F.L. Dunne and Company, New York and Boston

Richard Merkin passionately supported New York City's bespoke industry, patronizing companies such as F. L. Dunne, tailor of this dynamic three-piece tweed suit. In an era of increasingly asual attire, Merkin sought to resurrect the flaneur image. He hung Walter Sickert's caricature of Beerbohm, seen in the other gallery, between his two clothes closets as a reminder of Beerbohm's philosophy, style, and humor.
Merkin's feelings about his style were sometimes romantic: "There's a lot of sincerity and belief in it. I guess I'm a dandy at heart who seeks quality at every level of existence." He could be astutely aware of the politics of his dress: "There is a degree of satire, of the creative violation of propriety. I was not to the manner born; therefore to simply appropriate the manner would not have been satisfactory." He also said, "I'm an artist who likes to observe and make a statement, so my dress has something to do with journalism, reportage."