The Brooks Brothers Gatsby Collection

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I just did a story for Billionaire.com on the Plaza Hotel’s Gatsby tie-ins, and now here’s Brooks’. Downmarket companies get Pixar tie-ins and put toys in Happy Meals. This is what plays upmarket.

Here’s Brooks in its press release:

Brooks Brothers is pleased to announce the release of a limited-edition menswear collection inspired by the costumes in Baz Luhrmann’s film “The Great Gatsby.” The collaborative effort, unprecedented among past Brooks Brothers partnerships in its depth and scale, consists of formalwear and daywear, including tuxedos, tailored suits, suiting separates (sport coats, waist coats, and trousers), shirts, ties, shoes, and accessories.

Refined and colorful, the collection channels the dreamlike world of pristine green lawns and lavish parties depicted in the original 1925 novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It takes direct inspiration from the creations of the new film’s Oscar®-winning costume designer, Catherine Martin, many of which were based on 1920s items in the Brooks Brothers archive.

Brooks Brothers stores around the world will celebrate the theatrical release of “The Great Gatsby” beginning April 15th.

The limited edition collection will be available in over 150 Brooks Brothers stores around the world. Select locations, including the NYC flagship store located at 346 Madison Avenue (April 15th), as well as Beverly Hills Rodeo  Drive (April 20th), London, Milan, and Tokyo, will feature significant exhibitions showcasing the actual costumes worn in the film designed by Catherine Martin.

Brooks Brothers Great Gatsby website with bonus content, videos etc. launches April 15th at brooksbrothers.com/thegreatgatsby.

Of course, it should really be the Tom Buchanan collection. — CC

Update: Stopped by BB today and the whole place is Gatsbied out: a mannequin at a grand piano, a video screen playing the trailer, an entire section for the merchandise, and all the windows done up.

The regatta/cricket blazers were the nicest items in the collection. I used to have one of these from RL that I’d wear to Art Deco Society events — in other words as costume. Never had occasion to wear one straight-up, no irony. But you may attend more lawn parties than I do.

There’s shoulder structure as with most BB jackets these days, and they’re double-vented and darted. But 3/2 rolls, however.

It was funny to see the shirts with their vintage label but wrapped in a banner proclaiming them non-iron. Would’ve been even funnier if they’d said “non-electric iron.”

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94 Comments on "The Brooks Brothers Gatsby Collection"

  1. Mitchell S. | April 15, 2013 at 8:41 am |

    This collection is the cat’s pajamas…the bee’s knees!

  2. I think that the real silhouette of 20s clothes is missed.
    For exemple a typical 20s style of coat is the “paddock” two buttons,or the clean double breasted (not different from than of Prince Charles).
    Said that,these suits are not bad.

  3. Obviously these are meant to be inspired by the era, not museum replicas of 1923 clothing.

  4. I keep inviting you to write an essay* for the site. “AEV’s Peeves” is sorta catchy.

    C.

    *rant

  5. Is that a Jackson Pollack reference?

  6. Jeff Jarmuth | April 15, 2013 at 10:40 am |

    The best clothing for men, and the type of clothing mostly discussed, analyzed and, ultimately, judged on this blog is engendered by rugged practicality, or at least practicality. That is what makes a three button sack coat timeless, or a Barbour waxed jacket timeless, or lug sole wing tips timeless, etc. It is the reason that such items entered the Ivy-style canon in the first place–they earned it. A garment doesn’t become “timeless” because the marketers at BB’s deem it so. No amount of snotty teens sporting the stuff (viz. Ralph Lauren Rugby) from Greenwich or Scarsdale can change this fact. I think that the Gatsby Collection reflects accurately its source–a pantomime of 20s style as envisioned by people nearly a century after the fact. It’s worth studying it as is ocurring here. But wearing it or worrying that it will influence style is another thing altogether. It will fade, and fade quickly, like clothing campaigns of the past that insisted people wear safari-inspired gear, or dress like Edwardians, etc.

  7. My comments are always inspired by the great abstract impressionsists……

    http://www.unabashedlyprep.com/site/entry/sneaking-around/

  8. that would be abstract expressionist…..

  9. This “Gatsby inspired” stuff really doesn’t appeal to a guy like myself, but I’d love to see young guys dressed as well. Everybody today looks like slobs. On Saturday, the wife was grocery shopping while I sat in the car. (I’m getting more antisocial every day.) Anyhow, in the strip mall, I didn’t see a man or woman that wasn’t in ratty jeans. Even the old ladies don’t wear the Blair or Haband day dresses anymore. One family, Dad, Mom, and teenage son, while driving a nice SUV, was dressed in camo like stuff while entering a pizza type sit in restaurant.

