The amount of social courage I remember it taking to pop your polo shirt collar in middle school in the late 80s was an astounding amount. I was never able to manage it.
Thank God I never had to face that test of moral courage. I was in middle school in the late 80s, at which point the popped collar wasn't a thing anymore.
Now I need to listen to her series! It’s interesting how bourgeois style codes can be gradually claimed by the out-groups they negatively define, a process by which the upper class gets assimilated into the wider culture, at least where fashion is concerned.
It's totally fascinating, and I think happens over and over again. Although there's also the counter-reaction, where the upper class seeks out new modes so as to keep distinguishing themselves from everyone else.
I've been in the clothing business. Back in the 90s watching the trends emerge included my experience working for Reebok as they launched a Kid's brand called Weebok as well as being hired by a contract manufacturing company that had the rights to Nautica. Both of these companies allowed their brands to be expanded in ways that looking back feel short term. Years later working the Tommy Hilfiger booth at MAGIC, meeting Snoop and watching his approach, and selling Mecca but wanted to be involved with Rocawear got me closer. Then working for another contract manufacturer hired by DKNY led to more insight. The final thought today is for creators to protect their brand equity and intellectual property. I saw a lot of European companies like Petit Bateau fail to evolve and others like Cakewalk, Flapdoodles, and Zoodles ride trends but not fully embrace and expand inside the marketplace for long term success.
The amount of social courage I remember it taking to pop your polo shirt collar in middle school in the late 80s was an astounding amount. I was never able to manage it.
Thank God I never had to face that test of moral courage. I was in middle school in the late 80s, at which point the popped collar wasn't a thing anymore.
You're lucky. I think I'm a year or two older than you.
Great convo. Also looking forward to the Bill Deresiewicz one after reading his recent post at The Hinternet.
great convo. and CAN'T WAIT for the new series--such a good topic!
Now I need to listen to her series! It’s interesting how bourgeois style codes can be gradually claimed by the out-groups they negatively define, a process by which the upper class gets assimilated into the wider culture, at least where fashion is concerned.
It's totally fascinating, and I think happens over and over again. Although there's also the counter-reaction, where the upper class seeks out new modes so as to keep distinguishing themselves from everyone else.
I've been in the clothing business. Back in the 90s watching the trends emerge included my experience working for Reebok as they launched a Kid's brand called Weebok as well as being hired by a contract manufacturing company that had the rights to Nautica. Both of these companies allowed their brands to be expanded in ways that looking back feel short term. Years later working the Tommy Hilfiger booth at MAGIC, meeting Snoop and watching his approach, and selling Mecca but wanted to be involved with Rocawear got me closer. Then working for another contract manufacturer hired by DKNY led to more insight. The final thought today is for creators to protect their brand equity and intellectual property. I saw a lot of European companies like Petit Bateau fail to evolve and others like Cakewalk, Flapdoodles, and Zoodles ride trends but not fully embrace and expand inside the marketplace for long term success.