba with high contrast and picture-in-picture capabilities. Some of their selections could work in the closet of a 2016 Bateman. Find a collection of outfits below, but be cautious. If you gaze long enough into a Kingsman Birdseye Wool Suit with Tom Ford Striped Cotton Shirt and Gieves & Hawkes Silk and Linen Tie, the suit stares back into you.
Work
Securing the Fisher Account at Pierce & Pierce
Navy Slim-Fit Birdseye Wool Suit by Kingsman $2,475
Blue Slim-Fit Contrast-Collar Striped Cotton Shirt by Tom Ford $675
Polka-Dot Silk and Linen-Blend Tie by Gieves & Hawkes $155
Tasselled Burnished-Leather Loafers by Tom Ford $1,990
Formal
Making Plans with Paul at the X-Mas Party
Black Slim-Fit Satin-Trimmed Wool Tuxedo by Canali $1,975
White Pleated Cotton Tuxedo Shirt by Tom Ford $780
Pre-Tied Silk-Satin Bow Tie by Tom Ford $250
Patent-Leather Oxford Shoes by Kingsman + George Cleverley $950
Silver, Mother-of-Pearl and Onyx Shirt Dress Studs by Kingsman + Turnbull & Asser $325
Casual
Head Clearing at the Hamptons
Rainbow Mid-Length Swim Shorts by Sundek $120
D-Frame Tortoiseshell Acetate and Metal Sunglasses by Bottega Veneta $385
Floral-Print Mid-Length Swim Shorts by Isaia $275
Hawkeye Aviator-Style Acetate and Metal Sunglasses by Barton Perriera $510
Traveler Striped Seersucker Swim Shorts by Polo Ralph Lauren $90
Square-Frame Acetate Sunglasses by Saint Laurent $345
REVIEW: THE ‘AMERICAN PSYCHO’ MUSICAL IS TWISTED, BLOODY SATIRE
As American Psycho transitions to stage, Patrick Bateman becomes less shocking, funnier and a teensy bit sympathetic. Read the review.