    My question is “If you go to someplace like West Palm, or Greenwich, Conn, are the privileged poorly dressed?” Since I doubt I’ll ever hobnob in those areas, maybe someone can enlighten us with some info.

    Even the wife has to agree that I was the best dressed at the strip mall. Cheers!

  10. AEV,

    Don’t you mean “abstract exhibitionist”?

  11. I have see the high rise pictures in BB site.
    Some thought:
    The suits and coats are fine,i not like the slim silhouette and some particular like the short vests,but is a great collection.
    I love the boater hats,and the black dinner jacket waistcoat is FANTASTIC!
    By the way,the dinner jacket in the collection is better that those in the movie.
    If after “Mad Men” the next fashion trend is “Dappers & Flappers”,could be great!

  12. I’m so grateful my prom theme is the Roaring Twenties and not something tacky and middle class like “Tropical Paradise.” I’m also pleased we were deciding between the former and Golden Age Hollywood.

  13. I like to look but its too costumey these days.. i think the only way to ‘get away’ with it is to not be so matchy match.

  14. Sorry to report I am inspired by AEV.

  15. @Wriggles – I do, in fact, live in Fairfield County, CT. Simply put, yes, the privileged are poorly dressed. Everywhere you go, especially Greenwich, there is nothing to be seen except for athletic gear worn outside the gym. This applies to all genders and all ages. It is sad.

  16. It’s strange that a menswear line should be inspired by a book that doesn’t mention mens’ clothes that often (let alone what is bound to be another abomination by Buhrman). Really, a few worsted suits, mostly nondescript, a couple of mentions for white flannels and riding boots, the pink suit and the mound of shirts that idiots on clothes forums always mention (with little or no appreciation for a brilliant moment of object correlation), perhaps some more of Gatzby’s most garish gear, but after that it is mostly women’s clothes that Fitzgerald notes.

  17. AEV,

    I’ve seen all types of perversions, but your obsession with Fred is certainly the most boring. Seriously, “get a hobby or two”…

    Ethan

  18. I'll Be Buying | April 15, 2013 at 5:45 pm |

    There sure is a lot of negativity in these comments. I think the collection is exciting and a fun remembrance of the 20s — when, all told, people dressed much better than they do today. There is a place for several of these items in a good rotation wardrobe, particularly for the summer.

  19. Thumbs up to BB for integrating this film into their marketing plans. It plays well to their space. When I shop, I look for unique pieces. If this collection has one takeaway for me, I’ll be pleased. As for the movie, Robert Redford is Gatsby.

  20. Just watched the trailer at Brooks’ site. It really is Baz Luhrmann’s “The Great Gatsby,” by Baz! Baz! LUHRMANN!!!!!!! Soundtrack by several dozen trashy current “artists.” Costumes designed by Thom Brown’s LSD-inspired nightmare of how Alan Flusser dresses, complete with prole gape.

    Other than that, it looks great!

  21. Ethan,

    I don’t think that AEV is half as obsessed with Mr. Castleberry as Mr. Castleberry is with himself.

    Besides, our unabashedly prep friend has made himself a convenient shorthand for garish, preppy-themed foppery. Why type all that out when you can just type his name instead?

  22. Great Poupon | April 15, 2013 at 7:17 pm |

    The Gatsby trailer features detestably disturbing music.

  23. AEV, like the rest of us, is a little testy today, it’s April 15th. I do agree with his commentary, but Mr. Castleberry occasionally get’s something right.

  24. I can only speak for myself but I wouldn’t want to invest in a sport jacket/suit/tie that was more or less part of some marketing scheme for a film that will likely be a tasteless realization of a timeless work. Those “Inspired by the film The Great Gatsby” labels will feel old and irrelevant in a short time.

  25. @ Great Poupon

    Try this trailer on for size. The real deal!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-SGqutpxc0

  26. That trailer and the movie are RL’s first advertisement on film. As AEV has pointed out, the lapels are most likely 1971 than the novel’s period. The clothing was beautiful though.

