What about Kevin Rowland's take on The Look on this album ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dont-Stand-Dexys-Midnight-Runners/dp/B000083GOA/sr=1-3/qid=1172073538/ref=sr_1_3/026-3178413-8106022?ie=UTF8&s=music

He did speak about "the great lost look" ( re-Peanut ) in "The Look" ( the book ) in a passionate way. Some might say it was merely a commercial move he made to sell his album, but I found it interesting seeing as he seemed to know his stuff as for his essay on Skins. Mind you I wasn't really that sure when I first checked the booklet, if the outfits you see in the link above indeed had an edge, but it was done well within a certain context I suppose...... too squeaky clean perhaps.....? Certainly no 'Hard Dandies' IMO anyway ;-)

Last edited by Alex Roest (2007-02-22 02:38:24)

Thanks for the reply Chris, more than a guess I'd say re-mixing and matching, but stressing the fact that a big part of the influence came through films is an important one I think.

When I was dabbling with preppy I liked the subversive element at first, but that was more to do with my Punk background if you see what I mean......people were shocked by my new image which was amusing, but that sort of fun can only last for so long so it was back to seriousness after a spell ;-)

As for being playful with the Look I find TSC did a much better job with their characteristic British slant on things, continental influences and all that. At the end of the day that suits me better also. As a matter of fact I'm planning to use some Ivy influences again for this Spring/Summer.
I had a nice 'throw on jacket' in mind among other things and FNB has been really helpful so far. I've even rented some films with Steve McQueen to get the feeling just right, "Point Blank" was another one albeit a less inspiring one sartorially.....cheers anyway,

Alex

Last edited by Terry Lean (2007-02-23 04:59:24)

For me, I've always had a negative association with the word "preppy", having grown up during its height in the mid 80s.  I've always thought of preppy as being a more manufactured image whereas "ivy-style" I've always thought of having a cultural root (probably why "trad" and classism sometimes go hand in hand).  Ironically, though I've disliked "preppy", it was more for the everyman, whereas "ivy" wasn't....if it weren't for the British re-interpretation of "ivy style" and sending that back to the states, a fella like me would never have found any interest in it.

This is a good thread, as I've felt the same thing as Alex.  Head to toe in authentic ivy gear makes me feel like an old man, even tho that style was originally for a younger set.  Maybe it's because old fogeys have redefined the mental image of "traditional ivy style", but regardless, I still can't get past the image of an old guy when I think of khakis, tweed jackets, and loafers being worn together.  I guess I'm a "spot ivy style" appreciator, where one or two pieces invoke the ivy style, but not head to toe in it.  and never loose fitting, I feel uncomfortable in loosely fitted clothes.

Thanks again for the replies lads..... basically I think the pure Ivy League style is too conservative for me, if that would be a fair way to put it. Also I'm with Jason in that I like The Look a lot when done to the nines on another person who wears it with pride and passion alike....

What I'd very much like to is to discuss this thing over drinks seeing as I'm not the most rapid of typists and tend to take my time before posting.....

I'm definitely in the mood to put a lot of effort in taking the next step David was referring to. That's what I'm all about sartorially speaking of course, but in order to do it right I should probably visit the Smoke and talk through the finesses with those ITK....

I'm scanning the shops already as for suitable stuff which I always enjoy and if I think I have a result I'll be willing to discuss it on-line naturally.

I've already posted about an outfit including a waisted, herringbone tweedjacket, turtleneck, straightlegged classic HL jeans and chukkaboots which I did with all of this in the back of my mind. Funny thing is that Jason called it Mod which I appreciated only because it was him that said it. One thing any Stylist would dislike is being sussed by someone not ITK ( as it implies failure )....

Anyway, enjoying this a lot and wish some more people would join in. Updating the Look is the most fascinating thing I can think of when it comes to discussing clothes.

Alex

Last edited by Alex Roest (2007-02-23 03:37:11)

Negative is fine.
You see an 'Allen' future for the style?

That's very well spotted. Are they re-positioning themselves do you think? And, if so, why?

Last edited by Alex Roest (2007-02-24 04:30:53)