News Roundup: JFK, Drake’s, Tokyo Denim, Dapper Shoe Horns, And “Old Ivy”
November 22, 2019
We wrap up the workweek with a roundup of recent news items. First off, today is the anniversary of JFK’s assassination. I didn’t know that there had been an earlier attempt in 1960, which was foiled by the Palm Beach Police Department. Ivy Style’s plentiful posts on the former president can all be found here.
Next up, Drake’s has opened a shop on Savile Row (pictured above). GQ UK reported on it, using “Ivy League” in the headline, and, in the text, “preppy meets sexy.” Apparently they’re not mutually exclusive.
Drake’s is one of the sponsors that keeps our ship cruising along, so check them out for your Anglo-American style needs. Meanwhile, one of our newest supporters, Dapper Woodworks, has a great gift idea for the man who has everything: custom shoe horns. They’re extra long, which is helpful if you’re, say, putting on riding boots or have trouble bending over. They’re handmade in the state of Texas and custom orders need to be received by December 10. Mention Ivy Style for 10% off.
Says owner Justin Trewitt:
– Shoe horns are available in walnut, bubinga, and maple wood. We special order a variety of exotic hardwoods upon request.
– The shoe horns are 28 inches long so you can put your shoes on without bending over.
– Handcrafted in Dallas, Tx by a local woodworker who specializes in wood turning.
@Mitchell – Savile Row has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. There are still a few bespoke tailors around but the hedge funds and property sharks are slowly weeding them out or killing them off.
The Row is now dominated by foreign-owned RTW/OTR brands such as Hackett (Spanish despite being fronted by its failed founder), Drakes (Hong Kong), Joseph (Japanese) and the execrable Abercrombie & Fitch (American). It’s no longer the prestigious address that attracts the best tailors, just a marketing tactic to exploit the ignorant and the gullible with more money than style.
And a Savile Row address does not guarantee success. Earlier this month, Prominent Europe (now owned by a Japanese corporation) announced that it is closing down Chester Barrie’s Savile Row store and its department store concessions. Richard James, another of its brands, is in danger too.
British bespoke customers have abandoned the Row in droves as they can get better quality and value elsewhere. Unlike the “internet gentlemen” who frequent the menswear forums and blogs, they are not interested in buying expensive European and Asian tat.
@Mitchell – The decline of Savile Row is very sad. Gieves & Hawkes iconic store at No 1 is full of designer rubbish. It attracts tourists, probably those on their way to Abercrombie & Filth. The Chap magazine campaigned against the latter’s presence on the Row with the amusing slogan “give three-piece a chance. It sums up the decline of quality tailoring perfectly. One positive is that Drake’s has replaced the ghastly Alexander McQueen store on the Row. Jermyn Street, the “street of shirts”, is going downhill too. There are only three shirtmakers that are worth a visit.
Mesquite?
I always thought that Savile Row and Ivy/preppy were mutually exclusive.
Savile Row is older gentleman in a grey suit, black oxfords, and a stiff upper lip. Keep calm and carry on.
Today is also the anniversary of the death of C.S. Lewis and Aldous Huxley, each of whom also died on November 22, 1963.
Does Dapper make something that ties your shoes for you too, so you don’t have to bend over for that either?
@Roast, who’s trying to tie loafers? 😉
Trevor … Valid point. Not me (very often). Just being magnanimous.
@Mitchell – Savile Row has changed dramatically over the last 20 years. There are still a few bespoke tailors around but the hedge funds and property sharks are slowly weeding them out or killing them off.
The Row is now dominated by foreign-owned RTW/OTR brands such as Hackett (Spanish despite being fronted by its failed founder), Drakes (Hong Kong), Joseph (Japanese) and the execrable Abercrombie & Fitch (American). It’s no longer the prestigious address that attracts the best tailors, just a marketing tactic to exploit the ignorant and the gullible with more money than style.
And a Savile Row address does not guarantee success. Earlier this month, Prominent Europe (now owned by a Japanese corporation) announced that it is closing down Chester Barrie’s Savile Row store and its department store concessions. Richard James, another of its brands, is in danger too.
British bespoke customers have abandoned the Row in droves as they can get better quality and value elsewhere. Unlike the “internet gentlemen” who frequent the menswear forums and blogs, they are not interested in buying expensive European and Asian tat.
@Kenny: thanks for the info. I learn something new every day.
@Mitchell – The decline of Savile Row is very sad. Gieves & Hawkes iconic store at No 1 is full of designer rubbish. It attracts tourists, probably those on their way to Abercrombie & Filth. The Chap magazine campaigned against the latter’s presence on the Row with the amusing slogan “give three-piece a chance. It sums up the decline of quality tailoring perfectly. One positive is that Drake’s has replaced the ghastly Alexander McQueen store on the Row. Jermyn Street, the “street of shirts”, is going downhill too. There are only three shirtmakers that are worth a visit.