Hill Rise wrote:

For those that are interested, I've just heard on the radio that Graham Marsh will be on the Robert Elms show on BBC London Radio on monday, sometime between 12 and 3, talking about 'The Ivy Look'

About time.

John Smedley, like Fred Perry and Lacoste, has made its way across the Atlantic.  Simple, expensive Ivy leisurewear; why not?

Bishop of Briggs wrote:

I have had a quick glance through the book. The music tastes are not mine so I am not qualified to comment. I was hoping for more information and discussion. The list of blogs is surprisingly short.

The list of current brands and retailers listed at the back are the "usual suspects". I expected to see Allen Edmonds, Southwick and Hickey Freeman on it. Crockett & Jones and Sanders deserved to be included because they offer many Ivy style and shell cordovan shoes. Can anyone tell why the book considers John Smedley knitwear to be Ivy? I also expected to see more retailers, e.g. Eljo's, listed.

Overall, to be honest, a bit of a disappointment.

Why did you want information & discussion from a book about a look?  The book is just for you to look at. The name tells you that it's a visual thing. No?

This is the genius of the book that all its wannabe critics don't / can't get.  It's about a certain look - So look at it, why don't you!

How can the list of Ivy blogs be short when there is actually only one: The Ivy League Look?

Equally there is only one Ivy forum: This one!

All the rest do other stuff.

And Retailers...  Many want an ABC to many subjects. And it's very good for them not to be given one! Personally I really don't rate Eljo's all that highly when compared to the names that did get listed...  Eljo's got hyped online by the Harris wannabe Preppy Southern 'Trads' - This is a book on Ivy. Different stuff.

Modern Southwick is real rubbish when you look at vintage. HF too. And Chipp I trumps Chipp II...

AE, C&J, Sanders - You could have listed many more names... But this is a 'look' book - A.N. Other can go & write 'Ivy 101' and how to wipe your ass & tie your shoelaces for that particular online market.  This book stands through its verve & nerve. Just as anything with real style should!

The book is an 'artefact' (if that is the precise word I'm looking for); not aiming to compete with the old 'Esquire' fashion guide.  It's shelved alongside my art books, not too far away from Loewy, Cubism and even Schott's 'Florentine Painting'.  Pretentious?  Moi?

Bishop of Briggs wrote:

Russell_Street wrote:

Bishop of Briggs wrote:

I have had a quick glance through the book. The music tastes are not mine so I am not qualified to comment. I was hoping for more information and discussion. The list of blogs is surprisingly short.

The list of current brands and retailers listed at the back are the "usual suspects". I expected to see Allen Edmonds, Southwick and Hickey Freeman on it. Crockett & Jones and Sanders deserved to be included because they offer many Ivy style and shell cordovan shoes. Can anyone tell why the book considers John Smedley knitwear to be Ivy? I also expected to see more retailers, e.g. Eljo's, listed.

Overall, to be honest, a bit of a disappointment.

Why did you want information & discussion from a book about a look?  The book is just for you to look at. The name tells you that it's a visual thing. No?

This is the genius of the book that all its wannabe critics don't / can't get.  It's about a certain look - So look at it, why don't you!

How can the list of Ivy blogs be short when there is actually only one: The Ivy League Look?

Equally there is only one Ivy forum: This one!

All the rest do other stuff.

And Retailers...  Many want an ABC to many subjects. And it's very good for them not to be given one! Personally I really don't rate Eljo's all that highly when compared to the names that did get listed...  Eljo's got hyped online by the Harris wannabe Preppy Southern 'Trads' - This is a book on Ivy. Different stuff.

Modern Southwick is real rubbish when you look at vintage. HF too. And Chipp I trumps Chipp II...

AE, C&J, Sanders - You could have listed many more names... But this is a 'look' book - A.N. Other can go & write 'Ivy 101' and how to wipe your ass & tie your shoelaces for that particular online market.  This book stands through its verve & nerve. Just as anything with real style should!

I buy books to read as well look at the pictures. Your comments on Eljos are noted. If Southwick (makes for O'Connell's) and HF are rubbish, where do you get quality new jackets and suits? Just J Press and Andover shop?

Perhaps my differing musical taste led to the lack of a "wow" factor for me. I do acknowledge that the great effort involved in producing the book, a valuable historical record.

My post was the usual online juvenile attempt to 'pull the tiger's tail' but your reply really asks THE question: 'Where do you get quality new jackets and suits?'

The previous 8 comments are pretty frightening. Has le perfide Chenners managed to take over RS's, RRP's and Hepcat's user accounts, either via abominable Crowleian magickal workings or electronic skullduggery?

Last edited by zuckermandl (2010-11-20 04:46:01)

The ghastly, greasy air of sidling sycophancy wafting from the last few posts, if you must know.

'Artefact'? 'Sumptious' (as far as I can remember, it's pocket size-ish) ?! And the absolute winner: 'Why did you want information & discussion from a book about a look?'

RS of course tries to temper the damage through a cheeky 'Shucks I was just kidding', but it sounded far to convincing for that. I don't hear Peter Cook here, it all sounds rather David Frost, if you know what I mean, daddy-o.

Last edited by zuckermandl (2010-11-20 06:13:39)

Well, that's rather my point- I realise that the authors are personal friends of some on here, but surely healthy discussion wouldn't change that, would it?

I stand by my position: it's an art book in keeping with the presentation and aesthetics of Marsh's previous works.  It is indeed sumptous in layout and design. Size has nothing to do with it. This is not sycophancy, although I am a fan of Marsh and he has influenced my appreciation of jazz album art and style.

I am not a personal friend of the authors and I disagree whole heartedly with the rose tinted esteem they hold Italy and its influence in. Alas, you can't argue against personal preference.

Of course, I do own a J.Press jacket that was once sported by Chenners in New York nightclubs whilst wearing Bass weejuns; yes, perhaps, I am possessed by the demonic spirit of the dandy highwayman, which explains why I've been dancing like a twat all afternoon whilst contemplating purchasing garrish paisley curtains and drinking port and lemon. And how did all these opera singers get in my room?

i am actually half hard now after all that...   

Woof, a lot of what is said on here is tongue-in-cheek.  These are still only clothes we're talking about - or, in this instance, an entertaining book.  And you're right, of course, about the 0.05 per cent of the population.  If John Simons published his memoirs tomorrow, who would care beyond a handful?  It probably wouldn't shift as many copies as 'The Ivy Look', which has Graham Marsh's (jazz, movie posters, denim) name behind it.

Rip Rig & Panic wrote:

Woof, a lot of what is said on here is tongue-in-cheek.

Count me in on that!

Not to mention numerous anti-Harrington comments.