Thursday, January 28, 2010

Repp Yourself: The Repp Tie Examined

This week I decided to impart some knowledge on an accessory that I think is crucial for every man to have in their wardrobe, the repp tie aka the prep school tie. It is simply the diagonal striped ties that sport different colors and patterns. I have always had a love for these ties ever since my prep school days, my life. Repp ties tell a story. They tell what school you go to, what team you may be on, or whom your family is. They truly reflect on the person wearing them. They can be either dressed up with a nice pocket square and suit or dressed down with a nice button down and jeans. Simply put they always make a statement and are so very versatile.

History:

The repp tie is named after the weave of silk traditionally used in its making – traces a dual heritage, to both playing fields and battlefields. In the 1880s, British schools adopted official colors, which made their way onto not only ties (hence, “old school ties”) but caps and blazers as well.

By the early 1920s, drinking societies, athletic teams, and private clubs own striped tie. The amazing thing about repp ties is they tell the story of the owner. Sometimes the story behind the tie is as interesting as the tie itself. The orange-black-blue-and-yellow tie worn by the old boys of Wellington College takes its hues from the ribbon of the Crimean War medal.

The popularity of the repp tie in America began in the 1920s, when it started to appear in Ivy League wardrobes. The Prince of Wales, who wore the maroon-and-blue tie of the Foot Guards, undoubtedly inspired many imitators, as he so often did. In 1920, Brooks Brothers ran the diagonal stripes down from right to left, the opposite direction from regimental and traditional club ties. This created outrage in Britian where they wore it the opposite way and did not wear the tie of a group outside of where they belonged.

Once, one could tell an American tie from its British counterpart because the stripes of the British version descended from the left; nowadays the diagonal direction is merely an aesthetic choice to be made by the designer. But the ties associated with stories and history still hold an aura and specialness that cannot be replicated. They tell the story. I love my Belmont Hill tie because every time I put it on I am back in the 8th grade sledding down headmaster hill. Awww the good old days.

How to wear it:

They can be dressed up with a suit and nice pocket square or be loosened up and complement a nice sweater and jeans. Make sure that the stripes complement the rest of outfit.

Links: http://socyberty.com/history/the-rep-tie-and-its-colorful-history/

Links: http://www.esquire.com/style/how-to-wear-ties-0209

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Harper's Ferry: Wale and Bad Rabbits

Last weekend, Wale graced the stage of Harper's Ferry after Bad Rabbits, the equally talented opening act. I usually don't like attending concerts where I don't know the artists music very well however, their stage prescence definitely gave a show to remember. Here a few photos that capture the excitement

While waiting for Wale, the man infront of us decided to entertain us with a mini free style
Bad Rabbits wyling out. Their energy is ridiculous


Wale's entourage listening to sweet nothings from the security guard

The first opening act. They're definitely not yet ready to take over the music scene

"Y'all know the words so sing them" lol


One of the opening act recording his music video in a robe. I guess we'll see the final product on MTV

Jasmin being a groupie on stage


....and again.

Our private entertainment for the night

Is that a cheat sheet I see?


The Ipod skit

Someone really came all the way from D.C?


Dua holding it down.

Site: www.calmovita.com

Bienvenido a Nicaragua


"See the world in the eyes of another, and your world will never be same", a phrase that recently came to life after my recent trip to Nicaragua. During our trip, we were able to immerse ourselves into the Nicaraguan culture so as to get a taste of living life on the lines of poverty. The stories heard of triumph against dictatorship and a machismo society were impeccable. However, what was most compelling about the trip was the hospitality and genuine happiness of the Nicaraguan people. The families and indigenous people provided me with one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, and I hope that I can someday return to give them just as much as they gave me.




Palacio Nacional

Oh how we love the Kiddies!


New friendships blooming


Climb every mountain


Best place for contemplation

In the presence of the infamous Fernando Cardinal


Breathtaking prayer room


Replaying the Lion King scene on top of a volcano

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Rugby and Unabashedly Prep












F.E. Castleberry, the photographer behind the blog Unabashedly Prep and Rugby teamed up this month and produced a photo shoot that if I may so myself is reminiscent of prep school! In any case check it out and check out Castleberry's blog.

Site: http://www.rugby.com/newsroom/blog_post.aspx?id=320a6695-4314-4b53-b699-cab087852887&cat=e59a0926-b377-4acc-8b50-81fb9d33df44

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Best Style 2010:Tomoki Sukezane







So if your around me enough you will quickly learn one of the subjects that has been plaguing me lately is the fact that the Japanese seem to be able to create classic Americana fashion better than Americans (Look for an upcoming article on topic). However American is coming back in a huge way and we have already seen it in the resurgence of brands like Red Wings, Pendelton, and Woolrich. However I say all of this too say that Japanese publication Popeye features a photoshoot for best styles of 2010 spring/summer styled by Tomoki Sukezane for their February 2010 issue. Sukezane is one of the premier stylist and regularly puts together genius outfits. Anyway check it out.



About Tomoki Sukezane: As mentioned before Japan is one of the hubs that drive fashion and what is in and what is not and Tomoki Sukezane is one of the people that drives Tokyo. It is no wonder he has such an important and decisive role in the fashion world today, and one of the keenest eyes we have seen in quite sometime. Sukezane not only is responsible for fashion features in numerous magazines, such as the Popeye, but also dresses celebrities for TV commercials, lectures at the Kyoto University of Art & Design and interviews designers for TV shows. Born in 1965, Sukezane now styles many of Japan's leading celebrities including musician Ryuichi Sakamoto, soccer player Hidetoshi Nakata, and kabuki actor Shido Nakamura. Sukezane was the first in his profession to earn the title of "super stylist," as an expert in styling for both men and women

"Sukezane is the most precise observer of men's fashion," says Dior Homme designer Hedi Slimane. "He has this incredible curiosity for what is coming."