ON TREND: 19th CENTURY REDUX

We’ve been tracking the rising popularity of the modern day dandy for a while now. Guys like Patrick MacDonald, Douglass Little, The Sartorialist and our very own Cator Sparks are on the forefront of the movement. The Young Meagher Project is a guild of denim designers who trace the roots of their secret society to the late 1800s.  Bands like Panic! at the Disco  and My Chemical Romance have also embraced the look that blends the sartorial splendor of the late 19th century with a peacockish non fear of fashion.  And as reported here, a new film adaptation of “The Importance of Being Earnest” due out soon is sure to spark even further interest in the style of the day.

 Oscar Wilde

Panic! At the Disco

 Young Meagher Project

But now the 19th century is like, sooo 2007. Designers like Cockpit, Barking Irons, Oliver Spencer and Rogues Gallery are all referencing the era. Globe-Trotter, a100+ year old British luxury luggage maker is starting to offer their old world hand-craftsmanship in the US. Each bag is made on original Victorian machinery at the company's factory in Hertfordshire, UK.

Globe Trotter
In addition, retail design is drawing heavily on an interpretation of an aesthetic that can only be described as 19th century gentleman’s club. Alife Rivington Club, the sneaker boutique that opened in 2002 started the trend with its Jermyn Street style wood paneled walls and ostrich wallpaper. More recently, the décor and merchandise for sale at NYC restaurant/ boutique Freemans Sporting Club seems to be inspired by Currier and Ives prints depicting guys hunting, fishing and getting drunk in the late 19th century. As well, the Cloak store on Greene Street is designed to resemble and old world men's club, and the new Oliver Spencer store in NYC's West Village is decorated to resemble a 19th century botanists's lounge.

 

Rivington Club
 Freeman's (photo: Refinery29)
Currier & Ives

 

 

 

 Freeman's (photo: Refinery29) Currier & Ives

Posted by BPMW on December 28, 2006 02:55 PM | | E-Mail To Friend

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