Preppy - Cultivating Ivy Style - Beau Livre

Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style is a 21st century look at the roots, growth, and offshoots of that quintessentially classic and quirkily-collegiate way of dressing and, often, living: from its pragmatic WASP origins and its presence on East Coast campuses to its ultimate evolution as a global ambassador of clean-cut American style. Tracing the history of preppy from the early 20th century, when the style was bred at America's prestigious Ivy League colleges and universities, this vibrant volume provides an intimate view of how important it was to dress, act, and even comb one's hair in a certain way in order to "belong" on certain elite campuses.
Preppy also explores the style's transformation from fashion into innovative clothing by pioneering purveyors like Brooks Brothers and J Press, illustrated by never-before published photographs and vintage ads. When women finally gained access to the Ivy wardrobe (through boyfriends and brothers) they joined the legions of men who sported blazers, Shetland sweaters, duffel coats, and Weejuns, adding Peter-Pan collars, circle pins, and pink and green Lilly Pulitzer dresses to soften the look.
Later, designer Ralph Lauren assumed the preppy mantle, redefining the look, and inspiring a lifestyle. And more recently, a boatload of American designers from Tommy Hilfiger and Abercrombie & Fitch to Thom Browne and Michael Bastian have picked up the Ivy trail and turned out their own fabulous new takes on preppy, staying true to its classic roots, but adding modern, often ironie touches. Preppy is a stunning tribute to a lasting American phenomenon.