AA-2026-F3DD5B
On the image
A young man, perhaps on his way to a high school prom, stands with the determined posture of someone who understands the gravity of formal occasions. His iridescent gray tuxedo, complete with wide black lapels, is the peak of 1970s sophistication, a clear signal that synthetic fabrics were the future of formal wear. He projects an aura of confident readiness for whatever a night of supervised dancing and fruit punch might bring.
His haircut, slightly shaggy yet neatly combed, also perfectly matches the prevailing style of the decade. The entire ensemble indicates a meticulous effort to appear fashionable and grown-up, as required by the social conventions of the time.
The backdrop of a stucco wall and some brickwork suggests a suburban home, the typical departure point for such important events. He faces the camera, unflinching, perhaps having been told to "smile naturally" just before this photograph was taken.
The historian's note
This image documents a young man dressed in formal attire during the 1970s, a period marked by distinct fashion trends in menswear. The iridescent fabric and wide, contrasting lapels on the tuxedo jacket were characteristic of the era, reflecting the influence of disco culture and a move towards more flamboyant styles in formal wear.
Such attire was commonly worn by young men to events like high school proms, homecoming dances, and other formal social gatherings. The setting, a residential exterior, suggests a common practice of photographing individuals before they departed for an event.
The photograph serves as a visual record of 1970s youth culture and fashion, particularly the transitional styles that blended traditional formal elements with contemporary fabric and cut preferences.
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Visually related — by likeness
Young Man in 1970s Tuxedo. 1970–1979. Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library, AA-2026-F3DD5B. https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/young-man-in-1970s-tuxedo.
@misc{aaAA2026F3DD5B,
title = {Young Man in 1970s Tuxedo},
year = {1970–1979},
howpublished = {Archive \& Atlas, Historical Image Library},
note = {Accession AA-2026-F3DD5B},
url = {https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/young-man-in-1970s-tuxedo}
}TY - ART TI - Young Man in 1970s Tuxedo PY - 1970–1979 PB - Archive & Atlas, Historical Image Library AN - AA-2026-F3DD5B UR - https://thearchive.archiveandatlas.com/library/young-man-in-1970s-tuxedo ER -
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