The suit was created and worn by Elvis starting in 1974, perhaps so that the singer could rebuild his relationship with Mexicans.
On the night of June 26, 1977, Elvis Presley gave a concert at the Market Square Arena in Indianapolis, dressed in a white suit with the Aztec Calendar embroidered on the chest and back. The king of Rock n Roll did not suspect that the images with that outfit would remain for posterity, since it would be the last presentation he would give in his life.
That suit, or rather jumpsuit, had been designed, composed and made by Gene Doucette in 1974, the musical star’s main couturier. The piece was called from the beginning as “Mexican Sun God”, although it was also called “Mexican Sundial” or simply “Aztec”.
The first time Elvis wore it was for the Tahoe tour. In those presentations, people were amazed because, in addition to the Mexican motifs in the upper area of the garment, on the legs there was a tribute to the Chrysler tower, one of the most impressive at that time, and which is now an icon of NY.
One of the king of Rock n Roll’s favorite suits
“It was always one of his favorites, and he looked incredible when he walked across the stage. When the light hit the sun directly, it illuminated his face and his shoulders, which was impressive,” said the designer in an interview with BK Enterprises Canada.
Furthermore, there is no identical suit, it is unique, because Gene Doucette did not make any copies, nor did he make any modifications to the original, not even when Elvis gained weight. In fact, the “Mexican Sun God” adapted very well to the singer’s new sizes because it could be adjusted with the belt and opened with a zipper that exposed his chest.
Elvis, the Aztec Calendar suit and his relationship with Mexico
Why Elvis decided to use one of the most representative symbols of Mexico, and the Mesoamerican world, is a mystery. However, it can be intuited that the suit could have been to recompose his relationship with Mexico and the Mexicans.
This is because years before, in 1957, columnist Federico de León claimed that the singer told him in an interview that he “would rather kiss three black women than a Mexican one.” The comment did not go down well at all at a time when Elvis was seen as a bad influence on youth.
The Aztec Calendar suit is on display at the Elvis Presley Museum, also known as Graceland, in Memphis. House where the king of Rock n Roll lived and is buried.
Source: Mexico Desconocido
