In it, I asked him what he would do differently if he had my job. He said he really enjoyed “service series” where we compare and contrast different offerings in a category. Khakis, jackets, whatever.
Boyer says jump, Burton asks how high? So, we are going to do it.
I have categories laid out, but also wanted to poll you quick. Is there something you want to get a rundown on here?
Thanks and I hope you are enjoying the end of summer.
Has the Madras Company Podcast been released yet?
It is being redone, we had a technical issue. Thanks for asking!
Pants. And jacket fits. Sizes rarely mean the same thing brand to brand anymore and I love the idea of taking similar offers of the same size and really breaking down what’s different and the same etc
Ooooo that’s a good one.
Just like the great WOCBD review. Do the same thing with MTM Ivy style jackets, from as many shops mentioned on I-S over the years and still in business, i. e., not just Press and Andover. The same with 3/2 sack suits, and odd trousers. I know…easier said than done. I wonder how Junior’s in Philly is doing. I was hoping to see that take off.
I am DYING to do this. Let’s see if the shops are.
I would love you to do an in-depth review of the new-ish J Press label.
Especially how it compares fit wise with their classic sizing.Also, quality wise what your thoughts are.
Maybe a store visit too.
I think it looks really interesting and reminds me of Rugby Ralph Lauren.
Also, an update on BB would be good. They appear to be digging into their archive a bit more.
How about an interview with Graham Marsh. He deserves credit for his Ivy books.
Finally, the USA still has a number of great independent brands that are flying the flag for quality menswear. I’m thinking Rancourt, Quoddy, Barrons Hunter, Camber, GoldenBear, Dehen. How about overviews of their merchandise.
Funny you say that. Pennant label article coming out Friday! All good suggestions btw. I will try to check your boxes. I was talking about a series on a particular product, khakis, ballcaps, watches, etc. Any category like that that you are interested in?
This would be a great opportunity for you to feature some potential or current advertisers too, who might pay for placement. Assuming this is not a non-profit endeavor…
Doing both and thank you! It is not a non-profit endeavor, thank you for being one of the readers who understands that. 🙂
Almost finished with Mr. Boyer’s book above — I’ve been enjoying it occasionally since early July — and it is a blast. For some reason, the Nina Simone chapter, in particular, really grabbed me.
Something on quality-affordable-acceptably ivy (dress) shoes, maybe? A key part of dressing presentably, but overlooked by enough people to warrant additional discussion, comparison, and analysis here. As the song goes, “Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.”
Kind Regards,
H-U
Thanks JB,
With regard to a specific clothing category I would like a focus on disappearing classics.
Once upon a time, good quality sweatshirts, with a classic V front, were easily available and sold at everyman prices. Where are they now? You either get cheap poly cotton ones that lose their shape after a single wash or expensive designer options that you’re too scared to wear.
The other thing I’ve noticed disappear is good Made In The USA loafers. There used to be so many great options from Dexter, Bass, Cole Haan, AE Waldens, Sebago, Florsheim. It’s now increasingly difficult to get hold of traditional American made footwear without paying silly money.
Shoes — loafers, oxfords, and maybe boots (e.g., Alden Indy vs Allen Edmonds Higgins Mill), comparing leather quality and fit characteristics, maybe bring in a shoe expert of some sort to help. Alden will of course be of higher quality, but is it worth the difference in cost versus AE or J&M? You could also go to an Alden shoe dealer and go through the fits of the various lasts for folks.
Because my nomdenet is whiskeydent, I also have to suggest a comparison of today’s NY bars to the great joints of yesteryear. Tap into that nostalgia thing again.
For those of you who prefer not to support the behemoth (or at least not as much), I’d like to point out that Mr. Boyer’s book is now available through bookshop.org, which means your local independent bookstore can order it for you.
JB,
You may have recorded an interview/program with Mr. Boyer, but it’s not a podcast until it’s
accessible. Am I mistaken?
Yes.
To the best of my knowledge, sir, until it’s made available it’s an audio file.
Looking forward to listening to it once you have podcasted it.
Allow me to expand you knowledge base. A pizza is a pizza before you eat it.
Looking ahead to fall weather, perhaps Shetland sweaters? (J.Press’ Shaggy Dogs, sure, but O’Connell’s, Juniors, Pendleton, come to mind for other Stateside options. Or, you could even go looking back across the pond to Harley or Jamieson. (Admittedly, I do think Derek Guy and Simon Crompton have both run similar series, but perhaps an update is due?)
For a more perennial offering, why not the trust blue blazer? Sure, Brooks has/had their “new” Archive version, but that tail looks awfully cropped and there are plenty of other contenders…
Finally, I’d throw an upvote behind a MiUSA loafer series, especially if we include some of those “up-and-comer” online-only retailers like Jay Butler in the mix against the old standard bearers.
Just some food for thought!
Definitely the Jay Butler v old standards piece. The blazer – I think that’s been done by everyone. Shetland sweaters – perfect!
Starting September with a Bruce Boyer podcast sounds great. Thanks.
How about tweeds–patterns, textures, derivations?
Where’s the podcast, John?
Cheers.
So after you record a podcast, it goes into post production. I cut in ads for Andover and Duck Head. We lay music in front of it. And in the back. Then it gets posted on the page on the site. I would think hopefully Tuesday?
Sounds like it’s worth waiting for.