Today Ivy-Style.com completes its freshman year. From now on all posts will be sophomoric.
The image chosen to commemorate our anniversary is from the LIFE archives (the well ain’t dry yet), dates from 1966, and is captioned “Freshman student Barry Unger gets perspective on Op Art exhibit at MIT’s library.”
And what a dizzying year it’s been. Who would’ve guessed last October that we’d actually start a category called Ivy Trendwatch, or that legendary author Bruce Boyer would write a piece for us? (Tune in tomorrow.)
It all started a year ago, when Ivy-Style, like the new kid at school, arrived in the midst of a cafeteria food fight. All around the web was past versus present, Ivy versus Trad, Trad vs. Preppy —all covering each other with mashed potatoes.
I decided to light a stink bomb and see what would happen.
Since then it’s been my pleasure to juxtapose Arthur Schlesinger Jr. and Dick Clark, Miles Davis and John Lindsay, JC Leyendecker and Jack Lemmon, ’50s jazz and ’80s preppies, the J. Press of yesterday and the Ralph Lauren of today, and somehow have it all make sense.
As chronicled on our Reader Feedback page, Ivy-Style has become the favorite blog of some, the bete noir of others. For me it’s simply been a blast. The interviews in our Top Drawer column have been fascinating to conduct, and the short infotainment pieces are always fun to write.
Though it no doubt sounds like a self-indulgent Oscar speech, this is the perfect time to thank those who’ve helped steer this ship, or simply made the trip more enjoyable. First up is you the reader, especially the regular comment-leavers. Next are our many fine contributing writers, especially Zachary Deluca and Taliesin.
Renowned clothiers like Paul Winston and Denis Black kindly took time to answer questions through multiple interviews, and many bloggers have found our content worth linking to. Finally, special thanks goes out to men.style.com, Cory at Valetmag.com, the people of the United Kingdom, Kerry at Rugby.com, and Michael Williams at ACL.
Here’s to another year of soft shoulders and hard bop. — CHRISTIAN CHENSVOLD
Christian Chensvold is the founder of Ivy-Style.com. When not founding websites, he dances with Jacqueline Bisset.
Congratulations on the completed year. I have enjoyed your posts and have made several discoveries thanks to your “Ephemera” links over there on the side. Best of luck for the coming year. I hope you figure out how to make it pay so you never have to get a legitimate job.
Congrats on a great first year, old sport.
Congratulations on your first year. I’ve enjoyed what I’ve seen during the several months I’ve been reading your posts. –Aaron
Congratulations!!
Congratulations! A job well done. I for one am looking forward to the years to come. Your site is a welcomed relief in this world that we live in, like an old pair of loafers, comfortable chair, an a good pipe. Thank you for all of your hard work.
Thanks, fellas.
Really a genius idea. I visit almost every day I’m at home….you’re definitely a game changer
Con gratis!
Thanks, Bermuda. Comments like that make all the work worthwhile.
A little late, but congratulations!
I’ve thoroughly enjoyed your material thus far. I should also make mention of your ‘Ephemera’ list of which I’ve also made much use of.
I hope it continues!
An avid reader from Australia (where the traditional colonials are alive and well,)
Stephen