Despite vicious opposition, both from some fashion critics and, apparently, strangers in the street, Thom Browne has shaken the world of men’s fashion from a place where no-one expected it – the hem of a gray, flannel suit.

He believed so passionately in his now famous short trousers, short jacket look that, for a while at least, he was the only person wearing it.

Five years on and his $3,000 suits are in high demand among the businessmen of America, he’s just been named the CDFA menswear designer of the year and, much to the surprise of many, has been signed up by none other than Brooks Brothers to throw together a few collections.

But don’t any of you get any ideas. He’s a fashion designer and you’re not, so keep your couture eccentricities to yourself. No matter how often you wear it, one of those illuminated geek tshirts, tucked into poorly-fitting jeans above shiny, white New Balances, will never catch on.

A New Trend for Men’s Wear [New York Times]