James Patterson and The Man in the White Suit
Who's James Patterson talking about? I think I know.
Best-selling author James Patterson has sold 425 million books. Probably 426 million since I typed that sentence.
Patterson is a man known for his prolific output (with co-authors in many cases) and his passion for literacy. But probably not for his fashion taste.
But I do think he referred to my outfit after we shared an elevator before his Des Moines lecture April 10.
When he mentioned “The Man in the White Suit” during his speech as part of the Des Moines Public Library’s AViD series of authors I raised my arms and waved.
Author James Patterson appeared in Des Moines at an AViD lecture April 10 at the Scottish Rite Consistory. (Photo by John Naughton.)
“That’s me,” I thought after his aside before a crowd of hundreds at an auditorium at the Scottish Rite building downtown.
After all, men in white suits aren’t seen very often around town. At least I haven’t seen many.
Patterson, meanwhile, was dressed in remarkably casual style, with a hoodie and jeans.
He looked like a typical Iowa dad shopping at Walmart or Lowe’s, not a celebrity author who has dozens of books on most Iowa library shelves.
The white suit combines well with a variety of colors, including many shades of blue. (Photo by John Naughton.)
White suits are associated with authors. Tom Wolfe, of “The Bonfire of the Vanities” fame. Mark Twain. Truman Capote.
Such men’s (and women’s) wardrobes can look quite dazzling.
Paired with a colorful shirt, tie and pocket square, the white suit can be elegant, classy and draw stares and smiles.
To me, they’re downright fun. Which is why I’m not afraid to be The Man in the White Suit at a James Patterson lecture.
James Patterson’s “star” lecture is part of the Authors Visiting in Des Moines series, sponsored by the Des Moines Public Library. (Photo by John Naughton.)
So, this Substack column gives me a chance to write about two of my favorite subjects: Writing and fashion.
I will never be the writer that James Patterson is. I might be a guy who reads a book now and then, and has contributed a few short articles to one (“Where to Eat Pizza” by Daniel Young).
Des Moines has a history of both lectures and fashion. Though I’d have to say we’re long on the former — we are, after all, home of Charles Lindbergh’s notorious 1941 “America First” speech, Vice President Spiro Agnew’s 1969 anti-media tirade and a fair share of campaign lectures associated with the Iowa Caucuses.
When it comes to men’s fashion, Des Moines is the birthplace of the designer Halston. But we don’t have a sensational Des Moines Fashion Week, do we?
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