Patrick Bateman

“The suit I wear today is from Alan Flusser. It’s an eighties drape suit, which is an updated version of the 30s style. The favored version has extended natural shoulders, a full chest and a bladed back. The soft-rolled lapels should be about four inches wide with the peak finishing three-quarters of the way across the shoulders. Properly used on double-breasted suits, peaked lapels are considered more elegant than notched ones. Low-slung pockets have a flapped double-besom design- above the flap there’s a slit trimmed on either side with a flat narrow strip of cloth. Four buttons form a low-slung square; above it,about where the lapels cross, there are two more buttons. The trousers are deeply pleated and cut full in order to continue the flow of the wide jacket. An extended waist is cut slightly higher in the front. Tabs make the suspenders fit well at the center back.The tie is a dotted silk design by Valentino Couture. The shoes are crocodile loafers by A. Testoni.” (p.29, American Psycho)

Patrick Bateman, primary character in Bret Easton Ellis’ American Psycho, was definitely a product of his time. Obsessed with the latest trends and meticulous with his appearance, Patrick epitomises the 1980s Wall Street man with a toned and pampered body and a fine collection of suits and accessories. Years before the term ‘metrosexual’ was coined, Bateman would have been the poster boy for consumerism.

OK, the man’s actions are hideous, but he’s dressed to the nines while he performs them. In the 2000 movie interpretation, Bateman’s donning of a raincoat becomes almost comedic while Bateman himself borders on hysteria:

Patrick Bateman had it all – money, style, charm – and, despite his psychotic tendencies, was irresistible to the ladies. Let’s face it, in the words of ZZ Top, ‘every girl’s crazy ‘bout a sharp-dressed man’ .