LANSKY HISTORYElvis is Not A SloppyDresser, Protest BealeStreet TailorsReprint from Memphis Press ScimitarCirca 1956By Martha Ann KennedyStaff WriterTwo Beale Street tailors are fighting mad at the CustomTailors Guild of America, because one of their best customersdid not appear on the list of America’s “Ten Best-Dressed Men.”Guy and Bernard <strong>Lansky</strong>, proprietors of <strong>Lansky</strong> Bros.men’s store at 126 Beale, became incensed at the UnitedPress story in yesterday’s Press-Scimitar, which not onlyleft Elvis Presley off the list, but went so far as to quote theguild chairman:“I think there ought to be a law- or public pressure at leastrequiringElvis Presley, Marlon Brando, and Ted Williamstoname just a few of our sloppier celebrities- to dress properly.”After this deep thrust in the back of the black silk pearlbuttonedshirt, are Messrs. <strong>Lansky</strong> taking the insult sittingdown? No, sir.”We’re really going to let that Custom Tailors Guild have itviatelegram,” said Guy.Here’s what the telegram said:“Please be advised in regard to a wire service release to thedaily newspapers throughout the country that ELVISPRESLEY is NOT—in your term—‘one of the worstdressedmen in the country.’ We, <strong>Lansky</strong> Bros., are the solesuppliers of Elvis Presley clothes. We feel that we havemade Elvis Presley on the merit of his clothes. Our clothesare all Fair Trade items by all famous national brands.Stop.”name rock ‘n rollers. “Whenever they’re on Beale Street.”The two men went on to say that they also outfit LittleRichard, Warren Smith, “Fats” Domino, and other big“Although Elvis may not be the most conservative dresser, he is definitely not sloppy. Ted Williams and Marlon Brando just don’t give a dern, butEP has to have everything just so. Every stitch down the sides of his 40 pairs of pegged slacks has to be a contrasting color.”Whenever Elvis sees something during his travels that he fancies, he tells Guy and Bernard about it, and they order it for him. Recently, they procureda blue and black striped sport coat with black velvet lapels that caught his eye in Dallas.“He’s changed- blue suede shoes are out, now he likes white shoes, continental style with double stitching andthick soles. His favorite colors were black and pink, now they’re black and white.”“Don’t let anybody fool you, that kid’s a sharp dresser. Some of his outfits are out of this world.” they concludeddefiantly.14
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