Few movies have proven more influential on the world of menswear than American Gigolo. Paul Schrader’s 1980 neo-noir follows the titular sex worker Julian Kay, played by Richard Gere, as he becomes involved with a politician’s wife while also being pursued as the prime suspect in a murder case. Just as memorable as the plot, however, is Gere’s Armani wardrobe.
The clothes take centre stage right from the opening scenes, which see Gere being fitted by his tailor. In a later sequence, he lovingly lays out his suits on his bed while taking cocaine and singing along to Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ “The Love I Saw In You Was Just A Mirage.” When he opens a drawer, it’s filled with Armani shirts — all carefully folded and with their logos on full display.
