Back In Black

Why the tailoring world is making suits in the world’s most rebellious colour again.

- Kareem Rashed

DESPITE BEING A chromatic void, the colour black (technically a shade, if you want to nitpick) is loaded with connotations. It's the hue of choice for rockers, bad boys and generally groovy dudes, from Johnny Cash to Sid Vicious, Bob Dylan to Ozzy Osbourne. Also, beatnik intellectuals, art-world galleristi, emo teens and Benedictine monks. In traditional tailoring, though, it's seldom seen outside tuxedos; bespoke cutter Paolo Martorano calls it "probably the most controversial menswear colour ever". Thanks to all of these (often contradictory) associations, most guys have learnt to approach black with caution.