Hello-Hello and Happy Friday!
Today we have a rather bizarre tale to share, one that, to borrow a phrase, left us absolutely gobsmacked. But first we must ask a question: when asked to ponder the notion of apparel sold under the auspices of Harvard (as in The University), what comes to mind?
The classic sweatshirt, right?
Courtesy Harvard Bookstore
Or perhaps a standard-issue long-sleeved tee, like this?
Courtesy Harvard Book Store
Of course.
Well, there’s a little update; we hope you are sitting down.
Look at the latest apparel authorized by Harvard. The University. (Really. Most readers have a passing acquaintanceship with at least one individual who refers to it this way. Come now, you know precisely what we mean, the pronunciation and emphasis suggesting there really is no. other. school. in. the. western. hemisphere. Indeed.)
At any rate, back to the topic at hand, the new Harvard Yard clothing line.
PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD
Would it ever have crossed your mind that The University would get into the business of fashion? It has. Here is another look from the Harvard Yard label debuting next spring:
PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD
Actually many of you may have already read about this; WWD broke the story yesterday. From their article:
“So it was perhaps just a matter of time (and business acumen) before somebody tapped the source of that look — Ivy League universities — for a brand.”
Brenner Thomas makes a good point in his story about the launch, it really was only a matter of time. As he stresses, it isn’t the first time style has been associated with the school:
“It also served as the font of Ivy League style in the late Fifties when its undergraduates flocked to stores such as Brooks Brothers and J. Press to snap up what would become prepster staples: button-down shirts, flat-front khakis and penny loafers.
Below, a classic look from J. Press:
Courtesy J. Press
The new line will feature:
“… short-sleeve plaid shirts, Liberty print wovens, seersucker shorts, regimental stripes, sporty knits, patterned jackets and fancy pants — all in a contemporary, tapered fit.”
Another look from the upcoming collection:
PHOTO: Robert Mitra/WWD
A few points about the Harvard Yard line we need to make:
- the only time one will see the name “Harvard” is on the inside of the pieces in the label
- there will ultimately be a collection for women and for children if all goes according to plan
- prices for the menswear are expected to run between $195-$495
- there will be a lot of the color crimson used in the line
The collection is aimed at “… alums and fans of the (Ivy League) universities…” according to the WWD story; somehow we don’t see too many alumni purchasing the line, but we have been wrong before.
What do you think?
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Speaking of a long and storied history, another article in WWD reminded us it is Pendleton’s 100th Anniversary.
Courtesy Pendleton via WWD
Pendleton is doing all manner of exciting things for its big birthday, including collaborations with ever-so-hip companies like Opening Ceremony, Vans and Nike.
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And speaking of collaborative efforts, there was word this week Target’s next designer collection will be done by Rodarte, the edgy line created and designed by sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy. Below, a montage from their Fall 2009 collection:
Courtesy Lola 29
This edition of Target’s Go International line will hit stores December 20, with prices ranging from $9.99 to $79.99
For today’s Pretty in Pink we stick with the Boutique, showcasing the discounter’s Kid’s Modern Polka Dot Chair in Candy Pink.
Target
We must toddle along, we’re off to the Large Lake for a wedding. We hope everyone has an absolutelty splendiferous weekend!
The Preppy Princess 