THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, April 18, 1996 TAG: 9604180106
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: FASHION REPORT
SOURCE: BY KIM WADSWORTH, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 98 lines
IT'S NOT just another day at the office.
The perennially staid men's suit has taken on some sportswear overtones, giving office workers casual options - and not just on Fridays. Everything is relaxed and bright. Silk polo shirts work well under tailored suits. The term ``leisure suit,'' which described a particular fashion felony of the '70s, could take on a whole new meaning.
We've chosen four Hampton Roads models with varied lifestyles and clothes that fit their needs. The common thread? All have jobs that make them visible to the public. So what they wear is important.
If it's Tuesday, it must be Pittsburgh - such is the life of actor Michael Hunter, who appeared last week on NBC's ``Homicide.''
Traveling from Norfolk to everywhere for auditions keeps Hunter in perpetual motion.
When suiting up for auditions, he allows his clothes to suggest his character. As a lawyer, he wears a fitted suit; as a character in a '40s film, he chooses neutral trousers and shirt with a leather jacket. A guy-next-door role has him wearing khakis and a white linen shirt.
Hunter finds dressing in neutral tones to be the best way to make a simple statement that allows directors and producers to fill in the blanks. Says Hunter, ``I have a lot of fun with my clothes.''
When Gerry McCants became president of Black Pages USA, a resource guide established in 1990 featuring African-American entrepreneurs, professionals and business people in five states, he knew a solid wardrobe would be important.
``In the advertising business, you have to look good because you're constantly selling yourself as someone credible,'' he says.
A traveling man with at least three suits in tow, McCants relies heavily on a diverse wardrobe when attending conferences and business meetings throughout the country.
``I'm a classic dresser, somewhat on the conservative side. I like designers like Ralph Lauren and Armani. I wear tweed and pinstripe suits. I also like khakis with a blue blazer and rep tie - it gives the look more meaning.''
McCants also sports watches from a collection of Elgins and Bulovas from the '40s and '50s.
Television and radio personality Derrick Borte wears many hats these days. Not literally, but the clothes he wears as features/entertainment correspondent for WAVY-TV and WVBT, as well as entertainment reviewer for Coast radio, run as diverse as his resume.
For Borte, wearing the best is a top priority, although looking comfortable is important too.
``I'll go for either a great suit, or silk T-shirt and jeans with a suede jacket. But there's no middle ground.''
One way he deviates from a sophisticated look is by wearing lug-soled shoes, because he likes the feel. He wears no jewelry and prefers three-button crepe Donna Karan and Hugo Boss suits that drape well.
Mood and energy are an intrinsic part of Dean Palompo's job. As the market representative for Lancaster Group USA, Palompo is in the public eye all the time promoting new fragrances and overseeing special events in department stores.
``I try to make fragrances special. I help people find a fragrance that is right for them, that matches their personality. It can definitely influence their mood.''
What he wears depends on what fragrance he is promoting. For an energetic men's cologne like Davidoff Cool Water, he goes for a casual upbeat look that includes a polo knit shirt and trousers in blue tones.
Yoop! Homme is rich and sophisticated, so Palompo chooses well-tailored suits in deep burgundy or black. Chopard Cashmir, a romantic and sweet fragrance for women means sophisticated suits in tweeds with lively patterned ties.
Palompo says, ``when I feel good, I feel confident talking to people which is a major part of my job.''
Regardless of the scent, the clothes he wears are an essential part of his package. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
BETH BERGMAN
The Virginian-Pilot
MOTOYA NAKAMURA
The Virginian-Pilot
CHRISTOPHER REDDICK
The Virginian-Pilot
MOTOYA NAKAMURA
The Virginian-Pilot
[Cutline information can be found on the microfilm for this date.]
by CNB