photography by DAVID CARLO
style & production by CYNTHIA ALTORISO
outfits by DAVID HART

CYNTHIA ALTORISO: It is because of Alan Cumming that I found David Hart. Once a year I style and produce a portrait project on Alan Cumming. In homage to Alan’s roots I always add a wee bit of tartan to his clothes or accessories. In searching for a tartan tie I found an amazing collection by David Hart & Co. David was in Europe and did not get back until after the shoot, but I knew who I would reach out to for the next one with Alan, and the next, and the next…. And, it wasn’t only about ties, since in 2013 he launched his menswear collection.

What I adore about David’s menswear is that it is…..smooth, classic and witty. Who else comes up with collection themes inspired by ‘Cold War’ and ‘Twilight Zone’ and what the LA Times called, ‘a tasteful and tailored take on tiki-chic’ ? The edge is there, but with elegance, not in your face. The fine workmanship and superb quality are there, in fact I sometimes describe David as ‘a bit like RL but with more edge’.

David is one of my favorite go-to designers for menswear. And, he’s got the best ties! When I was styling a Mad Men project, David shared his personal, vintage collection of neck ties, and…they were killers. For a project based on the 19th century portraits of Mathew Brady, David came through. Some of the ties from that era were…crazy, exaggerated, tied sideways, not easy to source. For that project, Alan Cumming portrayed Mathew Brady and David came to the studio and personally tied the tie that he had custom made.
I am proud to say that as far as knotting a necktie, I was taught by the master himself, David Hart.

David Hart was Born in Maryland.
Made his first notable piece in H.S., a gown made of peacock feathers.
Graduated from FIT.
Lives in Brooklyn ( across the street from where I grew up, near the Brooklyn Navy Yard).
Worked at Anna Sui, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.
His ties are sold at Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales and in Japan, United Arrows and Journal Standard.

Early Influence: his grandfather, Bob Mackie, Rod Serling, Cary Grant and JFK.
He loves all kinds of music from jazz to hip-hop to Top 40 and in particular, Nick Waterhouse.
He plays the sax and taught himself to play the sitar.
Favorite color: deep blue, the deeper the better.
Favorite smell: coffee in the morning.
Quick bite: New York bagels.
Favorite place: his studio.
Where would he would like to journey: Everywhere.
Who he would like to dress from the past: Martin Luther King Jr.
What would he grab from the fire: his dog, Gatsby.

Special congratulations to David for his position as the new sportswear director at HICKEY  FREEMAN.