  27. A.E.W. Mason | April 15, 2013 at 11:39 pm |

    This is let’s play “dress up.” As someone said, “costumes.” The garments adhere to the current Brooks neo-twit proportions; i.e., jackets that barely make it to the wrist, waistcoats so short the tie and belt buckle are exposed. And all worn by little “Tommy,” who looks not only as if he wouldn’t have the energy to dance the Charleston at a lawn party in Glen Cove but wouldn’t even if he did because it might ruin his makeup. And yet, the collection is still not as absurd as the Black Fleece extravaganza. “Black Fleece”? Who is the genius who came up with that name? I was at the movies last night (to see “42”) and had my senses assaulted by the preview for The Great Gatsby. I guess our sensibilities have been so coarsened by modern media that it has become impossible to stimulate an audience absent everything being presented in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. And, yes, the music is awful.

    The Great Gatsby is a serious, and seriously depressing, book. Three people die—violently. It was bad enough to have to endure Robert Redford & Co. 40 years ago. Now Hollywood has taken it a step further and turned it into Animal House in expensive cloths.

  28. Great Poupon | April 16, 2013 at 2:48 am |

    @M Arthur

    Thanks for the link to the Redford trailer

    The 1949 version, being closer in time to the era it depicts, is even better than the 1974 version:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2jh6XkjrHU

  29. Richard Meyer | April 16, 2013 at 4:25 am |

    costumes, not clothes.

  30. Gornergrot | April 16, 2013 at 4:36 am |

    @Ethan, I actually enjoy AEV’s skewering of Castleberry. Castleberry is just the sort of fraud that invites public denunciation. Look no further than his last two posts shilling products that even he can’t believe are suitable attire and you begin to understand the corruption that is Fred Castleberry.

  31. @Ethan,

    I will admit it: I find the Fred Castleberry spectacle strangely alluring…..not unlike the urge to rubberneck at a car crash. That said, he is certainly not an obsession of mine – the parallels between this particular post and his regular costume-dress up-parties over at his blog were obvious and hardly forced; hence my comment linking the two. If you don’t agree with me, fine.

    His “work”, and your apparent appreciation for it, speaks for itself.

  32. AEV,

    Nice try trying to link my distain for your bullying as a stamp of approval of all of Fred’s tastes. Let’s be honest here, your obsession goes well beyond “rubber-necking”, I’ve been a witness to your antics long enough to deduct the difference from casual bystander, to what you really are, which is closer to a stalker. I mean really, have you spent time googling the kid (I remember reading your comment about you going through google images to see how he dressed years ago)???? LOL… Snooping in his past, with the tenacity of a forensic accountant… Reading his tweets… I could go on, but you know who you really are.

    I personally have no issue with the American tradition of people reinventing themselves. What I do respect about Fred is that he is a hustler. I enjoy watching young men and women trying to stake their claim in life. I personally don’t dress like him or his friends, but as silly as they look at times, they are better dressed than the hoards of slobs we all see every day. Besides, there is obviously a market for those people, and Fred is capitalizing on it… so what.

    Every blogger out there who claims to be authentic or an expert could be ridiculed in some form or another. “Muffy” Aldrich, always speaks of “yankee frugality” while her life is nothing more than a carousel of shopping trips (love the pictures of her closets where she shows she has 30 of everything). Yet, I go there to enjoy the pictures, and take what she says as tongue and cheek.

    You on the other hand have moved well beyond being a critic, to bully, and I don’t like bullies. While I am in DC this summer, if I see a skinny twit with an oversized garish whale belt buckle, I’ll be sure to introduce myself to you… probably via a punch to the mouth. 😉

  33. @Ethan – Well, I know you wouldn’t punch me – or call me anymore schoolyard names – because you “don’t like bullies”, right? I also now know that you certainly know a thing or two about stalking – your last comment made numerous references to your own obsession with me: where I live(d), the blogs I visit, the comments I make on those blogs, blogs I’ve been profiled on (years ago!) and what accessories I was wearing, my relative weight and stature…yikes; you’re creeping me out.

    Yes, I spent about 11 minutes Googling Fred Egan Castleberry a couple years ago, before I met him in DC, hosted him in my home, introduced him to my wife and friends, dined with him, and agreed to be photographed by him for his blog. I was curious about the man and felt is was rather normal due diligence to find out what I could about him (especially since he used to self identify with a different version of his name…..?). Finding pictures of him didn’t require any stalking; just a couple minutes online. Reading his tweets makes me a stalker? I’m not 16, but public tweets are for reading, no? You clearly spend lots of time on this blog, Fred’s, Ms. Aldrich’s, etc…..so, if you believe you’re in a position to judge how I spend my time online, I would recommend you analyze your own patterns first. If the backgrounds of the people who write the blogs you regularly read are irrelevant to you, than I wonder why/how it is you lend any credibility to their efforts at all.

