The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, which opened in the mid-19th century, is a legend unto itself and has been a destination for royals, moguls, and A-list celebrities since F. Scott Fitzgerald popped bottles there in the 1930s. If youâve seen a picture of someone standing outside the hotelâs famous facade, however, itâs more than likely the one of Harrison Ford, hands in his pockets, during Cannes in 1982. Dressed in a navy blue crewneck sweater, thigh-bearing shorts, aviator shades and a pair of extremely lived-in boat shoes, Ford exudes the kind of easy-going charisma that made him the definitive leading man of the 1980s. (When GQ informed Ford that this photo had become somewhat of a menswear north star, he replied, in characteristic deadpan: âI think Iâm going to be ill.â)
In this context, it makes sense that Pascal and Mescal both chose this spot to immortalize their outfits this week. Pascal’s Calvin Klein runway look was a big swing, and while it might have worked on the red carpet, it seems slightly formal against the relaxed, idyllic backdrop of the famed French Riviera hotel. Meanwhile, Mescalâs outfit, complete with his signature Adidas trainers, comes off as more casual by comparison.
Still, put either of them next to Harrison Ford at the height of his powers and youâll realize what makes that 1982 photo so special. Thatâs because thereâs nothing particularly remarkable about Fordâs clothes at all. Instead, it’s the way he wears them. Itâs the slouch, the smirk, the tousled hair, and the E.T. button jauntily pinned to his shorts pocket. Itâs a level of effortless cool that many aspire to, but fewâeven guys with serious menswear cloutâcan often achieve. That said, if you happen to have a crewneck, some short shorts, and a pair of boat shoes in your closet, you now know exactly how to wear them to maximum effect.