R
The Retrospective // The American Classic Dapper
American All-Stars
Rayban Redwing Timberland Sperry Topsider Clarks Carhartt
J. Crew Brooks Brothers Polo Ralph Lauren Tommy Hilfiger Nautica Perry Ellis
All-American man. Seersucker clothing, rolled up ankle cuffs, bold striped ties, and many other details comprise this classic look. While the heritage of pieces stem from America’s past, the reinvention of them surprisingly give off Japanese and European influences. The construction and execution seem to be Japanese influenced, as high quality materials and tight manufacturing are discernible. However the sophistication and polish of most pieces brings a hint of European taste into the mix. There’s just a natural, lived-in quality that seems to be the key ingredient in finding that classic look. Slightly worn in, and never really ironed to a crisp, while still looking dapper is key to pulling this look off. Brands with history are also celebrating a big comeback in recent years and interpret their classics in new ways. Especially the Japanese market has always closely watched classic American brands and adopted their styles accordingly. The work wear clothing brands have been very successful as of late to be adopted as fashion brands.
THEAMERICAN
LIST
T
here are many Made in the USA lists throughout the internet, nearly all of them tacky and in poor taste. These awful websites have led me to compile a list of stylish and cool brands that make their goods in America. One of my goals with this is to make it easier to locate and buy domestically produced apparel products. Another motivating factor is my desire for things Made in the USA to be embraced by a younger, more stylish consumer.*
Brands such as Red Wing, Rayban, Levis, and many others have benefited from this reemergence and they’ve adjusted their product lines accordingly. Their range is squarely aimed at a new and growing customer base: the fashion-forward, contemporary market. The difference now is that it’s not just Ralph and Brooks Brothers peddling these looks but all sorts of designers. They’ve managed to transform classic into cool, and they haven’t had to look far to find their customers. The guys who like chinos and oxfords never went away, they’ve always been there, they’re remarkably loyal, just not remarkably vocal; And right now, they don’t need to be. America, when it comes to fashion at least, is back on top.
written by: Castro Desroches
CLOTHING - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ACCESSORIES - - - - - - - - - - - - -
FOOTWEAR - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
BAGS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Bandofoutsiders.com Gitman.com Rag-bone.com Stevenalan.com
aldenshoe.com Wolverine.com Russellmoccasin.com Nbwebexpress.com
Risingsunjeans.com Rogannyc.com Worldjeanshop.com Tellason.com
DENIM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Davidhartnyc.com Neweracap.com Wileybelts.com Gfellercasemakers.com
Llbean.com Billykirk.com Warrenheimcorp.com Ghurka.com
Risingsunjeans.com Rogannyc.com Worldjeanshop.com Tellason.com
DENIM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
* From acontinuouslean.com
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ViralStatus.com
Fall/Winter 2009