We’ve all got our style icons, those go-to guys that nail their looks every time, inspiring you to dress better and be better. Inspiration can often be found in the most unexpected of places: this week, one wholly surprising cartoon character has cemented himself as a source of sartorial sophistication.
In a world where trends change by the hour and great clothes are more readily available than ever before, it can be hard to find outfits and aesthetics that are original, imaginative, and at least somewhat unique.
For decades, people have turned to TV and film for inspiration. In fact, Hollywood A-lister Ryan Gosling seemed to be channelling the ‘Kenergy’ he’d amassed during filming for the Barbie movie during an appearance at TAG Heuer’s anniversary party last weekend.
In recent months, one unlikely TV superstar has seemingly influenced two of the biggest male stars on the planet: hip-hop chart-topper and record-breaker Drake, as well as Captain America himself, Chris Evans.
But who is this mysterious garment guru that’s reinvigorating the stylistic vision of some of the world’s best-dressed men? Known for his two-tone look that he sticks to religiously, wearing it everywhere he goes as if it were some kind of uniform, the unsuspecting style star is… Peter Griffin.
WATCH: This style icon has said a few controversial things in his time…
Yes, that’s right: the cartoon megastar, created and voiced by Seth McFarlane, who is famous for his combination of green pants and white shirt, which serve as his “default” look in every episode of Family Guy since its inception.
To be clear, neither Drake nor Evans has directly alluded to Peter Griffin or his iconic look, but both have been spotted wearing this famous colour combination in recent weeks and months, leading to a potentially unwelcome point of comparison from many fans.
Evans was spotted sporting the iconic colour combination at the New York premiere for Ghosted, the new action-packed rom-com from Apple TV in which he stars alongside Ana de Armas.
Going the whole hog by adding black-rimmed spectacles for that extra Peter Griffin flair, Evans actually made a pretty strong case for the look. His straight-leg trousers in forest green were paired with a tastefully-accented white button-up cardigan that actually tied together an otherwise potentially questionable outfit.
Undoubtedly, the fit, designer pricepoint, and professional styling will be doing a great deal of the heavy lifting here, as will Evan’s good looks and prized physique which give him a natural advantage over his cartoon counterpart. Regardless, it proves that this colour combination has some sartorial weight.
However, the fact that Drake was also spotted wearing this combination late last year is what really suggests that we could be at the start of a longer-lasting style trend here. The rapper is known for his bold looks. Some are hits, some are misses, but almost all of them go on to influence the men’s fashion zeitgeist to some extent.
Hot off the heels of his album release for Honestly, Nevermind, Drake hit the festival circuit wearing a deluge of suitably daring outfits, including a green and white combo similar to Evans’ (and Peter’s).
The white button-up is almost identical and similarly layered with a white tee. However, Drake swaps out the black specs for sepia-tinted aviators and the green suit trousers are replaced with silky alternatives. Still, white shirt, green pants, retro glasses? It’s so Peter.
It’s undoubtedly a surprising turn in men’s fashion but – despite the hilarious if mindblowing ignorance of the cartoon forebearer – it’s a surprisingly convincing combination. In fact, it could be the biggest cartoon influence on fashion since Johnny Bravo cemented black tees and blue jeans as the male look of the 1990s.
Unfortunately, this writer may have to lose a few pounds before taking the green-and-white look for a spin. There’s nothing worse than being a little too on the nose…