The Trends of Preppy

An interesting analysis over at Ivy Style on the status of many leading clothing brands.

L.L. Bean is peering into the abyss. I can now only buy six items from L.L. Bean with any confidence: Norwegian Sweaters; Boat and Totes; Bean Boots; Chamois Shirts; Flannel Shirts; Ragg Socks. It is worth noting that none of these are made in China and the socks, bags and boots are all US made.

The most important part of this is that the brands on the left continue to produce in the U.S.A. (or the originating country of the brand). The direct correlation between quality and location of production is evident if you get your hands on any of the respective products. Filson is a missing label that remains on the left side of this graph for me, somewhere with Quoddy and Alden, just a touch cheaper.

Military Design

Nice photo collection of vintage military designs over at A Time to Get. Particularly like the collection of radios and how it shows the homogeneity of military device design. I have designed a couple of these artifacts and the complexity of requirements is paramount. The aesthetics of a weatherproof, radiation proof, dust proof, ruggedized object has a certain appeal. The U.S. military loves a good black box.

S&S Apron and Bags

The S&S Apron and Bags out of Brooklyn, NY make some lovely products. The obsession with material and craft possible in an object like this is so appealing. Sometimes things are just not so complicated. I need this. (photos by S&S and Hickorees Hard Goods)

VISVIM

Working on a paper about perceived American ruggedness in Japanese fashion. Bag by VISVIM.

Astronaut Suits