Men's
Vintage Pop: NM Men’s Buyers Salute Dad’s Style
Russ Patrick & John Patrick, Empire State Building, 1985
With Father’s Day just days away, we decided to ask NM’s dapper men’s wear buyers to tell us about their dads — the unforgettable father-son moments at the ballpark, dad’s invincible golf swing, words of wisdom, and questionable Seventies fashion fads that he managed to pull off… The consensus? Style is hereditary!
NMd: How did your father influence your personal style?
Russ Patrick, GMM of Men’s: My father’s career was in the wholesale apparel business. For many years he lived and worked in Southern California, leading sales for a popular surf-inspired brand. He always had a somewhat casual and rugged sensibility while still looking sharp. I have always favored a slightly more formal wardrobe. Perhaps it was the result of all those years in school uniforms and 22 years at Neiman Marcus!
Did he influence your career choice?
RP: Having grown up in the business all my life — I am sure that influenced my career choice, albeit on the retail side of the business.
Was there a fashion piece of advice he gave you that stuck?
RP: ALWAYS keep your shoes polished! I still polish mine myself.
What is your most cherished memory with your father?
RP: Spending time outdoors together is always at the top of the list. We spent many hours water-skiing, scuba diving, playing golf, and riding motorcycles. I received my first motorcycle on my 10th birthday. I do not know what my parents were thinking! We live in different states today, but when we get together it still revolves around outdoor activities. The only frustrating part is that he is still in such great shape, I cannot keep up with him. And I am still unable to beat him in golf….
Norm Halus and Bruce Halus, Santa Anita Racetrack, 1983.
How did your father influence your personal style?
Bruce Halus, VP of Men’s Clothing: His style was clean, professional and gentlemanly. He had a morning routine that I find myself following today. I feed the dogs, read the newspaper (although I am getting my news online) and have a light breakfast. When I get dressed I set my handkerchief, change, pen and money out the same way he does. And I never leave the house without telling my wife I love her — also learned from my Dad.
When you recall your father’s style when you were a kid, what comes to mind?
BH: Very “Mad Men” grey suits when I was young. A very chic burgundy silk jacquard dinner jacket worn with impeccable manners. Then in the Seventies the Jaymar-Ruby leisure suit came along. Not so good.
Baby Bruce and his father at home in Southern California, 1960.
Was there a fashion piece of advice he gave you that stuck?
BH: Always carry a clean linen handkerchief. Be nice to people. You never know, the road they took may have been a rough one.
What is your most cherished memory with your father?
BH: Our horseback rides – from dawn till dark, in any direction the mood took us. We’d ride easy or challenge each other and our horses, Sundance and Kick-A-Poo. Still no better way to spend the day.
Scott Fradin's father, Irwin, and mother, Elaine, on their wedding day in 1956. Palmer House in Chicago.
How did your father influence your personal style?
Scott Fradin, VP of Men’s Furnishings & Shoes: My father is very particular about how he looks. Going out, he always wears a jacket, a well ironed shirt (he loves to iron his clothes), and shined shoes. I try to hold to this standard.
When you think about your father’s style when you were a kid, what comes to mind?
SF: In the era I grew up, there was a definite “Mad Men” sense of style among my father and his friends. Back then it seemed boring, but now looking back at old photos of them, there is a classic elegance.
Was there any style advice he gave you that stuck?
SF: My father would always tell me to “stand up straight.”
What is your most cherished memory with him?
SF: Going to my first Chicago Cubs baseball game at Wrigley Field when I was 10 years old. The Cubs beat the Atlanta Braves that afternoon, thanks to a no hitter by Cubs pitcher Kenny Holtzman.
See gifts at the Father’s Day Event on NeimanMarcus.com and NM stores.
