It was 1951. Bing Crosby was at the height of his singing career when he visited Vancouver. After a brief hunting trip, he made his way to the high-end Hotel Vancouver to check in. Not recognizing Crosby, hotel staff promptly turned him away because of his denim-on-denim Levi’s ensemble, which was far too casual and not nearly “sophisticated” enough. It was only when a bellhop recognized Crosby that the “misunderstanding” was remedied. Back in the US, Levi’s was LOVING IT. Designers at the iconic brand proceeded to create a custom jean tuxedo for Crosby complete with an interior leather patch that not-so-subtly read: “Notice to all hotel men.”
Albeit more of a social commentary than a style one, the denim outfit — dubbed the Canadian tuxedo — was nonetheless born.
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