    As I have written many, many times before, I have no problem with some level of “American reinvention”. I do have an issue with blatant phonies who lack the self awareness or humility to be self-effacing about their reinvention. Fred is incapable of admitting that he’s undergoing any sort of “reinvention” – in fact, he’s fiercely defensive at the mere suggestion and goes to great lengths to whitewash and lie about his background to suggest a lifelong knowledge and expertise which simply doesn’t exist. As you might imagine, for people that can see right through his baloney because of their own life experiences and background, this sort of fakery is annoying, irritating, and ripe for correction. He also happens to have a terrible sense of style which provides entertainment at a more basic level.

    If I decided tomorrow that I was an enamored by, say, skateboarding and started dressing like a skateboarder, started a skateboarding blog, wrote about the history of skateboarding, offered confident opinions and advice on skateboarding style and technique, tweeted/instagrammed/vined/pinned regularly about skateboarding,claimed to be inspired by great skateboarders of the past, dressed my kids up like skateboarders (Fred’s kids, ironically, already do dress like skateboarders…), attended skateboarding events, wrote books about skateboarding, designed skateboards, etc., – but had only touched my first skateboard a few short months/years earlier – I would expect that people who actually knew a thing or two about skateboarding, grew up skateboarding, had entire social circles of friends who skateboarded, etc., to call me out….not sit idly by, appreciate my “hustle”, and consume the garbage I spewed everyday in an effort to transform my life.

  34. F.E. Castleberry | April 16, 2013 at 9:31 am |

    …wow, new low for Andrew van Ostrand. Keep spelling my name correctly though and I’m content.

  35. Oh F.E. – a break from the hustle!

    Please get back to “work” – the world is nearly starving for more skinny ties, check shirts, slippers, and scented candles.

    P.S., In some sort of effort to make my life as public as yours, you consistently mispell my name….charming, really.

  36. Weird coincidence, my stalker obsessives in England are always carping about my leisured life as well.

    Wonder if they write those comments on the web when they’re actually supposed to be working.

  37. Drew Poling | April 16, 2013 at 10:19 am |

    I really hope AEV bivuoacs here for awhile. I sincerely enjoy his intelligent irascibility but just can’t bring myself to read that other blog in order to get my fix.

  38. Ironchefsakai | April 16, 2013 at 11:00 am |

    @aele

    There’s actually a wealth of symbolic discussion/depiction of clothing in “Gatsby.”

  39. Great Poupon
    Thanks for the 1949 version link. I’d seen parts of it, but not the whole film, I’m off from work today. The 1949 clothing isn’t any different than the 70s version, only in black & white, plus no trouser cuffs. Both films’ costumes are all wrong according to the Brooks’ examples above, jackets aren’t supposed to cover one’s ass. 😉

  40. A little dose of reality is…pleasantly biting

  41. Roy R. Platt | April 16, 2013 at 1:15 pm |

    Does anyone wish to speculate on how much of the “Gatsby Collection” product will be in the next Brooks Brothers 80% Off Sale?

  42. Gornergrot | April 16, 2013 at 1:18 pm |

    @FE Castleberry…..you’ve gone to great lengths to put yourself in the public eye so be a big boy and take the critiques, it comes with the territory. But AEV didn’t….so why do you post his name? Not very sporting but it certainly speaks to your ethical framework.

  43. It was nice running into you at Brooks Brothers yesterday, Christian. I hope the golf lesson went well.
    Regarding the Gatsby collection – I really like it. Are it’s regatta jackets a bit bold? Of course! But, that’s why so many people like them in the first place. Why don’t you wear your boating blazer to some events this summer, Christian? And if not, by any chance are you selling it? Best Regards.

  44. Like I said, “I’ve been around long enough”, several years in fact to know all I’d need to know about your behavior. I’ve been a casual observer of several blogs, most of which I am sure you also have on rotation. When Fred highlighted you (I learned everything in my above comment on that one post, no stalker hear, sorry to disappoint), I just remember putting a “face” to the guy that liked to argue with everyone and pick on anyone or anything he didn’t agree with. I can assure you that it had nothing to do with anything noteworthy that you wore, though the wale belt buckle did give me a chuckle… thanks BTW. Your behavior, or lack of it made you a standout, even here you’re lauded for your piss & vinegar. I’ve watched you beat up on people for a few years now, I just wanted to speak up, and tell you that I think you’re pathetic. FYI, I didn’t know Fred’s kids were skaters, the fact that you do reinforces my stalker claim… also I don’t read or follow tweets of people outside of my circle, unlike yourself.

