Maile’s grandmother seems quite taken by Chad, and he returns the favor by placing his lei on her after singing about how he can’t help falling in love with her. Elvis’ screen-worn watch has a black triangular dial that follows the shape of the 31mm stainless case, strapped to his left wrist on a black leather strap. This Space Age-inspired timepiece was designed by Richard Arbib and rolled out in 1957 as part of Hamilton’s innovative line of electric watches. The straight-leg trousers have plain-hemmed bottoms which break high over his shoes, a pair of sand-colored suede casuals best seen as he leaps out of his red MG after arriving at the party for Maile’s grandmother.Ĭhad wears a diamond-studded gold ring on his left pinky, likely a piece of Elvis’ own jewelry as it would be considerably out of character for a modest young aspiring singer recently out of the Army.Īnother piece that’s undoubtedly from the King’s own collection is his futuristic Hamilton Ventura wristwatch, instantly recognizable for its dramatically asymmetrical triangular case. The way the trousers shine under certain light suggests silk or comfortably cool-wearing mohair in the trouser construction, likely the same trousers he wears with his red tapa shirt later in the movie. (For a comprehensive breakdown of all of the King’s shirts in Blue Hawaii, check out this fantastic post from Aloha Spotter!)ĭespite playing his mother on screen, Angela Lansbury was only 36 years old when Blue Hawaii was released… and barely more than nine years older than Elvis!Ĭhad changes into cream lightweight trousers, a smart and seasonally appropriate choice. Though it’s difficult to discern against the shirt’s delightfully chaotic pattern, there appears to be a non-matching breast pocket. The short-sleeved shirt has a more structured spread collar with a loop rather than the familiar flat camp collar with dark brown buttons up the plain front and a straight hem, meant to be worn untucked. The print is a classic tapa design, which my friend Aloha Spotter describes in his definitive guide to Aloha shirts as “typified by rough, abstract geometric patterns with a Polynesian, tiki, or tribal quality to them.”Īs this design was particularly popular during the 1950s and frequently printed in brown colorways, Chad’s brown shirt with its tan and white tapa print neatly represents a prevailing trend in the era’s tropical attire. “Sure feels good to get back into civvies, mom,” Chad tells his mother (Angela Lansbury) after he finally changes out of his wet Army uniform into a brown tropical-print shirt and off-white slacks.
The tenth top-grossing movie of 1961, Blue Hawaii was the first of three movies that Elvis filmed in the “paradise of the Pacific” and remains one of his most popular for its tropical style and memorable soundtrack, which includes dusted-off classics like the title track “Blue Hawaii” (originally written for Bing Crosby in 1937), “Hawaiian Wedding Song” as well as introducing “Can’t Help Falling in Love”, which would become a new standard for the King.Įlvis performs the song on screen when his character, recently returned Army veteran Chad Gates, serenades his girlfriend’s grandmother on her 78th birthday, curiously seeming to reveal his latent affection for the older woman rather than his actual girlfriend Maile (Joan Blackman). Travel or no travel, this is also the season for summer shirts and summer movies. Whatever your summer plans include, I hope all BAMF Style readers enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy season whether enjoying time at home or safely traveling.
Summer kicks off this weekend in the Northern Hemisphere with beaches and warm destinations slowly reopening around the world after months of lockdown during the early phases of the coronavirus pandemic.
Elvis Presley in Blue Hawaii (1961) VitalsĮlvis Presley as Chadwick “Chad” Gates, young tour guide and U.S.