Ivy style : radical conformist / [edited by] Patricia Mears.

"An in-depth study of Ivy style will be articulated this book, which will include essays by Patricia Mears, Dr. Peter McNeil, Dr. Christopher Breward, and Dr. Masafumi Monden. Dr. McNeil will analyze the style of the Duke of Windsor, arguably the most stylish man of the twentieth century, and the great impact his look had on Americans, especially as a young man in the 1920s. Dr. Breward will present a cross-cultural look at Ivy style as worn in the prestigious English universities of Oxford and Cambridge; he will also show how the look these young men cultivated would eventually be absorbed and re-interpreted in Hollywood films. Mr. Monden will write about the Ivy style craze that took hold in Japan from the mid-century to the present and its manifestation over the decades. Also included will be short excerpts by G. Bruce Boyer, a leading menswear writer and historian, and an interview with Richard Press by Christian Chensvold, founder of the Ivy Style blog. Mr. Boyer's 1985 publication, Elegance, contained chapters on madras, Harris Tweed, the camelhair polo coat, and other elements of Ivy style. The importance of this period publication is that it not only documents these fabrics and clothing items, but also captures the atmosphere of a time when Ivy style experienced a great resurgence in popularity. Mr. Chensvold is the founder and main contributor to the leading blog documenting menswear, particularly Ivy style. The main essay of the publication (by Patricia Mears) will present a historical overview of the Ivy look in the twentieth century. Not only will the issues of the style's enduring popularity and its role as a cutting edge influence be discussed, so too will the cultural and aspirational aspects of its creation"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Preface -- Introduction -- Inter-war years and the birth of ivy style / Patricia Mears -- The Duke of Windsor and the creation of the "soft look" / Peter McNeil -- Ivy Britannicus: dress, style, and the British university / Christopher Breward -- Family guy / Richard Press and Christian Chensvold -- Ivy style: heyday of the mid-century / Patricia Mears -- "Elegance": excerpts / G. Bruce Boyer -- A riff: jazz men take on ivy / G. Bruce Boyer -- Ivy style: revival and renewal / Patricia Mears -- Ivy in Japan: a regalia of non-conformity and privilege / Masafumi Monden -- Bibliography.