Photographed by our fearless lensman, Patrick McMullan.
Few actors personify cool as well as Willem Dafoe. Even an otherwise cheesy action flick is elevated by his quirky, quietly menacing presence. Usually he gets stuck playing the bad guy, but there are worse things to be stuck doing. At the 21st anniversary bash for Italian designer Ennio Capasa’s Costume National line the other night, Dafoe sported a classic combo with refined, modern details that set him above the basic black pack.
His narrow-lapel, black-on-black, subtly-textured striped suit, snowy white shirt and narrow solid black silk tie were all Costume National, befitting the occasion. A personal touch came in the form of black calf handmade lace-ups by Fattomano of Buenos Aires. To those who might say the ensemble is too sober, Dafoe (pictured here with tasty scenester Leigh Lezark) explained to the Observer, “I don’t like to reveal too much through what I wear.” When you wear it this well there’s no need.
—J.P.S.
