There are characters in our social lexicon that simply change everything. James Bond, Frodo Baggins, Harry Potter- these guys are the ones you just can’t help but cheer for. They also demand more and more content as time goes on because we can’t help but demand more and more. One of the greatest of all time, maybe even more than all the rest, is Bruce Wayne. Batman. The Dark Knight. The Caped Crusader. And if you are on social media or a member of Dark Knight nerdom, you know that today is Batman Day.
In 2014, DC declared Batman Day to celebrate the character’s 75th anniversary at Comic-Con. Now, it has been moved to the third Saturday of September every year so stores, brands, comic lines, etc. can hold events that don’t compete with Comic-Con, the biggest nerd event of the year. But what is it about Batman that stands the test of time? Is it the darkness he brings in contrast to Superman? Is it the kick-ass costume? Maybe it is the debonair aura of Bruce Wayne.
None of us could ever be Batman (this isn’t a challenge, please don’t try), but we can feel like Bruce. Even without the billion-dollar Wayne Enterprises behind us, we could procure a few key luxury items to feel like Bruce.
Suits
Bruce Wayne is a businessman. But not just any businessman; he is the CEO of Wayne Enterprises. Imagine Jeff Bezos on steroids, with military contracts. That means you need to look like you mean business. And the best way to do that is with a great suit. You don’t need to drop $20K on a suit like a billionaire, but investing in something high-quality with a perfect fit will make it look like you spent that much. A $5K-$7K suit is an investment that will last forever, and it will make you look like you are running your own business and can stand toe to toe with any CEO, fictional or not.
Some brands to focus on: Alan David Custom, Michael Andrews Bespoke, Brioni, Tom Ford.
Watches
You can’t invest in a great suit and then wear a crappy watch. That just doesn’t make sense. It is also the first thing that will rob you of the Bruce Wayne luxury. If you are going to convince people you are a reclusive and mysteriously wealthy man who scrambles across rooftops at night in search of the worst villains in the city, you can’t wear a Timex. Not that there is anything wrong with a Timex. But for this aesthetic, you are looking for something that speaks to luxury and timeless fashion. Again, no need to go crazy. Something over $2K but less than $10K is a great place to start.
Brands to focus on: Bremont, Omega, IWC Schaffhausen
Skincare
Alright, all you bearded people, Bruce Wayne is clean-shaven. That means if you want to pull off the vigilante look, then you will need to shave off the hair and let the bottom half of your face show. Of course, that means you can’t let your skincare routine go by the wayside. You need to dig in and focus on a great skincare regimen that will keep you looking your best while you’re competing with the CEOs and world leaders. It doesn’t have to be a Patrick Bateman-level routine (Christian Bale was going to come up in a Batman article…but I wasn’t expecting that role instead), just something simple but effective.
Brands to focus on: Caldera + Lab, Kiehls, Baxter of California, Dior
Cars
There is just something about a great ride. Every good wealthy superhero has a great car. Tony Stark, Oliver Queen, even Wonder Woman has the invisible plane. That doesn’t mean you should get a Batmobile; that is a ton of money, a lot of questionable physics, and no doubt a ton of unwanted law enforcement attention. Again, no need to go out and drop millions on a supercar, unless you have that kind of scratch. In which case, you probably already have one in the garage. Or two. Instead, there are some stellar brands you can focus on that will elevate you to secret identity status immediately.
Some brands to focus on: Audi, Range Rover, Lexus, Mercedes
A Cave
Obviously, I am not saying you should remodel the foundations under the east wing in an attempt to create a real-life Batcave. I mean, again, if you can swing that, then you absolutely should. Who doesn’t want a great man cave? And if you can do it in a real-life cave, you will save on air conditioning. No, I am talking about creating a space that is just for you. Something elevated and luxurious. An escape from the world where you can read, have a drink, maybe indulge in a cigar. Dark academia, modern minimalist, whatever your vibe is, just make sure there is a view of the city in case Gordon needs you.
Brands to focus on: Ralph Lauren Home, Williams Sonoma, Arhaus, Bang & Olufsen
Charisma
Finally, you have to walk the walk. It doesn’t matter how well you dress. It doesn’t matter what watch you wear. It doesn’t matter if your hair is perfect. Your car is top of the line. You have impressed people with your space. It truly doesn’t matter if you don’t fulfill the part you are trying to play. It is about etiquette, it is about chivalry, it is about charm. People have to like you immediately. They have to remember you when you leave. They have to want to trust you with their business. With their lives. Sometimes trust you with their heart.
Batman may be the hero, but he gets nowhere without the help of Bruce Wayne. Here are some things you can grab if you want to launch your vigilante career.
