From LIFE, circa 1947. IBM launched the Hundred Percent Club during the 1920’s as a way to reward its top salesmen and the program is still in place today (though I can say that the salesmen today no longer dress as nicely). Continue reading more.
Related post: IBM in 1962
I just came across this ad for Bell Labs from 1969. Two things struck me about it: one, apparently there was a time where science was mainstream (this would have been during the peak of the Apollo Program) and two, that scientists once had some style.
Click on the image to see the full version.
The only critters I wear are on my socks. I couldn’t find an online retailer for these Punto socks that I picked up locally, but Brooks Brothers currently has some with similar anchor motifs on sale (including a pair with lobsters, and for fall, ducks and fly ties).
Will over on A Suitable Wardrobe recently wrote about a pair of black shoes from W.S. Foster and Son with an unusual finishing and it made me to start wonder how I might be able to achieve something similar. Maybe I could apply some light applications of Acetone to achieve some contrast and then go back over it with layers of wax polish? I’ll start experimenting with different methods as soon as I find a cheap pair of shoes to test them out on.
I missed out on the pair above in a recent Yoox sale, but it gives me a good idea of what I’d like to attempt. It’s only too bad that it’s hard to find true balmorals these days.
Scans from the All About USA 2009 issue.
Vintage polo style from between 1910-1930, long before Ralph Lauren came along.
Up until 1930, fabric shrinking was a real problem for any clothing you bought. Then sanforization came along, which is a patented process for shrinking the fabric yarns back down to their original size after they’re woven. Developed by Sanford L. Cluett, it became one of the most important innovations in textile technology of the 20th century.
After its creation, the term “sanforized” was trademarked and heavily advertised for several decades – like most companies, they went through different phases of ads and during the 50’s they used comics.
For some light Sunday reading, publisher Toolemera Press has a nice selection of vintage tool catalogs going back to the 1800’s for free viewing on their website, along with some interesting photo galleries. Via Best Made Company.
A catalog from Mack & Co., circa 1909. Many tool illustrations.
A printing plate of an axe head from the Underhill Edge Tool Company, circa 1860.
First Luxe has a preview of John Lobb’s new Saint-Crépin model for later this year – a wholecut double monkstrap made on the 7000 last.
We’ll have to wait for them to release more pictures, but it looks like they added some sort of reverse stitch along the inside area where the strap is cut (not sure on the reason, maybe to add reinforcement?).
Related post: John Lobb’s Spiral Cut Shoes
Outside of the custom market and not counting seven folds, untipped ties are pretty uncommon to find and even Drake’s only sells a few in a raw silk variety. There is no real benefit – however, on some types of silk I’ve found that they have a habit of becoming easily bent or curled at the tip and it’s something that you’ll either think is charming or infuriating.
Untipped regimental ties sold under a Hartford name, which seems to be some obscure line from Europe. Made in Italy, they’re pretty decent and have a sturdy lining.
I intend on having some new ones made for me this next year, and will report back later.
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