This past weekend The San Francisco Chronicle and writer Aaron Britt weighed in on the work wear trend. Aaron was kind enough to speak to your humble blogger about the specifics and even included a photo from my trip to the Post O’Alls factory a few weeks back. Many thanks again to Mr. Britt and also to Annie Wilson for going to the trouble of mailing me copies. Print version below, online here.
There will no doubt be a backlash one day against the current workwear ‘trend’ simply because of how ubiquitous it is now everywhere you look. Whenever there are this many brands, running the gamut of affordability, latching on to something many hold sacred, there is potential for a major backlash. But it sure is something that feels good when on. As long as the stuff is made with the long-term in mind like the originals, then I am all for it. It will never really look out of style I dont think. Personally I see no reason to ever shed the workwear aesthetic. It just feels right, even if I am not a logger, shipbuilder or steelworker. In fact, whenever I see some old Paul Smith shirts or Jil Sander in my closet, I just feel they are so dated and I want to vow to find the time immediately to rid my wardrobe of them. But my Carhartt, my Woolrich, my EG, my RRL, my old vtg mohawk jacket, etc, they always feel fresh and reassuring like an old trustworthy friend. Reminds me, gotta get my unwanteds to some consignment shops, STAT.
This trend has been articulated many times already and in better ways. Of course its good to get exposure for ACL but I don’t think this article presents anything new. “More Kerouac than Updike.” Are you joking? Yay for pseudo-literary-30 something hipster journalism.
Enough ! I’m off to re-invent old British workwear. Now where can I find a donkey jacket, black knit hat and some steelies like me dad’s . Very Dexy’s.
You know what ……..this is actually quite cool. Only 35 quid ( 50 bucks ) and made in UK too !
http://www.bennevisclothing.com/epages/BT3129.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3129/Categories/Donkey_Jacket
Anytime my friend!
xo:
anniew