As a connoisseur of both the silver screen and the sartorial world, I find myself utterly captivated by the fashion narrative unfolding in the series “Tulsa King.” The character Dwight Manifredi, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone, is a testament to the power of clothing in shaping a character’s persona.
It seems that, at this point, Tulsa King might be following in the footsteps of Breaking Bad when it comes to both critical acclaim and audience response. While the first season was well-received, it didn’t exactly set any hearts aflutter. However, the second season has been outstanding thus far, and it currently holds a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
It’s not too unexpected that the show is flavorful given its diverse selection of appealing elements. It’s created by the talented Taylor Sheridan and penned by Terence Winter, known for his exceptional work on shows like The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Throughout his career, he’s shown a remarkable ability to capture the nuances of gangster culture. Moreover, the Season 2 cast boasts actors like Frank Grillo and Neal McDonough, all delivering captivating, multi-dimensional performances.
Without a doubt, the leading character in this series is none other than Sylvester Stallone. His acting abilities are so exceptional that it’s tough to doubt his dedication to the role. In the Paramount+ show, he portrays Dwight Manifredi, a former member of the Invernizzi crime family who was recently paroled and sent to Tulsa to exploit the region’s financial opportunities, as there is no room for him in New York at the moment. Upon arrival, the city’s underworld appears dull, but Manifredi manages to turn things around and becomes the Don. Throughout his reign, he maintains a sharp fashion sense, making him one of the best-dressed TV gangsters of the 2020s. His style was inspired by a famous real-life Don.
The Importance of Fashion in Gangster Fiction
Fictional gangsters take great care in their wardrobe choices, with examples like Tony Montana’s pristine white suit from “Scarface” standing out, even amidst the bloodshed. The iconic tortoiseshell sunglasses worn by Rothstein in “Casino” inspire many to make a purchase, while Tony Soprano’s bowling shirts and casual shorts on “The Sopranos” convey an image of a mob boss who disregards societal norms. A don wearing shorts? He couldn’t care less. Shows like “Magic City” and “Boardwalk Empire” often resemble Paris Fashion Week for the criminal underworld instead.
To Dwight Manifredi, life is seen as one big celebration that should be enjoyed to the fullest. This flashy, quick-witted gangster always dresses impeccably, even when there’s no specific occasion. In a city known for its laid-back vibe, he stands out by staying sharp. As costume designer Suzanne McCabe puts it, his wardrobe was predominantly inspired by the sartorial elegance of John Gotti, the notorious boss of the Gambino crime family, also known as “The Dapper Don.
I examined groups like the Gambino and Franzese crime families, along with the typical ones frequently featured in newspapers from that time. Among them, John Gotti stood out as a particularly prominent figure.
In a manner that even “The Dapper Don” would approve, he held his head high, much like Manfredi, disregarding those who might have been annoyed by his extravagant style. To him, a man’s worth was reflected in the quality of his attire. The more costly, the higher the esteem.
John Gotti Was a Media Darling Thanks to His Fashion
Gotti had a knack for charming the media, with reporters finding him appealing due to his constant camera-ready appearances. Photographers would often bring back an abundance of stylish photos, while reporters jotted down many questionable quotes from this sly character. Known for his flair in matching pocket squares, hand-painted silk ties, gleaming alligator shoes, and Brioni suits, Gotti’s extravagant fashion choices earned him the nickname “The Dapper Don.
Reports indicate that the New York crime boss splurged on custom-made suits, costing anywhere from $1,800 to $5,000 per suit. Though his fashion sense might be enviable, Gotti’s distinctive style drew unwanted attention from law enforcement officials. From “Goodfellas” to “American Gangster,” viewers have been consistently shown that mobsters are expected to blend in, but Gotti stood out nonetheless. Like Bugsy Siegel, he craved celebrity status, which meant he had to play the part. Regrettably, his choices and tastes might signal the decline of the mafia’s golden era. Is Manifredi destined for a similar fall?
Fashion Means Something, Both for the Show… and for Stallone
Dwight Manifredi’s attire not only catches the eye, but it significantly contributes to his character portrayal as well. Being quite flamboyant, as even noted by his sister at his brother’s funeral, explains his unique sense of style. Upon release from prison, he is observed favoring ’90s-style suits, giving off a ‘fish out of water’ vibe due to his unfamiliarity with the modern world. As an older individual, he clings to what he knows best. However, as he becomes more accustomed to the changes in society, he adapts accordingly.
Each time Manifredi talks, he constantly adjusts his coat or tie, demonstrating his focus on maintaining an impeccable appearance. It seems as though he’s using this gesture to underscore his points too.
In the TV series “Tulsa King“, Stallone’s influence on fashion is not just limited to acting. He should also be recognized as a costume designer, given that he had the opportunity to choose several aspects of his own costumes such as shoes, bolo ties, and jewelry. As per GQ, he even supplied most of his character’s wardrobe in “Rocky“.
“That’s my old closet! Yes, I still own it; it’s at home. Exactly! We didn’t have funds to build a wardrobe. I purchased that coat when I was 19 and resided in Philadelphia. I bought it from E. J. Korvette for approximately $32. It was half leather and half material from Korea. Whenever I thought about the character, I exclaimed, ‘I have the black pants, the boots!’
In “TMZ Presents Arnold & Sly: Rivals, Friends, Icons,” Arnold Schwarzenegger admits that Stallone always dresses better than everyone else, bringing up a moment when the star of Tulsa King scolded him for wearing baggy clothes after they first met on the set of Rocky.
To be fair, I must admit that even the iconic actor has had some questionable fashion choices in the past. Take the 1977 Oscars, for example, where his wardrobe raised a few eyebrows. However, he was quick to explain the reason behind his less-than-impressive outfit on that particular night.
At the Oscars, my bow tie was missing because it had broken. Later, I learned that some folks perceived this as disrespectful. If I’d known, I would have improvised with a shoelace or something similar to keep up appearances.
It’s evident that Stallone took valuable lessons from that experience and has moved forward without looking back since then. Here’s hoping he continues to choose stylish wardrobes for us to admire in the upcoming series, Tulsa King.
Tulsa King is available to stream in the U.S. on Paramount+
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2024-10-13 20:02