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#1 2009-06-07 12:37:12
- Prof Kelp
- Professor of Ivy
- Posts: 1033
A mindset for Ivy?
I think a point here is that Ivy style in the USA was just that, a STYLE, not a youth movement. It might have more of a "movement" identity in England (or more specifically London) but it didn't in the USA. So how do people define it on here..just a style or is there more? Coz I think what you are putting out there ISR is that Ivy has a mindset too......and that parallels the whole "mod is a mindset" issue.
"Clean living under privileged circumstances"
PK
I have lifted the above from a reply I gave to one of ISR's posts on another thread. I wanted to expand on the idea that there may be a "mindset" behind Ivy.
Is it just a style or is there a mindset behind it, as in a a punk, mod, skin, rocker etc mindset, or is it just a style?
Was it ever a (mini) movement in this country or just a disparate bunch of guys sharing a love for a style, nothing more than that? No dogma attached, just a framework of style to work within?
http://thetownoutside.tumblr.com
#2 2009-06-07 13:08:56
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
The English, they can't see beyond their own little club. Class society, football firms, youth cults, fashion tribes. A tradition of "splendid isolation" and circle jerks in Gryffindor. Rule Brittania.
*Edit*
Relating this to your post - I see this "movement" thinking as something typically English. Yesterday I was relating the way I've seen English "Ivy" manifest itself to the way their youth cults do. Never said they're the same but they share a certain parochialism. I think the English have a stronger tendency to "tribalise" things others simply organise.
Last edited by 1966 (2009-06-07 13:31:49)
#4 2009-06-07 13:52:56
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
^ Focusing on the stylistic aspects Alex like you usually do seems sensible. Especially with the kind input you seem to be getting. I wouldn't even try to go any further and capture it as a "movement". ISR has pointed out that we won't "get" it and I think he's right. It's simply because we are at the other side of the Channell and were never really part of it. Any attempt to characterize it from where we're sitting would probably be a bit academic, like my remarks above are.
Last edited by 1966 (2009-06-07 13:57:55)
#6 2009-06-07 14:29:51
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Without that input you'd be doomed I guess. What do we know anyway? 
#7 2009-06-07 15:18:11
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
To me it's a style, one that always was around. I've recognised it all my life whether through people, shops or media.
Never been without a navy crew neck. Some were good, some were bad, but they were always there with me. Whether a cotton sweatshirt or a lambswool sweater, always a navy crew neck, always in natural fabrics. Mid grey ones too. Cord 5 pockets and Desert Boots. Solid shirts, preferably in thick fabrics. The simplest zipped jackets in muted colours. Jeans and chinos. Always were around. It's those clothing items that made me feel normal yet special, because they were fashionless. The mindset: "has to be a certain way". Pure individual preference. No movement. Slight awareness of American influence.
Later I learned where it all came from. Gained a bit of knowledge. Choices widened. But these fundamentals I discovered in ignorant bliss are still there. That timeless stuff at the casual end, the dressiness being in the fit only. That's my base - this certain style. Regular guy clobber pared down to the essence. Give it a name.
Last edited by 1966 (2009-06-07 15:47:22)
#11 2009-06-08 03:49:56
- 1966
- 1,966% Ivy
- Posts: 2382
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Guess I'm just disappointed with some people's reactions here - the above quotes were purely to whom it may concern.
Last edited by 1966 (2009-06-08 03:57:57)
#14 2009-06-09 19:38:20
- ray
- Member
- Posts: 43
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Of course Teds and Mods are British appropriations (re-inventions?) of American fashions.
Then again there's the older British influence on those American fashions.
Was Caesar ivy ? Hmm...
#17 2009-06-10 02:07:12
- The Beatnik
- Member
- Posts: 392
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
.. and as for Mods? Italian yes, French yes, American? Well maybe the early Modernists were influenced by G.I's. Yes, American music, of course. Mmm, Do ex-army parkas count?
But, to tell you the truth, i'm a bit sick of this mod thing anyway. Someone wisely said that there are umpteen mod forums for people to discuss this kind of stuff on if they wish...
Last edited by The Beatnik (2009-06-10 02:30:46)
#18 2009-06-10 02:36:00
- Suitedbooted2000
- Member
- Posts: 577
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Last edited by Suitedbooted2000 (2009-06-10 02:36:28)
#19 2009-06-10 02:49:57
- adam!
- The Future
- Posts: 608
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
what about fashion?
that "rugged" and "Americana" thing that's happening?
i like it - i like it a lot - but is it relevant?
#20 2009-06-10 02:56:53
- Alex Roest
- Member
- From: The Hague, The Netherlands
- Posts: 2165
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Last edited by Alex Roest (2009-06-10 02:57:32)
#22 2009-06-10 03:03:15
- Suitedbooted2000
- Member
- Posts: 577
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Last edited by Suitedbooted2000 (2009-06-10 04:13:57)
#23 2009-06-12 02:23:45
- Alex Roest
- Member
- From: The Hague, The Netherlands
- Posts: 2165
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
So, what about this 'marriage' between Ivy and Americana ? Is it still a matter of 'having intercourse' or is it a case of 'separate beds' ? 
#24 2009-06-12 02:50:50
- Ian Strachan's Raincoat
- Member
- Posts: 521
Re: A mindset for Ivy?
Well, it's become intertwined, I think.
I wouldn't have been too surprised to see President Bush (the last one) wearing a Levis jacket with cowboy boots whilst relaxing. Ivy when on duty?
As I move more determinedly in the direction of hardcore US Ivy, so the 'Americana' falls away.