  45. @Ethan –

    Basically, you want to argue with me and defend Fred. Fine, but let’s call a spade a spade. In your last comment you went out of your way, oddly, to not only “beat up” on me, but to also critique Muffy Aldrich who you’ve been following closely enough to “call out” on her contrived frugality….finding inconsistencies with her posts and pictures of her closets and possessions. Fine with me, but to get on your high horse and claim your criticism is somehow more noble, (more casual?), or more warranted than my own seems forced.

    Me questioning Fred or offering informed criticism is not being a bully – it’s offering honest reactions to a guy who peacocks and self publicizes nearly his entire life under the false expectation that everyone is going to fawn over everything he does….no matter how thinly based or awkwardly presented his efforts may be. You yourself felt the need to “speak up, ….and tell (me) that I’m pathetic.” Well, great – seems we’re even then. You think I’m pathetic because I think Fred is. You can come down off your pedestel now.

    I only know Fred’s kids dress like XGame contenders because he uses his kids as props in his public recreation theater. He frequently posts pictures and videos of them, tweets about them (his tweets are linked directly to his blog), and offers Hallmark card style super-dad platitiudes about their limited time together. It should come as no surprise that Fred dresses his kids up in preppy costumes for a world of mostly strangers to gawk at….even though all the all evidence suggests that they arrive to him in NY dressed in crooked snapback caps, graphic t-shirts, and skateboarding sneakers (like most kids their age, I suspect). Huh. And you choose to criticize my criticism? I see.

  46. AEV,

    I used Muffy as an example of how all bloggers are inconsistent with how they portray themselves to be. Unlike you, I don’t make it my mission in life to call them out every lock and step along the way, as if I were some type of internet culture police. I can care less how Fred, or anyone else lives their life… I assume everything I read on blogs is bullshit anyway… You seem to take some personal, almost moral stance, which I find quite ridiculous. I usually don’t comment at all, I guess after reading your 4,000th rant on Fred, I felt like sticking up for him.

  47. Gornergrot | April 16, 2013 at 2:10 pm |

    @Ethan….you seem incredibly hostile.

  48. @Ethan – Got it; all bloggers are inconsistent and everything you read on blogs is bullshit. Well, you should be happy to hear that, for entertainment purposes mostly, I serve as the part-time, unpaid, internet bullshit police. Part-time, volunteer Chief of the IBPD. I’m here, in appears, to serve you.

    In terms of Bullshit – my primary beat – Fred is a frequent offender….and, I’m thinking of lobbying the internet Congress for a three strike rule.

  49. AEV, That was funny. It appears my role here today was that of internal affairs.

  50. Excellent, hopefully this issue is now closed.

    Gatsby opening in theaters near you! As I read the above, one might think this production is starring F.E. Castleberry as Gatsby, Muffy Aldridge as Daisy Buchanan, AEV as Tom Buchanan and Ethan as Nick Carraway!

  51. WIth choreography by Christian Chensvold, and soundtrack by Beyonce, Britney Spears, Pink, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Madonna, Eminem, the Wu-Tang Clan, and Paul Anka. All directed by the fabulous Baz! Baz! Baz! LUHRMANN!!! In Dolby® Mega-Surround™ Ultra-Stereo©. In 3-D in select theaters.

  52. @AEV

    With the frequency of staged children photos I have always found the lack of a full family photo quite odd…

    Maybe Mrs. Castleberry doesn’t like to play dress up.

  53. @James – Fred’s divorced. His kids, and ex-wife, live in Texas….which is where he lived until last year.

  54. Sorry, but the Gatsby Collection wasn’t inspired by the novel, but by the 1920s archieves of Brooks Brothers. I read what the designer had to say on their web site.

    I know it’s hard to believe in today’s uber-slob culture, but men actually did dress like that back then. The clothing from the collection reflects an era, and isn’t “derivitive” of anything. Yes, boaters, spectators, linen suits, ties, and bow ties were common sights during the Jazz Age.– even at baseball games. Can you imagine?

    I applaud the collection and just wish I could fit into it (nothing for a 48 Long).

  55. @Groton75 (is your monikker really your prep school name and grad year…? C’mon) –

    The Brooks Bros’s Gatsby Web page itself uses the words “inspired by the costumes” and “adapted for” – it sure is derivitive….the very definition of. Wearing adapted versions of clothes inspired by fictional, idealized people from movies/books set in bygone eras is….well….just very, very strange. I don’t care if Brooks happened to make a few things in the ’20s that aren’t out of place in the movie…the “lookbook” is page after page of pure dress up…..if any adult wore 90% of this stuff in a professional or semiformal/formal setting, they would be understandably laughed and stared at…..you should be thankful they’re not making it in 48L….

