The importance of this thread should not be under estimated.

I am not speaking as a pro USA or anti USA individual, but I respect the country that gave me the music that has been the soundtack to my life and the threads that I wear to avoid prosecution.

My name, it means nothing and my age it means less. But what I feel about IL clothing almost transcends words and the same applies to Black (mostly) American music. If they didn't exist then it would have to be invented.

With music, in many cases it's not the notes the you play, it's the ones that you don't play that makes the piece special. The same applies to IL clothing. It fits, it's functional and possesses flair, but never flashy. All of the elements, material of construction, architecture, colours should all be in harmony, natural and well balanced for the perfect result. Less is more.

Wing tipped, tasseled loafers, toooo much information. I know I have a pair and they confuse me!!!

For me one of the important elements are three little words and one acronym, "Made in the U.S.A".

Does it mean better construction, not necessarily, but it adds a level of authenticity to the garment that you cannot get from items that are made offshore. This authenticity comes at a price, how much varies, but I would estimate 25% uplift. Is this worth paying?... I think so. Buy 25% less, but select carefully.

I was in Italy when BB were taken over by the Italians seven years ago and I was optimistic that construction would be in Italy and maybe back to the USA. When the store opened in Milan I noticed that most of the merchandise was made in Malaysia, China and other far flung countries. The same applies to the shops in Paris and London.

I see BB as Ralph Lauren - Lite, which is light, although having said that RL can produce quality, logoless, items and he has spread the IL word globally. Bless him.

I do not wish appear to be a geographical bigot and I asure you that I spread my cash around globally on other consumables. But clothes is clothes.

I could go on and probably will.

RH

^ I don't know how they tabulate the employment figures, but I bet a job stitching shirts in the old days was worth more, at least over time, than a modern day job at McDonald's or Wal-Fart. Part time service jobs are the thing today, and I suspect keep employment figures looking good.

Last edited by Voltaire's Bastard (2008-04-25 14:49:04)