Interesting. It takes quiet confidence to wear the collar of a button-down over instead of under: maybe a deliberate playing around with The Look. It appears not only un-English but also un-Ivy in any orthodox, American sense. I've seen others - including Montgomery Clift - who've left their buttons undone, but this a bit more Cheever-ish perhaps?
If Ken ever sees any of this old bollocks - which is highly doubtful - I reckon he'll be bemused. Yet no-one I've known has had quite that effect on the way I would want to dress. The man was sharp as my old woman's tongue while I was still playing with Dinky Toys, and now he's just pared down cool. It's fantastic, and yet another reason why I will one day exchange my Hilton sack etc. for simple cashmere navy v's and quality desert boots.
As RPR, I still hold this view absolutely. I looked more to Ken and Jeff than to John. Having said that, my Sebago are now - after three or four years - beginning to attain that proper shade of Simons grubbiness.
Saw Ken down John's the other day & shook the hand. Ditto Mr. Lally & Jeff... I don't see GG enough ...
Or RPR -
At a party with Mr. Woofboxer tomorrow ...
Jim
Did I say before I tried copying his t under polo look?
Earlier this year I was fortunate enough to visit the Andover Shop in Cambridge Mass. I bought a pair of trousers and had to go back a couple of days later to pick them up after hemming.
Many paralells with the JSA shop.
The legendary Charlie Davidson wasn't in evidence on either of my visits but the place was staffed by a couple of guys who immediately reminded me of Ken and Jeff. In their early 60s, perfectly turned out, projecting the look but in an effortless, downplayed way. Their demeanour in the shop was the same too; you received an acknowledgement when you walked in but were then left to look around as long as you liked without interference. But as soon as you wanted any help you had their undivided attention, the benefit of obvious knowledge and experience and a certain amount of dry wit!
Very similar gentlemen!
Spooky - tonight the kid visited and at his insistence we watched and episode of Seinfeld. It's called The Wig I think. In it Jerry visits the Andover shop and buys a jacket and then returns it when the sales guy cracks onto Elaine. There's a few references to The andover shop. If it wasn't for FNB forum I'd have missed a small bit of the joke. I'd nev heard of Andover outside of FNB.
Just the job. My daughter is expressing an interest in visiting Cape Cod at some point, so I could perhaps make a trip to the shop. I've got one of their catalogues hanging around somewhere, showing a lime green duffel coat my wife likes. Maybe the secret is to steer clear of NYC.
Strangely enough, I recently snatched up a MTM Andover suit on eBay Germany. But then again, I did just find out about another German Ivyist.
And now we have Paul, Guy & Andy to add to the mix.
All more than worthy of style profiles on here.
Chaps like Kenny are cool because the notion of being cool has not crossed their minds in ever so many years. I had the same feeling when communicating, several years ago, with Lloyd Johnson. Chens, by doing what he does, simply opens the window and hurls cool down onto the street below. I'm not convinced that anyone blogging can be cool. The Internet is, in itself, now highly uncool.
I think this is not a bad effort in search of the cool:
http://whereisthecool.blogspot.com/
When something ceases to be cool it becomes a 'classic'. Like the wretched Harrington jacket.
If you are not a paid-up member of the 'Friends Of John Simons' you are entitled to look away now. Go and make yourself a cup of tea.
The thread is old, largely blanks and bollocks, but there are some solid gold observations about Ivy style in there, too. Aside from our Gibson and JS himself, I probably think about Kenny Lovegrove every day of my life - for what I observed back in... Christ... whatever years they were...
I last saw him at Chiltern Street nine years ago. He didn't remember me from the old shop and I can't say I blame him.
His dress sense was admirable, envious, spot on. Blue, blue with sometimes a hint of white. Often bucks.
He doesn't read rubbish like this.
Bump for this tribute to 'The Ken Lovegrove Look'