Heritage Found
Forget the '80s revival. The new nostalgia goes way back — to the early 1900s, actually.
Fashion is in the midst of a love affair with classic Americana, particularly work-wear (think flannels and rugged boots). Call it a collective pining for a simpler time, or a recession-born obsession with hand-crafted clothes that have stood the test of time. But brands like Pendleton, Woolrich and L.L. Bean haven't been given this much love — and attention from hipster clothing companies looking to collab — since Elvis made girls cry.
Here are a few of the old school companies making waves in the new world.
TOUGH STUFF: The hand-distressed Red Wing Irish Setter at J.Crew. Courtesy of J.Crew.
It's impossible to roam downtown L.A. without bumping into several pairs of Red Wings. The 105-year-old company's classic tan workboots are the men's shoe of the season (and with all the rain we've had this winter, they're actually a pragmatic buy). The Minnesota-based company was the primary manufacturer of footwear for American soldiers fighing in World War I, and also had a presence in World War II. And it still prizes performance over style, kicking out dozens of steel-toe boots for guys who do more than scam on girls at Groundworks. J. Crew was an early endorser of the brand, and currently carries an array of different Red Wing styles — even some that have been "distressed by hand." Yeah, they're pricey — ranging from $225 to $450 — but you can bet your brother these babies last. Our friends and boyfriends can attest that it takes a full two months of near-daily wear just to break in the leather.
SOUTHWEST CHIC: Pendleton for Opening Ceremony. Courtesy of Opening Ceremony.
Pendelton isn’t the first name that comes to mind when thinking about drool-worthy duds. The Oregon-based mill, known for its wool shirts and blankets, was officially founded in 1909 and went on to revolutionize the use of vibrant colors and patterns in apparel. And today, a quick spin around their website shows a selection of “smart career” choices for women and “Maine lake house” looks for guys. But beyond its geriatric surface, Pendelton is enjoying glory days once again with high-profile streetwear collaborations.
Since September 2009, the company has paired with Hurley, Junya Wantnabe and Trainspotting on lines of stylized, woodsman-style wool shirts. A partnering with ahead-of-the-curve retailer Opening Ceremony produced a collection of ladies Aztec-printed wool coats worth committing sins for. And more muted, Southwestern-style Pendleton x Nike ASG boots started sprouting up back in 2008. The collaborations are favorite fodder for notable street and menswear blogs including Hype Beast and High Snobiety. Not to mention that you can buy the gear at Archrival, a Little Tokyo boutique that boasts one of the finest streetwear selections in town.
FRENCH FEEL: The L.L. Bean three-quarter sleeve sailor shirt. Courtesy of L.L. Bean.
Growing up, everyone's remembers the L.L. Bean catalog floating around the kitchen, offering an avalanche of dorky swimsuits and "slacks" for mom and dad. But as we entered adulthood, we started to appreciate how little L.L. Bean's merch and mission has changed since launching in Freeport, Maine in 1912 — especially now, when no one has the coin to be super-trendy. And though pleated slacks and "full coverage" swimsuits are still best-sellers, the retailer is the undisputed champion of a few key pieces: the striped sailor shirt, the rubber "duck" shoe and the monogrammed canvas tote bag. And all three items are currently enjoying a style resurgence, attracting girls and guys looking to master that subversive preppy look, made famous by APC and bands like Vampire Weekend and Chester French.