  56. @ GROTON75

    The first pro baseball game I attended (1975), an April Sunday afternoon game, I wore a three piece navy chalkstripe suit. During the game, it was so warm that I removed the coat, and watched it in shirtsleeves and vest. I also had a hat with me, but I don’t remember wearing it in the stadium. I recall a few people wore jackets and ties, not many, though.

    @ AEV

    You are absolutely correct. No adult could possibly wear this “Gatsby” stuff. I’ve remarked on other topics of this site about negative feedback I’ve gotten in the past about a Navy DB blazer and/or bow ties. Being a 6’3″, 225 pound 44-46 XL, only intensifies the negativity. Maybe a very young trim fellow might be able to get away with wearing some of this stuff, but for the most part, he would be laughed at. The straw boater that Brooks advertises for $ 198 is a dead ringer for the one I have. I got it from my aunt in 1976, when my uncle passed.

    Although the boater has been sitting on my hall tree for years, it takes a man with more guts to wear it than I have. Now, if they became fashionable, that would be different. About the same chance as a snowball surviving in you know where.

  57. @AEV

    Wow, you caught me. Yes, the Groton75 refers to my hometown, an industrial wasteland outside Calcutta, India, founded by Sir John Groton in 1875. Ironically, the city’s motto is also “Cui servire est regnare (“for whom to serve is to rule”). Just a coincidence it’s the same as my schools.

    Of course, Brooks Brothers is going to use the terms “inspired by” and “adapted.” Why? So some cretin won’t sue them for false advertising. Those two ambiguous words cover everything.

    I’m afraid, your claim that Brooks Brothers only made “a few things in the ’20s” that weren’t costumes shows a total lack of historical knowledge. Please watch any silent newsreel showing crowds back then, and you’ll see ordinary people who could be extras on the new movie — without changing their clothes.

    No, I believe you’re a typical American who has been living in this sartorial wasteland far too long (probably all your life). People dressing elegantly and with flair is simply beyond your comprehension. They all have to be frauds, right? Then again, I can’t fault you — what do you have to base fine dressing on? Nothing but fiction.

  58. Fasten your seatbelt Groton75!!!

  59. @ M Arthur

    Let them bring it on, Old Sport.

  60. Today I went online in response to Brooks 20% 0ff sale email and found that the most interesting Gatsby bow ties were no longer listed as they were on Wednesday, i.e. the English silk square end black silk with white at both tips and at center knot and Brooks stripe #1 with square ends both were missing from the online shop. Gatsby items were not excluded from the sale. Seems strange that these items were missing.

  61. Comment by John — April 17, 2013 @ 10:28 am
    @James – Fred’s divorced. His kids, and ex-wife, live in Texas….which is where he lived until last year.
    ———-
    That’s a disturbingly large amount of information to know about a non-public figure like Mr. Castleberry.

    It’s bad enough that he uses his children as props, but to share this much info about yourself?

    Our ancestors were right to look askance at those who seek the public eye. Narcissism might be the least of Mr. Castleberry’s worries. I hope that he suffers nothing worse than the slings and arrows of outrageous reprobation at the hands of the commentariat of Ivy Style.

  62. @Henry- What makes you think he shared publicly this information?

    @John- Shame on you, for posting personal information of individuals in a public forum.

  63. Ethan,

    In our sick society, it’s considered “normal” to let it all hang out, to go on Oprah and tell the world about all the personal details of your life, the more salacious and scandalous the better. Considering that Mr. Castleberry has what might be called a vanity blog, one that is all about me! me! ME!, it seemed natural that he released this information himself.

    Once again, our ancestors got it right: not everything ought to be shared with the world.

    If John did share this information that Mr. Castleberry did not, he ought to be ashamed of himself, and I would hope that our gracious host would extend Mr. Castleberry the courtesy of deleting it. I might not care for his sense of style, but I wish him no harm.

  64. Guys, Fred IS a public figure (no idea why Henry thinks he’s not), and I don’t think any of those facts are secret information. I think he’s been quite open about his family, location (currently NY), work and other facets of his life.

  65. @Ethan –

    I thought I heard your white horse galloping from the stable again….

