This 2008 post is one of Ivy Style’s earliest, and is being revisited with updated photos as a nice compliment to our previous football-themed post. The Benjamin Bixby line didn’t last long, and there are only a few surviving items currently on eBay.
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Along with the Dow Jones Industrial Average, Andre Benjamin has plummeted from Andre 3000 to Andre 1935.
The pop fop’s new clothing collection, called Benjamin Bixby, drinks from the same well (or Gatorade cooler) as Ralph Lauren’s latest Rugby collection, with inspiration from vintage college football. “The collection was inspired by Ivy League athletics of the 1930s,” writes the New York Times.
Said Benjamin of the collection’s preppy vibe, “For an African-American guy to be a prep, that’s a dichotomy. Prep style comes from mostly affluent families who just wear these cool clothes. But when you come from a background that has more struggle, your take on it will be different. There’s a certain kind of rebel to it.” — CC
I like the look of this line, but let’s face it, it’s abit too costume-y. Replace the knickers with regular pants, on the other hand, and then you’ve really got something.
In the 80s and early 90s there were many blacks who were Ivy, prep, whatever. It went with Ska and while popular in London I saw it in the states as well. Scooters also played a part. How old is Andre and what is it with kids in their 20s claiming to have designed something they simply stole. But to say he stole from Rugby is a real irony considering what Rugby steals.
I saw his line in NY and must admit there’s something to it…but how long it will last in this economy?
any guy who puts this much thought into his clothing must be gay.
The one on the left looks like the Bowdoin “B”
Not sure how I feel about plus fours. Jeeves would disapprove.
I really like that quote from him about prep as rebellion. Fascinating take. As well, it captures the sentiment of so many millennials (black or not) who choose to dress prep, going against the grain of the modern slob-nation.
Hallelujah! Here’s to going against that particular grain whatever one’s background.
Best Regards,
I have one of the 1935 sweaters. It’s always fun to wear. 🙂