Reinventing a Classic
It's not a foregone conclusion that corduroy will make you look like a preppy schoolboy or a college professor. Of course if that is a look you aspire to, just throw on some wide-wale trousers and a cable-knit sweater and you'll be good to go. That look really does work for some men. But it's the less conventional sixties-and-seventies-vibe corduroy that captures my attention most. I've spotted guys on my block in vintage fine-wale Levi's corduroy pants, and, once upon a time, Steve McQueen in a strict corduroy blazer and Paul Newman looking the epitome of American style in various forms of corduroy -- they all revived my interest in this wintery staple. But its probably a 2002 picture of modernist architect Phillip Johnson -- the ultimate minimalist -- that took me the furthest away from the preppy connotations of corduroy. It always takes someone who is able to look at something for what it is, not for what it conjures, to truly reinvent a classic.
I have a very ambivalent relationship with Birkenstocks. While I would never wear them, I do occasionally like them on guys. They work especially well here to give a groovier look to his cord pants. Bleecker Street, NYC, September 2007.
A confirmed corduroy enthusiast, Paul Newman softens his slick look with a bit of schoolboy charm. 1965, left, and 1960, right. (Credit: Getty)
One of the best things about corduroy is that it comes in great colors, like the rich army green above. Prince Street, NYC, July 2007. (Credit: Getty)
I'm not sure I can come up with any words to do this pic of Steve McQueen justice. Just look at it. His outfit is perfect. Circa 1967. (Credit: CN Archive)
While the shapes of this guy's clothes are utterly predictable, it's the unexpected denim and corduroy fabrics that caught my eye. Madison Avenue, NYC, October 2007.
It's hard for me to imagine being attracted to Tom Cruise now, but I certainly am when I see this picture. The Beverly Hilton Hotel, September 1983. (Credit: Getty)
This man is for sure not holding back from the preppy corduroy tradition. You gotta love him for it. Madison Avenue, NYC, October 2007.
Corduroy and leather are a great combination, especially for accessories like this 1958 Brooks Brothers cap. I recently bought a men's corduroy and leather messenger bag for myself. (Credit: Getty)
This is a fantastic jacket. And see what I mean about corduroy and leather? Bleecker Street, NYC, November 2007.
Robert Redford shows his groovier side in a thick cord jacket, print scarf, and definitively seventies hairstyle. Utah, 1970. (Credit: Getty)
This guy's layered hoodie and scarf give a street feeling to his otherwise conventional fine-cord blazer. Spring Street, NYC, January 2008.
How could you not love Clint as much as I do? The thing is, no matter what he wears, he always looks like himself. 1969. (Credit: Getty)
Architect Phillip Johnson wears the inspired choice of corduroy pants with an otherwise pared-down look. 2002. (Credit: Corbis)
Why is it that every time I search for vintage pictures of an item of clothing I am interested in, I am inundated by pictures of the British Royal Family? Is it because there are that many photos of them? Or does it mean I am fundamentally attracted to classic clothes, and Prince Charles epitomizes classic dressing? Regardless, I love Prince William's dark green cord pants, especially with the African beaded belt (if you can see it) he is wearing with them. Balmoral Castle, Scotland, August 1997. (Credit: Getty)
Wow - you got through a whole post about corduroy without mentioning Wes Anderson.
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I appreciate your approach to this blog - taking one theme and exploring all of its different possibilities. It's interesting to read.