A stylish gentleman, charming and charismatic. Samuel George “Sammy” Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 – May 16, 1990) of the infamous Rat Pack was a man of many talents. Primarily a dancer and singer, Davis was a childhood vaudevillian, and became known for his performances on Broadway and in Las Vegas as a recording artist, television and film star.
Sammy’s sense of style was evident even in his younger days. The principles he evidently followed in fashion took his persona to heights unknown. From tailored suits to oxford button downs under a beautiful handcrafted cashmere v-neck sweater, Sammy’s charm was evident in his clothing.
Sammy’s era (1950-1960) is a time in fashion history that I truly miss. A man was nothing without a tailored suit, hat, pocket-square, tie-clip and cuff links. It is such a shame that nowadays most men don’t even own a suit. Sharkskin suits, skinny ties and fitted dress shirts. Sammy and his Rat Pack brothers are icons down to this very day.
Sammy Davis Jr. was the only black member of Frank Sinatra’s “Rat Pack” and The First Man of Color to appear in GQ Magazine, 1967.
Seeing Sammy is in his signature attire, the one button tailored suit fits like a glove along with the loosened tie and pocket square. This is what is missing from the closet of most men today, not the clothing, the personality.
On May 18, 1990, two days after Davis’s death, the neon lights of the Las Vegas strip were darkened for ten minutes, as a tribute to him. His influence in modern day men’s fashion and entertainment are still felt today. Sammy Davis Jr., we salute you for the example you left us all in how to make style apart of your personality.
Artwork by Cameron Knight
