As HBO’s The Gilded Age returns in all its third-season splendor, the celebrations surrounding its premiere are extending well beyond the screen. Before stepping onto the red carpet at the June 12 premiere—held during the prestigious Tribeca Festival at the BMCC Theater in New York—Ben Ahlers offered VMAN a chic sneak peek into his getting-ready routine.
Ben Ahlers has made his mark in The Gilded Age as Jack Trotter, the humble yet insightful footman and jack-of-all trades in Julian Fellowes’s opulent vision of turn-of-the-century New York. For his premiere look, he selected a bespoke deep-charcoal Berluti suit featuring sculptural shoulders, paired with sleek patent leather shoes and a Tag Heuer watch—a nod to timeless elegance. A navy silk trench coat framed the ensemble, layered over a crisp blue-and-white striped cotton shirt, a jacquard wool tie, nubuck leather pants, and Venezia leather Butteri boots—all hand-crafted by Berluti. The result: polished, refined, and unmistakably Ahlers.
Take an exclusive peek behind the scenes as Ahlers prepared for the New York premiere of The Gilded Age‘s third season. The new season debuts Sunday, June 22, at 9/8c on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
“Custom Berluti suit pressed and ready for tonight.”
“Admiring the work of my wonderful groomer Scott McMahan”
“Beautiful pinstripes for tonight”
“Summer glow in Brooklyn before the big night in Tribeca.”
“Making sure the collar sits just right.”
“Styled by the incomparable Donte McGuine”
“Are we ready to go?”
“The team at Berluti does such exceptional work”
“Fully suited“
“Wake up (on time)! An ad for Jack Trotter’s alarm clock”
“Glasses to round out the look”
“Catch season three on HBO Max”
Photography Mack Breeden
Creative and Styling Donté McGuine
Grooming Scott McMahan
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