Man's Full-Dress Ensemble Gallery View

Actor Ray Bolger (1904-87) wore this impeccably tailored evening suit. He began his career as a comedian and dancer on the Vaudeville circuit, and was later cast as the male lead in many Broadway and film musicals. Bolger’s best known role was as “The Scarecrow” in The Wizard of Oz (1939). The extremely broad shoulders, high waistline, and long tails lend drama to this formal attire; the midnight-blue color allowed these details to “read” in black-and-white publicity photos, a media technique copied from another contemporary fashion celebrity: Britain’s Edward, Prince of Wales (1894-1972).