Shaft 2.0

Man 3/6/09

I’m sure he knew that he resembled a celebrity. And I’m sure that he put on his clothes knowing that he was going out of his way to dress like he resembled a celebrity. Which begs the question: ”Why do people want to look like celebrities?”

He looked like Issac Hayes circa 1973, still relatively fresh from the success of Shaft. That shaved head with a cultivated beard and goatee. And he even had on a pair of gold frame aviator sunglasses – he was in the subway mind you. His coat was this maroon leather car coat, a little weathered, but not quite vintage. Standard modern 3 button with a belt across the waist. His pants were also leather, though black. I don’t know what a mostly leather outfit says about you. But when you pair it with a bald head, groomed beard and gold aviators - it says Issac Hayes.

Still there were modern touches that made him more 2.0 versus a carbon copy. For starter’s his shoes were black leather high-top sneakers – not your typical 70’s footwear. And this guy was carrying a Louis Vuitton Monogram messenger bag; with straps that were slightly frayed suggesting frequent use. His t-shirt underneath the coat was lack, with a print of something done in gray. And his chunky cotton scarf was also black.

His build reminded me of a linebacker, broad shoulders and this thick neck. And as he was looking into his messenger bag for what later turned out to be a rather large appointment book, he actually pulled out these black hand-exercise grips. Not exactly a typical resident of an LV messenger bag. But perhaps appropriate if you were very into working out?

So, what do we know about Shaft 2.0? He works out, he still likes leather, Louis Vuitton is his favorite leathergoods maker, and he prefers sneakers to more formal shoes. Sounds about right to me.