    Listen, before you dress down strangers – me first, now @John – do some basic homework. Fred, on his blog and various other social media – all public – has made frequent reference (written and photographic) to his two kids, his age, the fact that he used to live in Forth Worth, TX, that his kids recently visited him from TX, and that he’s currently dating a young woman in NY. He also publicly “shares” about his religious faith, the car he owns, where he goes on trips, his professional successes and failures, who his friends are, where he likes to eat, and so on. So, while I have no idea how @John may hay know that Fred’s divorced, it would certainly follow that a man who lives in NY, with kids who visit from TX, and with a new local girlfriend would – at least – be separated from the mother of his kids.

    There is something very odd about you – and, to some extent Fred – railing against the disclosure of ‘private information’, when Fred aggresively self-promotes many (most?) aspects of his life on his blog, Twitter, Facebook, Istagram, Vine, and Pinterest. If Fred’s trying to lead a private life, he’s doing a miserable job.

  66. Never hit a man while he’s down……kick him? Beautiful.

  67. @AEV- I’ll admit it, you’re right. I need to do my “basic homework”

    “Fred, on his blog and various other social media – all public – has made frequent reference (written and photographic) to his two kids, his age, the fact that he used to live in Forth Worth, TX, that his kids recently visited him from TX, and that he’s currently dating a young woman in NY. He also publicly “shares” about his religious faith, the car he owns, where he goes on trips, his professional successes and failures, who his friends are, where he likes to eat, and so on.”

    Sounds like you’ve done enough research though for a doctoral thesis… Curious though…Where do you find all the time? Is the University of Phoenix doing online distance learning classes on Castleberry, Inc.?

  68. @AEV, got it, continuing education credits for your “Chief of the IBPD”.

  69. @Ethan – c’mon…..you can do better than that. My “research”, as it relates to the above, is visiting his blog and, occasionally, the other social media he links to directly from his blog and many of his posts. Nothing more, nothing less. You being good at missing basic facts doesn’t mean those that don’t are obsessives.

    As far as “finding all the time” – I have a phone which, amazingly, has internet access. It, combined with Fred’s blog and others, frequently provides relief between (and sometimes during) meetings, conference calls, and airport connections. I would add that if you believe regular reading of Fred’s blog is a waste of productive time, I can only imagine how you can rationalize wasting your own defending him.

  70. @AEV, not everyone is born with your whit, sorry I did the best I could. 😉 I only commented because, like you, I have to have the last word… or try.

  71. “I thought I heard your white horse galloping from the stable again….”

    Yes, I witnessed it leave the stable. I was standing in the paddock wearing my new made to order General Patton replica field boots, tan calvary twill riding pants held up by a vintage Polo dog collar belt. It was a cool mourning that called for my heaviest blue OCBD, foullard ancient madder ascott, tobacco moleskin vest topped with my favorite brown and charcoal donegal with olive flecks hacking jacket I inherited from daddy. I remember, I was pouring my first breakfast gin and tonic, the horse bolted, a flash of white.

    White, that reminds me of a Swiss ski trip I took with WFB and the Koch brothers……….

  72. Mr. Wyllys | April 19, 2013 at 3:09 pm |

    Enough of Castleberry-ology…Can’t we make fun of Wasp 101 for a change?

  73. Fred Castleberry is a public figure in his own mind. To normal people, he’s somewhere between “Fred who? Never heard of him” and “attention-mongering narcissist.” I very much doubt that the majority of people who visit his blog want to know about Fred the man, about his hopes and dreams, the car he drives, his love life, or any of the other minutiae of his life.

  74. @Ironchefsakai

    Though I agree clothing is used to make both blunt and fine class distinctions in the book, I’d argue most of these moments are concerned with women’s clothing.

    Enlighten me, though. I’ve taught the book many times, but as a fiction writer not an academic. Perhaps my opinion above is too heavily influenced by Fitzgerald’s rather sparse style?

  75. On a lighter note: word is the Gatsby OCBD is apparently unlined with the same collar proportions as Golden Era Brooks Brothers shirts! Something good did come out of this collection after all.

