Renacts American Trad Menswear — Reinterpreting Ivy Style from Seoul
Renacts represents the evolution of American Trad menswear — a Korean brand redefining Ivy style for the modern era. Rooted in timeless tailoring and Seoul’s
The Future of Ivy Style
Ivy style, which flourished in the 1950s and 60s, gained unique momentum in Japan during the 1960s and 70s, evolving into its own cultural phenomenon. In the 1980s, the preppy style, derived from Ivy, took center stage. However, after the preppy revival, Ivy style gradually faded from mainstream popularity, retaining a niche audience. This article explores whether Ivy style will remain a minor trend loved by a select few or experience a resurgence in the future.
The Origins of Ivy Style
Why Does Ivy Style Represent a Specific Era? The term "Ivy style" emerged in the 1950s and 60s, representing the fashion embraced by Ivy League students. Before this, while Ivy League fashion existed, it had yet to reach the cultural prominence to be considered a distinct style. For a fashion to become a "style," it must gain widespread popularity and collective appreciation, which Ivy League fashion achieved in the mid-20th century.
The Golden Age of Ivy Style
How Ivy Style Solidified as a Trend After World War II, the G.I. Bill enabled veterans to attend colleges, including Ivy League schools. Veterans integrated their military garments, such as chino pants, into Ivy League wardrobes, creating a unique style. The mass production of surplus military apparel like chinos contributed to its mainstream appeal, cementing Ivy style as a cultural phenomenon.
The Legacy of Ivy Style’s Golden Age
We Enjoy It Without Realizing The influence of Ivy style from the 1950s and 60s is still visible in modern fashion. Chino Pants These practical and slim-fit pants have become everyday essentials, evolving from their military origins. Oxford Shirts Known for their durability and versatility, these shirts pair effortlessly with casual outfits, reflecting American practicality. Gold Button Blazers Characterized by their three-roll-two button design and patch pockets, these blazers are iconic symbols of Ivy style. Penny Loafers These shoes derive their name from Ivy League students who used the saddle slot to carry coins for payphones.
The Decline of Ivy Style
The Hippie Movement and Woodstock Festival In the 1960s, the counterculture movement, including hippies opposing the establishment, led to a decline in Ivy style, which symbolized privilege and tradition. Experts point to the 1969 Woodstock Festival as a turning point in Ivy style's waning influence. However, across the globe, Ivy style was just beginning to rise.
The Savior of Ivy Style
Japan on the Other Side of the Globe While Ivy style declined in the U.S. during the late 1960s, Japan embraced it wholeheartedly. In 1965, the publication of Take Ivy, often referred to as the "Bible of Ivy Style," sparked a cultural wave. Japan, influenced by its admiration for American culture following WWII, adopted and reinterpreted Ivy style to suit its tastes, leading to its massive popularity through the 1970s.
The Rise of Preppy Style
A More Vibrant Version of Ivy As the 1980s ushered in economic prosperity, conservative values resurfaced, and Ivy style evolved into the preppy style. This reinterpretation, characterized by brighter colors and a more playful vibe, aligned perfectly with the aspirational ideals of the American Dream.
The Disappearance of Ivy Style
From the 1990s to Today Since the peak of preppy style in the 1980s, Ivy style has not regained mainstream prominence. While modern media has diversified fashion trends, Ivy style remains sustained by niche communities. Will Ivy style continue as a minor trend, or can it find new life in today’s fashion world?
Ivy Style in Korea
A Growing Community The 2020s position Korea as a potential new hub for Ivy style. With the country's global cultural influence and thriving fashion industry, Korea has the capacity not only to create trends but also to preserve the values of classic fashion, including Ivy style.
Renacts in Korea
Korea’s Ivy Style Brand Renacts leads the Ivy style revival in Korea. Despite the declining popularity of formal wear globally, Renacts remains committed to classic style and strives to promote the values of Ivy fashion.
Renacts and the Gentlemen's Club
Korea’s Only Ivy Style Community Renacts operates alongside the Gentlemen's Club, Korea’s only Ivy style community, with over 16,000 members. Together, they play a crucial role in spreading awareness and appreciation of Ivy style.
Activities of Renacts and the Gentlemen's Club
Creating a Culture Renacts and the Gentlemen's Club go beyond selling clothes or discussing fashion. They run various sub-groups, such as: Gentlemens Football Club inspired by Ivy League sports culture. Gentlemens Growth Club a personal development group. Gentlemens Rotary Club which supports community development. Gentlemens Social Club where members dress in Ivy style and gather for social events. These initiatives help establish Ivy style as a vibrant cultural movement in Korea, earning recognition from both the public and industry insiders.
The Future of Ivy Style
Keep an Eye on Renacts Renacts goes beyond the typical scope of a brand, actively promoting and preserving Ivy style. For those who enjoy Ivy fashion or hope for its resurgence, Renacts offers a glimpse into a promising future. Their dedication could lead to a global Ivy style renaissance, with Korea at its heart.
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