The Phenomenal Closet of Stanny Blatch
Image Courtesy: Instagram
“Oh, Stanford, Stanford, my Stanny!” This familiar line for many Sex and the City fans like myself now carries a new undertone of sadness following the passing of actor Willie Garson who played Stanford Blatch on the iconic series. His personality lit up every episode in which he appeared, as did his magnificent wardrobe. Although it would be easy to focus on the tragedy of the star’s death, I know Stanford would rather we admire his groundbreaking style, so we’ll do just that.
Image Courtesy: Instagram
Stanford was the sole male character on the show whose style was anything other than mainstream. From his very first appearances on screen, colors, patterns, textures, and shine defined each one of his exquisite looks. In contrast with the Wallstreet wardrobes and New York City schmuck looks that dominated male fashion on screen, the attire of Stanford Blatch stood out and seldom missed the mark. As the show progressed into the back half of its seven seasons and into the two movies that followed Stanfords looks evolved, graduating from chic with a pop of fun to full-blown, over-the-top masterpieces. Take for example this early photo of Stanford and Carrie out on the town. The suit is dandy, but the tie — light blue with an assortment of red polka dots — absolutely makes the outfit. Compare that with similar suit looks from later on that don’t leave the fun to just the tie. A yellow plaid suit with a matching yellow tie and bright red shirt is should I say . . . fiery in the very most Stanford of ways. Paired with early 2000s high fashion sunglasses and an iconic pink access pass of sorts, this look signified a transition from low-key to high-key fashionable. In another episode from a few years later, Mr. Blatch sported an extravagant black, sparky sport coat, pink shirt, and pink tie, of course with a boutonnière to freshen up the look. Far ahead of his time, and genuinely a statement at the time about homosexuality and fashion in an incredibly heteronormative show in the years before gay marriage was widely accepted.
Although sometimes more subdued, Stanford’s daytime looks never disappointed. From classy layers to the fanciest of suits and the most flamboyant of outfits, the daytime was never an excuse to slack. This first look features contrasting layers and a phenomenal long, brown trench coat which at the time was certainly iconic. The second, from a very early episode, is one of my personal favorite Stanford Blatch looks of all time. A double breasted dark suit over a white tee and light blue v-neck sweater, topped with a black hat. The look was, shall I say, *chef’s kiss.*
Like with the evening outfits, as the show got into its later seasons, the daytime looks became more extravagant. In one of the most Stanford Blatch looks, he smokes a cigarette in Carrie’s apartment while adorned in purple pants, a floral, short-sleeved button down, and a bright green tie. The look is unmistakable and a true embodiment of the man’s style. The second look of this type is also one of his best. While at a lodge of sorts Stanford is outfitted in a striped suit, a red shirt, a red hat, a green tie, and a green scarf — nothing short of superb. The energy exuded in this outfit is possibly unmatched throughout all the seasons of the show.
The colorful, patterned, textured, and at times shiny wardrobe of Stanny Blatch was nothing short of iconic. His style brought an entirely new element to the show that was both exciting and impactful for American societally. Stanford’s outfits will certainly be missed on the upcoming reboot of the show And Just Like That, but his brilliance will always be remembered.
Strike Out,
Writer: Natalie Daskal
Notre Dame