Another good classic find from the Life Archive. Good ole Ivy Style was on to these photos as well. More inspirational prep school goodness after the jump.
A Guide to Fishtown, Philadelphia, USA
Friend of ACL, Nick Schonberger is a patriot, writer, historian, Abe Lincoln expert and nacho lover. As a special contributor, Nick helps to shed some light on one of Philadelphia’s most intriguing neighborhoods.
A few weeks back I noticed a sly comment from Mr. Michael Williams about my neighborhood in Philadelphia. I emailed him, what do you know about Fishtown, USA? “I know that it is shitty and awesome and I love it. What do you know?,” was the gist of his reply. I told him I know that I live in Fishtown, and the idea for this photo essay was born.
I’ve lived in Fishtown on and off for the last 18-months. The neighborhood straddles the fine line between vibrancy and decaying urban America. Nestled just north east of Northern Liberties on the banks of the Delaware River, Fishtown has a distinct, if not exceptional history. William Penn signed his treaty with the Native Americans just a few blocks from my home. The spot is now recognized by a memorial park, a place people spend Saturday afternoons smoking blunts by the water. Few of these revelers would know that they are steps away from where the local industrial history begins. A center for the Delaware Rivers Shad fishery, the name Fishtown derives from the activity. The 20th-Century brought boatyards, dry docks and Reach Sporting Goods Company. All since perished. But, like the fishery, the remains of that industry continually play a roll in the neighborhood. It is primarily working class, with a small influx of professionals and artists, and the bars and taverns that mark corners are a reflection.
The eBay Find | 1960's LL Bean Sailing Jacket
The quest to find vintage bean, Woolrich, Filson and other good American vintage took a positive swing last week upon the discovery of one particular eBay seller. One specific item —this LL Bean sailing jacket — was particularly notable. The color and the cork drawstring cord-pulls make it a must own. (Thanks to James for the tip)
More eBay finds can be seen here.
NYFW | Band of Outsiders AW09
Just about everyone (editors, stylists, bloggers, Kanye) showed up to the Band of Outsiders presentation yesterday afternoon. The new fall collection was what we have come to expect from Band, quirky yet classic American sportswear. I especially liked the toggle coats and the blue nylon anorak. I think the clothes pretty much speak for themselves here, but if that doesn’t satisfy you, Tim Blanks has you covered. Some of my choice looks below.
Meltdown Style | Joaquin Phoenix
I meant to get to this earlier but I was consumed with NYFW. Yesterday before work I probably watched the Joaquin Letterman appearance twenty times. Part of me feels bad for him, but part of me was completely enthralled by his despondent and seemingly drug induced behavior. Seeing as Gwenth is his co-star in the upcoming film “Two Lovers,” I couldn’t help but to think of Richie in the Royal Tenenbaums. The beard and the dark glasses (seen here wearing Tom Ford frames; thanks to Jordan from SilverLining for clearing that up for me). All he is missing is some corduroy. So while Joaquin’s personal life is a mess — without being insensitive — I don’t think he has ever looked cooler.
He’s taken off his shoes and one of his socks and…actually, I think he’s crying.
SIGNALS
- ACL’s ace in the hole AKA Urban Daddy just launched their updated site and it is sweet | [Urban Daddy] [Pictured]
- It seems Thom Yorke is not playing the Rag & Bone show after all. Insert Radiohead song title pun here | [Men.Style.com]
- Harry from MR Magazine caught up with Hickey designer extradonaire Mr. Aaron Levine | [MR Magazine]
- These Steven Alan Alden shoes are officially smokin’ | [Selectism]
- An intelligent look at both sides of the complex “Buy American” issue | [The New York Times]
GQ + CFDA | Best New Menswear Designer in America 2009
Last night GQ held its second annual Best New Menswear Designer in America event at Rockefeller Plaza. The party was in honor of the six finalists — Rogues Gallery, Shipley & Halmos, Benjamin Bixby, Save Khaki, Robert Geller and Yigal Azrouël. As expected, the event was an assembly of the who’s who in the menswear business and much like last year, the collections were beautifully showcased in that oh-so-GQ aesthetic.
After the presentation event, the selection committee (which consisted of “a panel of industry experts” — Thom Browne, American menswear designer; Steve Evans, the Levi’s brand VP of merchandising; Kevin Harter, Bloomingdale’s VP of fashion direction; Steven Kolb, CFDA executive director; Jim Moore, GQ creative director; and Jim Nelson, GQ editor-in-chief) worked to select Robert Geller as the 2009 winner. I have known Robert since his days at Cloak and you would be hard pressed to meet a nicer guy. Soft spoken, low key and super talented, Robert is the real deal. Congratulations to him and all the people over at Robert Geller. Photos from the event after the jump.
