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Yes, obviously what Dan Gilbert does for Detroit is infinitely more important than what he wears in Detroit.
After near-weekly coverage here about his building purchases, development projects, civic leadership and downtown security efforts, we hoped social media playfulness on a Friday afternoon would be taken in the whimsical spirit intended.
And so it was, by most of the roughly 80 readers who've responded to a repost of this photo from his announcement Wednesday of a $5-million donation for a project with Home Depot to renovate abandoned homes in four west-side neighborhoods. "What do you think of Dan Gilbert's look?" we ask on Facebook and Twitter.
Twenty-six people snipe at a bold choice. "He looks like the Jack Nicholson Joker from Batman," comments Dale Baker. Sixteen others admire fashion-forwardness, "That's a sharp-ass suit," says Aaron Sypniewski of Warren.
"Is he test driving his Don Cherry [above] Halloween costume?" Lisa Marie Mayer wonders about Gilbert.
Gilbert's bright flair reminds five readers of CBC hockey commentator Don Cherry (right) and one of Barry Melrose, an ESPN hockey analyst (photo below.) Another wag thinks it's reminiscent of Kwame Kilpatrick's bodacious style.
We also get an earful from more than 30 people about Gilbert himself, a topic not in play this time, and about the "sad and shallow" question.
"Why is this newsworthy," a former Detroit teacher asks from Mississippi. About a dozen others also think we have a thread loose. "Waste of energy. But that's the way Satan works," one puts it harshly.
We're glad the post and tweet spark conversation, which was the goal, and we're grateful for all responses.
Sample replies are displayed in three categories: Like, Dislike and Dislike Deadline.
Like Dan's style
► That's how we dress in The D -- Victor Enrici
► Dan dresses great. I give him props. -- Pashko Dushaj, Macomb Township
► Two thumbs up for the jacket. I love it! -- Tonya Grassel, Westland
► Really cool guy! -- Jacqueline Carter, Cincinnati
► I try not to piss of people that own 80% of the city. That is a lovely suit Mr. Gilbert, sir. -- Ted Groustra, Grosse Pointe Park
► I'd wear it. -- Mike Pippin, Detroit
► That's a $2,000 jacket, and it rocks. The tie could be better. -- Mary T. Pasque, Troy
► I like most of his attire. -- John Golembiewski
► When you own most of downtown you can wear whatever you want. -- David Gifford, Rochester Hills
► I like it. The tie doesn't match at all however. -- Benita Carter
► He often chooses peacock blue and purple, common colors for him. Why is this surprising? Mixing patterns is on trend for men. -- @Cass_Human via Tritter
Dislike Dan's style
► Halfway to full Cleveland acid trip. -- Andrew Gohsman, Detroit
► I did not know that Robert Hall was still in business. -- Bill Johnson
► Please consult a brother. -- Nancy Gietzen, ex-Detroiter in Helena, Mont.
► Is he test driving his Don Cherry Halloween costume? -- Lisa Marie Mayer, Birmingham
► He looks just like ESPN Hockey analyst, Barry Melrose. -- Jeremy Troia, Livonia
► Reminds me of either a used car salesman or an alcoholic shrink. -- Kristina Mord, Sterling Heights
► I think I saw a Seinfeld episode where Kramer wore that jacket. -- Judith Salyer, Ypsilanti
► Whoa! That's blinding! -- Carol Perdue
► That ensemble is hideous. -- Nikki MacBroom
► Maybe he's color-blind. -- Margaret Maino
► Great suit, great brand, wrong tailor, wrong guy. -- Lane Meyer, Detroit
► It overwhelms him. It looks like it doesn't fit quite right, either. Also, needs a different shirt. -- Carmen Enriquez, Detroit
► Ditch the whole outfit. -- Susan M. Jones
► Need checked shirt and lose the collar-vs-tie struggle. -- Kurt Kosmowski, Northville
► I'm just sorry about the white shirt. Uninspired. -- Ann Sawyer, Philadelphia
► I like DG, but bad outfit! -- Jackie Whybra, Highland
► He needs Louis the Hatter to get him a stylist,, some thick and thins, a shadow-striped suit. Top it off with some "Cancellation Points" on his feet. -- Derek McDonagh, Taylor
► That Windsor knot is unnecessary and this blazer is too big. -- Sean Foreman
► Halfway to full Cleveland acid trip. -- Andrew Gohsman, Detroit
► That's rough. -- Suzy Wilson
► It looks like something that would have been found in Kwame's closet. -- Frank Ribitch, Detroit
► He looks like Jack Nicholson's Joker. -- Isaac Reifler, Detroit
► If you're gonna be a Batman villain you might as well look the part. -- Richard Head
► Horrible, ill-fitting sloppy suit! Also ugly. -- Valerie Whittaker, Southgate
► It would look better on someone other than him. -- Christine Dempster
► Money doesn't buy style or taste! -- Joan Shirilla
Dislike Deadline's question
► As long as he does a good job, who cares if he wears a trash bag? -- Danny Patchak, Warren
► Some people have to dig deep to look for something negative. -- Kimberly Ann Gagala, Shelby Township
► Why is his clothing important? It is the man inside that suit and what he is doing is important. -- Jim Rempel, Redford
► He can wear whatever the hell he wants! -- Jack Miller
► Why do we judge his outifts? -- Laura Wright
► Why would I care what he wears? -- Anne River
Gilbert "looks just like ESPN Hockey analyst Barry Melrose" (above), tweets reader Jeremy Troia of Livonia.
