(Repro.) Men's Vintage Collegiate Fashion/Benjamin Bixby Menswear

[VintageBaroness]

I must admit I am fan of men dressed in collegiate fashion from the 20s and 30s (a la Harold Lloyd in The Freshman, for example). Knitted ties, shawl collared- and letter sweaters, oh my! As an ebay seller I have discovered early sweaters and jerseys are very covetable (seems like sports bars want them as framed art on the walls, though). Considering the scarcity of such vintage things for modern men to own and wear, I thought I would start a thread regarding repros of such things (but I would love to see folks sharing actual vintage examples of collegiate fashion via actual photographs, advertisements et al.

For now, back to the question of repro. collegiate wear, rummaging around online, I came across some images from Andre 3000's (now defunct?) Benjamin Bixby clothing line. Wondered what people thought of this 20s and 30s collegiate fashion inspired brand? I read in Feb. 2012 GQ that Dre is going to bring the brand back...

 

[VintageBaroness]

Was just told that Etiquette Vintage Designs does great repro. letter sweaters....http://www.evintaged.com/Men.html

 

[flat-top]

H&M has a great shawl collar collegiate sweater. Also, since the collegiate and varsity look is so in style at the moment, it's worth checking out the young men's sections of the off price stores. I found an amazing two tone shawl collar cardigan that, after I removed the silly logo, now looks 100% vintage. I'll try to take a picture soon.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

I second h&m for shawl collar sweaters. For better quality there is always Ralph lauren with his various lines. The most vintage inspired is RRL but some single items from the other lines look like direct repros too. There are some other links in the threads for cardigans, cricket sweaters and of courses the college wardrobe thread.

 

[herringbonekid]

i'm a big fan of the 20s college look, and am still looking for one of these RRL shawl sweaters in a size small:

Dehen 1920 do a cardigan version (only in stock in XL):

https://www.dehen1920.com/product/shawl-neck-sweater-coat-1

these people do some nice collegiate knitwear:

http://thebkcircus.com/shop/

(again all out of size smalls)


and Archival Clothing did a shawl cardigan but i'm not sure if it's still available.

 

[VintageBaroness]

Ooh, yes, these sweaters are GREAT!! Did anyone get a chance to see the FIT exhibit, "Ivy Style"? Raccoon coats and crested blazers and letter sweaters, oh my! http://www.fitnyc.edu/12890.asp

 

[VintageBaroness]

Then there was the Black Ivy project....designed as a sartorial "tribute to the first black colleges that paved the way for our generation and created a common ground for hardworking, likeminded individuals." Below is a related video:

[video=vimeo;15176543]http://vimeo.com/15176543[/video]

 

[VintageBaroness]

I second h&m for shawl collar sweaters. For better quality there is always Ralph lauren with his various lines. The most vintage inspired is RRL but some single items from the other lines look like direct repros too. There are some other links in the threads for cardigans, cricket sweaters and of courses the college wardrobe thread.

Good to know about these other threads, Flat Foot Floey...I'll see if I can find it...Thanks!

 

[resortes805]

As a doctoral student (and as a balboa-swing dancer), vintage 30's collegiate style is one of my 'looks.' As a result, I am always on the prowl for garments that have that aesthetic.

The Benjamin Bixby line looked amazing, yet it (and Ralph Lauren's 'Rugby') was a little ahead it's time, as '20s-'30s inspired stuff is just now hitting its stride as being in vogue.

Here is a sweater I found at Macy's by, of all designers, graffiti artist Marc Ecko.

My issue with most modern sweaters is the length. I am a shorter guy and most sweater, regardless of the size, usually break just above my crotch! Not a good look when paired with high-waisted slacks! For pullover sweaters, I usually have to fold the waist band up, or double the fabric over the waistband. I can't do that with cardigans.

Here is one of my favorite collegiate get-ups...

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

:eusa_clap Great look, Resortes. I should learn balboa just to have a good excuse to dress like this.

@Vintage Baroness: While I like the college fashion of the 20s and 30s I really loathe what is known as Ivy/Preppy today. I think it is more inspired by the 50s and 60s.
Loafers or boating shoes without socks, blazers worn together with short shorts (often Madras), shapeless sack suits with boring lapels... even button down shirts I find rather boring (but not as bad as the other stuff in this list). So I have become careful with the Ivy/Preppy label. The Black Ivy guys make it look cool but I am sure it would look ridiculous on me.

 

[MB15]

Hello Floey,
i agree with you on most parts of your post. Ivy-Look today means mostly the look from the 50s, 60s. But even there, there are some guys who can really work this look out. Apart from shoes without socks, shorts, etc.
With Button-downs, it's the accessoires that make the difference. Tieless, those shirts mostly look like somethings missing. When worn with a small-knot-tie, they can really look good.
Greetings
Marco

 

[VintageBaroness]

:eusa_clap Great look, Resortes. I should learn balboa just to have a good excuse to dress like this.

@Vintage Baroness: While I like the college fashion of the 20s and 30s I really loathe what is known as Ivy/Preppy today. I think it is more inspired by the 50s and 60s.
Loafers or boating shoes without socks, blazers worn together with short shorts (often Madras), shapeless sack suits with boring lapels... even button down shirts I find rather boring (but not as bad as the other stuff in this list). So I have become careful with the Ivy/Preppy label. The Black Ivy guys make it look cool but I am sure it would look ridiculous on me.

Good point to note. I tend to agree, now that you point out some of the details. 20s/30s collegiate all the way!!!

 

[VintageBaroness]

As a doctoral student (and as a balboa-swing dancer), vintage 30's collegiate style is one of my 'looks.' As a result, I am always on the prowl for garments that have that aesthetic.

The Benjamin Bixby line looked amazing, yet it (and Ralph Lauren's 'Rugby') was a little ahead it's time, as '20s-'30s inspired stuff is just now hitting its stride as being in vogue.

Here is a sweater I found at Macy's by, of all designers, graffiti artist Marc Ecko.

My issue with most modern sweaters is the length. I am a shorter guy and most sweater, regardless of the size, usually break just above my crotch! Not a good look when paired with high-waisted slacks! For pullover sweaters, I usually have to fold the waist band up, or double the fabric over the waistband. I can't do that with cardigans.

Here is one of my favorite collegiate get-ups...

Very sharp!!! Great look, from top to toe!

 

[herringbonekid]

i'm a big fan of the 20s college look, and am still looking for one of these RRL shawl sweaters in a size small:

i've managed to procure the above sweater for £70 on US ebay (brand new, sale price. retail price in UK was something like £300 in Liberty's), although the seller is a bit uncommunicative.
i'll give a review when (if) it gets here.

 

[Dinerman]

Another pic for you HBK

 

[herringbonekid]

thanks, i love the ones with contrast collars (and sometimes a stripe across the chest).

1925:

 

[herringbonekid]

the above mentioned RRL shawl collar:

1920s glasses. wonky bow tie by me.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

Great look HBK. Why did you choose this particular one? I guess the long knit trim on the cuffs or some other details?

 

[Mario]

Great look and overall great photo with those reflections on the glasses. I hope you don't mind me saying so but in this photo you somewhat resemble Tom Waits in his role as Renfield in Dracula.

 

[herringbonekid]

Flo, i handled the sweater in real life and it was the nearest i've found to an original in terms of weight, collar shape and detailing. only thing i'm not sure about is the length, but as the bottom edge doesn't have ribbing i'm thinking about taking it up (although they were actually long sweaters i prefer mine short).

Mario, i don't mind at all. Tom Waits is something of a hero of mine.