Heritage Dressing: Old School Brands Are New Again
Everything old is now in vogue again, so long as it screams nostalgic Americana. Whether it’s retro eyewear, a worsted-wool blazer or a pair of well-worn leather work boots, we're in the midst of a revivalist moment. Brands like Land’s End, Orvis, Pendleton and a whole host of others are dusting off the original garments that once made them America’s tried and true, and serving them up in capsule collections for the fashion elite. And it's not just the cool-again heritage brands that are banking on their resurgence. Some of today’s biggest fashion retailers, like Opening Ceremony and J.Crew, are now partnering with classic manufacturers to create of-the-moment collaborations. But before you start emptying your wallet in order to fulfill your archivist musings, look no further than eBay, which has seen a 106 percent increase in "heritage" listings in the past year alone. We've handpicked a few great pieces from our favorite ages-old brands. Not only is each item built to last, but it has a rich history behind it, as deeply-rooted as the American company that crafted it. Fashion forward and conversation starting? We almost feel like we should keep these heritage picks to ourselves!
Who: Filson
Founded: 1897
Where: Seattle, Washington
Claim to Fame: “The highest quality outdoor apparel that stands up to the toughest conditions.”
Why We Love Them: Their tough-as-nails leather couldn’t look any smoother.
NEW Filson Leather Packer Wallet
(buy it now price, $83.25)
NEW Filson Plains Leather Boot
(buy it now price, $129.99)
NEW Filson Duffle Bag
(buy it now price, $199)
NEW Filson Leather Field Satchel
(buy it now price, $795)
Who: Pendleton
Founded: 1863
Where: Brownsville, Oregon
Can’t Get Enough: Their mesmerizing Native American patterns woven into the softest of wools.
NEW Bison Leather Messenger w/ Pendleton Wool
(buy it now price, $249.95)
NEW Pendleton Elk Baby Mukluks Moccasins Booties
(winning bid, $16.99)
Beaver State Pendleton Wool Indian Design Lap Blanket
((winning bid, $12.50)
Pendleton Blanket Day Planner Notebook
(winning bid, $21.25)
Who: L.L. Bean
Founded: 1912
Where: Freeport, Maine
Nostalgic Resurgence: Forget the over-sized fleeces and grandma’s standby white turtlenecks, their vintage pieces never looked so fresh and all-American chic.
Vtg 70s Goatskin Leather Jacket
(buy it now price, $149.99)
Vtg Shawl Collar Cardigan Wool Sweater
(current bid, $23.50)
Vtg Blue Parka
(buy it now price, $45)
Vtg Canvas Front Lace Shoes
(winning bid, $59.99)
Who: Brooks Brothers
Founded: 1818
Where: New York, New York
History Making Moment: In 1845 Brooks Brothers introduced the first ready-to-wear suits in America.
Important Preppy Players: Everyone from the forlorn Jay Gatsby to Pretty in Pink’s evil Steff have let us know that looking like you belong matters.
Vtg Brown Fur Feather Hat
(buy it now price, $48)
White Oxfords Bucs
(starting bid, $19.99)
Vtg Floral Secretary Mini Dress
(starting bid, $14.99)
Classic Women's Blazer
(starting bid, $89)