Born in the U.S.A.

By Jen Smith
September 14, 2011

Born in the U.S.A.

Photographer Matthew Hranek, who blogs at the William Brown Project, is fascinated by the American heritage aesthetic. He shared these and the rest of the images throughout this article.

The fashion world's love affair American heritage shows no signs of waning; shoppers keep circling back to clothes that have soul.

The utilitarian fashion look is having a moment (you'd only need to open up the September issue of Vogue, where there's a full featured devoted to "Utility Dressing," to be convinced), and its traditional garments—from jackets to work boots, continue to be re-worked, redesigned, and re-interpreted. Ralph Lauren's horse-y version of Americana never seems to grow old, and fashion designers like Isabel Marant and Diane Von Furstenberg have looked to Native American motifs, and similarly, the American West for fashion inspiration.

Born in the U.S.A.

But it's the partnerships between contemporary brands and classic ones that are getting a lot of buzz, from J. Crew's limited-edition collaboration with brands like Alden shoes (handcrafted in San Francisco since 1884) to Opening Ceremony's with Pendleton, cool t-shirt line Rogues Gallery's with LL Bean, and Urban Outfitters' with Filson.

These savvy brands know that consumers are looking towards quality over quantity—to possess goods that not only evoke history, but also recall a pioneer spirit.

Born in the U.S.A.

Photographer Matthew Hranek, who blogs at The William Brown Project and shared these authentically American images with us, loves this aesthetic. “The re-interest in classic 'made in America' goods is a trend I can identify with—old school brands that take us back to great periods of timeless design," he says.

And what could be better than getting the real deal? If you haven't been lucky enough to inherit your share of covetable hand-me-downs, eBay remains one of the best resources to hunt down the genuine article.

Here, a bit of Good Old Made in the U.S.A.

Vintage Levi's Deadstock

(buy it now price, $1999.99)

There is nothing like pulling on a pair of worn-in 501s, especially a crazy rare deadstock pair you can wear in yourself (if you dare).

(eBay search keywords: vintage Levi's)

1978 Ford F-150

(current bid, $1,825)

Classic chiseled box cab, all around “generic” pickup, generation after generation.

(eBay search keywords: Ford F-150)

Vintage Ray Cheyenne Round Sunglasses

(buy it now price, $229.99)

Gatsby, Lennon... and you?

(eBay search keywords: Ray Ban Round )

Brooks Brothers Vintage Silk Necktie

(buy it now price, $9.99)

So Alex. P. Keaton.

(eBay search keywords: Brooks Brothers vintage tie)

Vintage '70s Cowichan Pendleton Sweater

(buy it now price, $174.99)

Perfect hipster irony all in one pullover.

(eBay search keywords: vintage Pendleton cowichan sweater)

Vintage Coleman “Low Boy” Red Cooler

(buy it now price, $79.99)

For decades, the name “Coleman” has conjured up images of outdoor recreation.

(eBay search keywords: Coleman cooler)

Vintage LL Bean Duckie Brown Ankle Boots

(buy it now price, $50)

Find discontinued styles on eBay like this slip-on duck boot with a strap and buckle detail designed in collaboration with Duckie Brown.

(eBay search keywords: vintage LL Bean boots)

Vintage Woolrich Black Label Wool Plaid Hunting Shirt

(buy it now price, $32.99)

A durable huntsman wool shirt at a heckuva price.

(eBay search keyword: Woolrich)

Vintage Orvis Engraved Fishing/Duck Hunting Flask Set

(buy it now price, $99.99)

It’s true sportsman style to carry your own flask. These are so beautifully engraved, they'd be gorgeous as display items.

(eBay search keywords: vintage Orvis flask)

1962 Coleman Lantern

(buy it now price, $250)

An authentic antique you can actually use on your next camping trip.

(eBay search keywords: vintage Coleman lantern)

Filson Tote Bag

Load this up with magazines and take it to the beach. Your husband won't balk when you ask him to carry it.

(eBay search keyword: Filson)

Lot of 4 Vtg Lands End LL Bean Chamois

(buy it now price, $27.99)

An LL Bean chamois shirt is a practical thing of great beauty. Might as well get four.

(eBay search keyword: LL Bean chamois shirt)

Heath Ceramics Stacking Mugs

(current bid, $27)

Hearty, yet elegant, and totally Folger’s worthy.

(eBay search keywords: Heath ceramics)

Alden Brown Leather Wing-tip Dress Shoes

(buy it now price, $287.50)

You can always tell a man by his shoes. This guy is reliable, hard working and always appropriate.