You are not logged in.
#1 2010-08-21 03:57:37
- D. Adams
- Member
- Posts: 113
American Ivy through the British lens
Just wanted to mention that I've enjoyed this site particularly for the insight into the style by the folks in England and abroad. It's cool to learn about and incorporate some items not often seen in America (just took delivery on some snuff Playboy chukkas) to help skew the look over here. As an American so used to the style in a certain context, over the past few years or so I think I've leaned toward some items that would suggest an American dressing like an Englishman dressing American. The subtlety of the style you guys often mention. Thanks for the interesting info and topics.
Last edited by D. Adams (2010-08-21 03:59:01)
#4 2010-08-21 05:05:48
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
It occurred to me, in fact, that Americans trawling Ebay are still able to fill their boots with deadstock without getting ripped off on the postage.
#5 2010-08-21 12:59:48
- Beatnik's ghost
- Member
- Posts: 337
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
This rediculous US postage thing is seriously cramping my buying power. When the postage is more than the item.... Well, I'm down to my last 20 pairs of Levis.
Things are getting scary man...
#6 2010-08-21 13:53:16
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
It used to be great: stuff coming over for next to nothing. Then a load of stuff I'd ordered never turned up at all. This was at a time when their rates were being hiked. They've been hiked again at least once to my knowledge. I'm now restricted to English sellers who accept postal orders. Like Billy Bunter in reverse.
#7 2010-08-21 16:31:17
- Big Tony
- Member
- Posts: 5478
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
"What sort of post-apocalyptic deathscape is this?"
"I don't want to look like a cock hungry sailor after all !!!"
"When it comes to infidelity, broken families, and reckless fatherhood, the underclass are amateurs."
#10 2010-08-21 17:48:27
- Big Tony
- Member
- Posts: 5478
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
"What sort of post-apocalyptic deathscape is this?"
"I don't want to look like a cock hungry sailor after all !!!"
"When it comes to infidelity, broken families, and reckless fatherhood, the underclass are amateurs."
#11 2010-08-22 00:45:24
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Brooks? Press? Bass? Sebago? Florsheim? Walk Over? Russell Athletic? Ralph Lauren? Champion? Orvis? Fruit Of The Loom?
All you're inferring by your jazz reference is, buy vintage.
#12 2010-08-22 01:44:53
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
"The originals are still the greatest".
Certainly there have been mutations all 'round. I think the old argument was that we hadn't strayed as far as the Tradsy and the Preppoid...
#13 2010-08-22 01:53:29
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Anglo-US capitalists must have been rubbing their sweaty palms with glee, as they saw the potential benefits of outsourcing and sliding into a creative coma simultaneously.
I've seen Martin Scorcese refer to late doo-wop as 'decadent': a fine and precise use of that word.
John Simons, I think, favours 'drivel'.
The democratic revolution in clothing went a step too far. RL cannot have his cake and eat it forever.
Americans, reclaim your look, if you can.
Show us your passionate side as we show you ours.
#14 2010-08-22 02:00:57
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
A little spunk from our American friends would be in order. It's nice to show you care.
#15 2010-08-22 02:06:42
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Names like 'Grenfell' and 'DNA Groove' keep cropping up in Anglo Ivy circles. How Madison Avenue orientated are they? Anglo-Italian is making all the running now. Just take a look at Get Smart's appearance. A fresh swoosh of creative impulse is desperately needed from Brooks/Press/Andover. It's not - or shouldn't be - about being 'cutting edge'. It's about doing something well instinctively and continuing to do it well. We didn't walk away from Brooks, Brooks walked away from us.
#16 2010-08-22 02:15:22
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Time, perhaps, to reiterate a few points:
World War Two - GIs - Soho - Italy - jazz - coffee - deprivation - dreamscapes - violence - jazz - Jamaica - Austins - Georgie Fame - Graham Marsh - Clothesville - The Ivy Shop - social progress - foreign travel - increased opportunities -
Sound like we've got a chip on our shoulders, don't we? Not so.
#17 2010-08-22 07:57:38
- 4F Hepcat
- THE Cat
- Posts: 14333
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Vibe-Rations in Spectra-Sonic-Sound
#19 2010-08-22 08:03:23
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
I've always been less than convinced that this I-Trad shit or prep could ever work in these isles. Which gives us a strong advantage. The other Europeans are also working hard, though. Look at the Finns.
#20 2010-08-22 11:08:32
- D. Adams
- Member
- Posts: 113
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Last edited by D. Adams (2010-08-22 11:28:30)
#23 2010-08-22 11:54:43
- D. Adams
- Member
- Posts: 113
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Last edited by D. Adams (2010-08-22 11:56:19)
#24 2010-08-22 12:08:01
- D. Adams
- Member
- Posts: 113
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Here is one meaning/context choice I made recently. I needed a polo/tennis shirt, prefer no logo but haven't found the perfect one fit-wise from whats out there now (I liked the J Press ones, but they now have 3 buttons and unfinished sleeve, which is ok but not what I wanted this time). From internet monolith Zappos, I got a made in England Fred Perry, plain white with navy logo (no-tipped collar or sleeve, just all white). Great shirt, great fit. This is from the branding perspective so is less interesting than the real items (someone just make a good shirt w/o a logo please!), but I perceived the Fred Perry w/o tipping as a pretty neutral item in America, where it might have connotations in England. Polos are the one item I will consider logoed, and I don't mind Lacoste or RL if necessary, but would prefer without.
Last edited by D. Adams (2010-08-22 12:08:55)
#25 2010-08-22 12:10:40
- Rip Rig & Panic
- Member
- Posts: 4697
Re: American Ivy through the British lens
Alan Paine make a good, plain polo with a nice pique. Their knitwear is probably best avoided, however.