American Gigolo Style

Released 33 years ago this month, American Gigolo remains in our culture's consciousness as an iconic film, despite the fact that most of us have only seen the movie chopped up as a TV rerun. And let's face it, as a murder mystery, the film offers a hell of a lot more style than it does substance. But that's okay. Because for a movie that is essentially about being undressed, Richard Gere's breakout role as LA hustler Julian Kaye is a lesson in wearing luxe sportswear. The entire film is textbook '80s hedonism: sun, sex, sports cars and shopping. There isn't one suit or jacket that stands out. Rather, it's the entire wardrobe—supplied by Giorgio Armani, who at the time was relatively unknown to Americans—and how it was worn that left an indelible mark on menswear for the decades to follow. Armani outfitted Gere in cool pieces like thin V-necks, skinny belts, trim collared shirts and casual blazers in breezy fabrics. Pieces that aren't unlike the clothes guys want to wear today.