It seems to me that American menswear is at the peak of its popularity. Maybe it is the weak dollar or all of the interest workwear or just all of the raw talent that is being flushed out of New York right now. Any way you look at it, this fall is the season of American style. Look at D&G from AW08, that collection surprisingly looks like it would work well in New England, in the sixties. Going through the September DETAILS I was loving all of the classic American style in the issue. It started out with a great still-life feature called Born in the USA – which basically epitomizes my personal style. The front of book continued with a few pages on “How to Pull Off American Style” which is pictured below. The issue also highlights the ongoing, and very successful Gant and Jeffrey partnership and there is a page on new designers which features two of ACL’s very talented friends Antonio Azzuolo and Richard Chai.
New designers featuring Richard Chai and Antonio Azzuolo among others…
But no mention of Gilded Age and Engineered Garments, certainly two of the best purveyors of the work wear look right now.
thom browne suits are made by oxxford now and not rocco
What’s great is that the recent romance with Modern Experiments in Classic Anglo American Style (or whatever you want to call it) is trickling down to mass market chains like J Crew and the Gap; it’s is no longer the territory of relatively obscure Japanese labels and old New England brands that are unfortunately out of touch with Americans under the age of 40 (Alden and J Press).
Japanese mags have been drooling over some awesome collaborations (Brooks Brothers and Comme Des Garcons for one) that are furthering the reinvention of some of these old names. Hopefully Americans will get just as giddy.
I feel like this is the first time in a while that men’s fashion has had such a sharp focus on American classics. Seems like it’s everywhere, and I for one am very thankful. Am I correct here, or has it always been the case?
Peter – These notes have always been in the background but you’re right in noticing this new wave as being bigger than before.
Isn’t the point of American style that you don’t need a guide on how to “pull it off.” Oh how I loathe Details.
Great site–and congrats on the Details love. Thinking about this, a big factor in the current emphasis on American style probably has a lot to do with it being an American election year. And an American election year that the world is obsessed with–i.e. Obama. Further, the workwear emphasis–look at who the candidates are emphatically trying to woo–the working class American. Last night’s DNC coverage for example–the video ode to Biden’s working class roots–could have been shot by the editors of Details as a supplement to their current issue. I can only imagine what next week’s convention will bring on this theme. The general topic may be a little much for this site, but could be interesting for your new gig over at Men’s Vogue. The influence of politics on fashion–not going to be as relevant as right now for a very long time. And your personal style and love for Made in America make you the perfect candidate to cover it.
Jeremy — I do not think that is true. What makes you say that?