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#1 2009-05-07 10:36:56
- BulldogNH
- Member
- Posts: 200
Ivy and Americana
On another thread presently and in the past a distinction has been made between "ivy" and "Americana," and yet at other times the two categories have been seen as overlapping. The term "Americana" is usually invoked to describe something like Pendleton shirts that are definitely a traditional American clothing but probably not as much scene on the East Coast and certainly not sold in Press, Brooks, or Andover.
So I get the general idea. But I'm wondering whether any of you want to expound upon the category "Americana" (with regard to clothes) and it's relationship to Ivy. Is Americana simply all American clothes that aren't recognizably Ivy, or does it have more defined content?
Obviously the labels are distinct from the reality. I get the reality. I'm just wanting you to explain your labels.
Last edited by BulldogNH (2009-05-07 10:38:14)
#2 2009-05-07 11:00:18
- Just Jim
- Member
- Posts: 1159
Re: Ivy and Americana
It's a fair question.
'Americana' covers most things with an 'American' look. "Ivy League" is only a subset.
... And then we come to the Baracuta G9 - an English jacket which is viewed as being American. And the whole thing starts to fall apart...
#3 2009-05-07 11:12:45
- Ian Strachan's Raincoat
- Member
- Posts: 521
Re: Ivy and Americana
I think there might be a slightly nostalgic approach to what might be termed 'classic Americana'. The 'overlapping' referred to by BulldogNH is spot on, one instinctively feels. I remember buying my first Pendleton shirt years ago and definitely thought of it as 'Americana'. It conjured up all kinds of images of movies, music, cars etc. I love Jack Purcell, too, but I'm not sure that they're 'Ivy' (although I guess American students might have worn them on their campuses). I think we must always remember the English love of all things American, from animation to classic cars, from Kerouac to Tom Wolfe. I guess you'd say it was about glamour.
#4 2009-05-07 11:19:08
- Just Jim
- Member
- Posts: 1159
Re: Ivy and Americana
WOW!
Can't believe we've got you here I.S.R.
We're not worthy.
- No BS - Listen to this man & learn.
A fan,
David from Manchester.
#5 2009-05-07 11:27:13
- Ian Strachan's Raincoat
- Member
- Posts: 521
Re: Ivy and Americana
Well, that's very kind of you, whoever you are. The sentiment is truly appreciated. I'm not sure I'll be able to bring much originality to the forum, but I'll do my best.
If you're David from Manchester, though, why do you call yourself Jim? (Mind you, I'm not actually a raincoat).
#7 2009-05-07 11:33:18
- Ian Strachan's Raincoat
- Member
- Posts: 521
Re: Ivy and Americana
'Ivy', the way I see it, is very much about softness and simplicity: understatement if you like. The phrase 'less is more' gets bandied about a bit nowadays, but it still has resonance. A Shetland crew neck, fly-fronted mac, OCBD, cords and loafers will get you a long way. Madras and seersucker are perhaps for the braver souls among us.
Oh yes, and you can still carry a Blue Note LP beneath your arm if you so desire.
#13 2009-05-07 11:50:05
- Brownshoe
- Member
- Posts: 490
Re: Ivy and Americana
Maybe this stuff would fit under the "Americana" label, without being Ivy (necessarily)
jean jackets
work boots
cowboy hats
cowboy boots
white t-shirt and jeans
leather motorcycle jackets
baseball caps
corduroy "trucker" jackets
bib overalls
chambray work shirts
white athletic socks
sweatshirts
high-top sneakers
#14 2009-05-07 11:51:08
- Just Jim
- Member
- Posts: 1159
Re: Ivy and Americana
I'm actually going to kill off "Just Jim" tomorrow now that I.S.R. is here.
I totally reject everything - "Russell", "Jim", the lot.
Tomorrow is day one of year one.
Everything has built up to this.
#16 2009-05-07 11:54:40
- Decline & Fall
- Ivyist At Large
- Posts: 850
Re: Ivy and Americana
"I like bars just after they open in the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar-that's wonderful."
— Raymond Chandler
#18 2009-05-07 12:02:49
- Decline & Fall
- Ivyist At Large
- Posts: 850
Re: Ivy and Americana
Last edited by Decline & Fall (2009-05-07 12:09:29)
"I like bars just after they open in the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar-that's wonderful."
— Raymond Chandler
#19 2009-05-07 12:10:33
- Brownshoe
- Member
- Posts: 490
Re: Ivy and Americana
Great movie references!
Detour is an all-time fave of mine--soooo dark, twisted, and grim, short and sweet on a shoestring budget.
#20 2009-05-07 12:13:26
- Decline & Fall
- Ivyist At Large
- Posts: 850
Re: Ivy and Americana
"I like bars just after they open in the evening. When the air inside is still cool and clean and everything is shiny. The first quiet drink of the evening in a quiet bar-that's wonderful."
— Raymond Chandler
#21 2009-05-07 12:58:33
- ray
- Member
- Posts: 43
Re: Ivy and Americana
So, to be a whole lot less confusing why don't we just call Americana "work clothes" if that's what we're talking about? Maybe I'm confused being an American. Here in the U.S. working guys still wear Levi's and Redwings and plaid and chambray shirts.
#22 2009-05-07 13:08:57
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: Ivy and Americana
"Utilitarian" perhaps? It includes military and hunting gear as well... but I guess that's work too.
#23 2009-05-07 13:10:36
- Brownshoe
- Member
- Posts: 490
Re: Ivy and Americana
I think you'd have to add "sport" to that description