Merging Incommensurate Worlds: Amekaji, Ivy, and Ketsugo Style
Contemporary Amekaji style includes denim and leather, boots, hats, and a whole lotta’ replica love that reaches back to 19 th century cowboys and takes in stride 20 th century styles from WWII, Korea, and even Vietnam eras. And then there is Ivy, somewhere. Let's think about that. Most American work wear brands are not as concerned, I think, with making statements of provenance. The Carhartts of the world are tying value to practical contemporary needs, no matter how they might market now into other fashion worlds. On the other side of the Amekaji vintage and work wear equation is Ivy, which has its own strange stories to tell. There are only stalwarts left in America, like J. Press, Andover, and O’Connells’ and I’ve yet to find current Japaense brands as dedicated to Ivy. But of course J.Press is now owned by a Japanese company and keeps faith with the Ivy stalwart even as Brooks Brothers continues to stumble after having so plainly lost the plot. Current Japanese Ameka