  76. It reminds me of the Jazz Suits popular at the beginning of the twenties: http://www.1920s-fashion-and-music.com/images/1920sjazz_suit.jpg

  77. Orgastic future | April 22, 2013 at 1:38 am |

    Man…some of you people suck lol. I thought the “Ivy” culture of the “gentleman” revolved around “good form” and etc. There is so much more that makes up the judgement of a man than his style of leisure. And I don’t know you AEV, but you come across as the smallest most shallow character ever to lament F.E. Based on when, how, and where he got his style inspirations. By the way, Ive read your anti FE stuff before on here and on his site as well. You need to go join the foreign service or something and realize just how small and molecular your world objectively seems. Glad I went to a Military Academy with real men because if this is indicative of the IVY culture… well…..well actually this would be exactly how it’s characterized lol. Spot on! And how fitting that this is a Gatsby post. So I say to Fred who like Gatsby is being torn apart because he wasn’t born into his inspiration but rather had the drive to create it…… and I quote from The Great Gatsby…”Your worth the whole damn bunch put together.” P.s. I’m surprised no one has picked up on the irony of this post about originally being about Gatsby and the commenters vs F.E. AEV is literally Tom Buchanan lol. Guess I’ll be Nick Carraway!

  78. Orgastic lol:

    You give to much credit to UP. Don’t encourage him.

  79. I thought this thread was about “Lord of the Flies” 😉
    I think most of the critique of Castleberry’s style is justified, but I feel uneasy about the personal attacks. I don’t follow his site and would never have visited it without mention on Ivy Style. At this point criticizing him is like teeing up on the ladies’ tees, we all get it.
    The truth is, if we all met for lunch, most of us could be picked apart for our individual ivy taste. Well except for me, get it?
    Do I chuckle at the sight of a whale buckle or a “horsie” buckle,yes, but I get it. I especially get it if someone is from a region of the country that whales or horses are part of their heritage, whales not so much in Kansas. 😉

  80. Well, I’m not sure what all those comments since mine mean; but as to the actual Brooks Gatsby mdse, I had a look at some of it last friday at Brooks branch store. It was very nice & I got the black/white tipped bow tie I wanted and another square end[same dimensions as two I have from the 1970s] woven bow tie and a bat wing woven bow tie, all at 20% 0ff sale. There was very little Gatsby tie stock, just 1 or 2 of each tie. I got to see someone else’s Brooks stripe #1 bow tie that was on hold and one the ties I bought was sold off the display. I can’t say that the sales staff had any understanding of nor seemed to care about the Gatsby mdse, except for 1 who may or may not have worked there & had reserved the 2 best bow ties. I will note that all the Gatsby bow ties offered online sold out, except 2 ivory ones. So maybe Brooks is on to something. The Gatsby ties were better looking & better priced than the Black Fleece ties.

  81. @JWK

    I had a similar experience over the weekend, and purchased three of the Gatsby ties (Ivory Butterfly, Gold Ombre Plaid Bow Tie, and the Burgundy and Pink tie.)

    It’s all terrific stuff, and I would have bought everything (suits, jackets and shoes) except for sizing issues. And worn it. I’m a bold dresser, but have to confess I’m still hesitant about wearing a straw boater. Other than that, the collection shouts class and elegance.

    Brooks Brothers should permanently carry similar items as part of a classic collection once the Gatsby hubbub blows over.

  82. @GROTON75

    You got 3 unusual ties at a fair price just as I did; I liked the ivory square end too & would have bought the burgundy/pink if it had been a square end or batwing bow. I guess I am fortunate that Brooks did not offer more bow ties.

    I also would have been interested in the clothing but for sizing issues[much the same as in current Polo tailored clothing].

    The green sweater was a great color but I only buy sweater vests now & Brooks has ignored my suggestion to make the “V” lower so that you can actually reach into your shirt pocket for your phone or pen w/o stretching the neck.

    I used to shop a lot at Brooks but no longer do because I feel you can no longer count on the quality or design of the mdse, which I find to be very ordinary. But I must repeat that the Gatsby mdse was more to my liking & hopefully they will keep it up.

  83. Wtfisgoingon | April 25, 2013 at 5:30 pm |

    I’m so confused by these comments … I just came here to discuss boating blazers ….

  84. Christian | May 7, 2013 at 6:41 am |

    Squeeze and I were discussing that review this very moment.

  85. Anglophile Trad | May 9, 2013 at 7:36 am |

    Video: Anatomy of a Scene from “The Great Gatsby”:

    http://nyti.ms/10qVuwS

  86. Went online today to order another bow tie[Brooks #1 stripe] & found that all Gatsby bow ties still were sold out. I would have thought BB would have re-stocked these made in Long Island City bow ties so they would be available for the premiere of the Gatsby movie today amidst much publicity including photos of the clothes & receipt this week of a very nice brochure of the clothes sent by BB. Does anyone know what he problem is? BB has a winner but no mdse to deliver.

  87. SanchoPanza | May 14, 2013 at 10:24 am |

    How Ivy is BB on a scale of 1 – 5?

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