Archival Clothing

Archival Permanent - PDX

2013-05-23T08:03:00.002-07:00

In Randonneuring, a perm is a permanent route you can schedule to ride at any time. On Saturday, I rode Michal Young's scenic Alsea 200k loop with several friends from the Oregon Randonneurs. On Sunday, I dragged my friend Bruce up to Portland for what I would consider my favorite Archival shopping perm. The loop starts somewhere around Eye Styles, migrates over to Little Tee for lunch followed by gabbing and gawking at Blake, coffee at Barista, more aspirational shopping at Lizard Lounge and than a post meal retreat to Cinema 21. Though I rarely make purchases on my perm, I consistently catch and release the same evidential photos: Japanese eyewear, FWK Engineered Garments, heritage footwear, denim and print ephemera from the movies. Contact me if you wish to recreate my route. I will provide you with a start time, a list of controls and a few informational questions to confirm that you followed the correct route. Here is some evidence of participation from my weekend:

Theo taking a white line nap next to his lovely MAP custom

Outside John Boy's Alsea Mercantile

Our rando mob

Bruce modeling Barton Perreira...

...and his matching suede green Quoddy mocs

Croque Madame at Little Tee

Sport footwear check: Oak Street and Arche

Aspirational FWK at Blake

A rare patch from the Jantzen swimwear company

Sam's Yuketen boots

Spot watch check: a Filson rep's Marathon chronograph

Neil sampling frites and cidre at Irving Kitchen

Mildred Pierce at Cinema 21

Release - Archival Striped Tees

2013-05-20T09:43:00.000-07:00

We just restocked our collection of durable, snappy, striped cotton tee for ladies and gents. See the Archival Web Shop for more details.

Wishful Shoppping - Russell Chukkas

2013-05-17T09:29:00.003-07:00

Russell Moccasin is one of the first US brands I rediscovered via Japanese web shops. In the mid-oughts, I used to wishfully shop for Japan only, Russell special make ups. My favorite models were those which paired a Fishing Oxford upper with a sturdy hunting or workwear tread. By comparison, I was uninspired by Russell's domestic print catalog featured school yearbook quality photographs and confusing print lists of of pricing and leather selections. Here is a pair of Russell Chukkas that caught my eye from the Japanese shop MAPS. In addition to the Chukkas, I love the detailed product snaps and the sockless model.

Restock - Archival Scarves

2013-05-15T09:03:00.001-07:00

We just restocked our Archival Scarves in soft, 7 oz cotton jersey. For folks who prefer summer stripes over solids, we've added a new colorway: gray/navy/natural. To order, visit our Archival Web Shop. Made in USA.

Archival Playground

2013-05-13T07:39:00.004-07:00

Thanks to Elizabeth Peterson and Dave Baker for making Adventure Playgrounds (1965) available via the UO Channel. This 16mm short film demonstrates the concept of the adventure playground, a place where children construct play spaces out of raw building materials ("no swings or seesaws, only things created by the hands of the children from waste materials on the site"). Like many educational films of the era, Adventure Playground escalates the success of the program. Suddenly, the children's "building, burrowing and digging" morphs into a bicycle shop, a literary journal and a canteen where tea is served. What I love most about the film is the fact that all the children look like they were garbed by Old Town Clothing. The derelict bombsite becomes a playground for boys in belted shorts, sturdy corduroy jackets, summerweight cardigans, cotton poplin shirts and durable lace up oxfords.

Shopping from Pillpat

2013-05-07T09:16:00.001-07:00

From Pillpat, a cryptic French playing card games involving beautiful objects.

Archival Paddle Tennis

2013-05-03T07:34:00.001-07:00

As much as I enjoy tennis, I prefer the snappy uniforms worn by these vintage gents playing paddle tennis. For reference, paddle tennis is an indoor variation of the traditional tennis played with solid rackets and underhand serve on a smaller court. I liken paddle tennis to the elegant, east coast cousin of pickleball, a PE course requirement in 1980s Eastern Washington. Per usual, I endorse any sport that permits you to wear clothing that still resembles what you might wear to work. I'm shopping for a pair of deadstock saddle shoes so I can start working on my own, from-the-ground-up, paddle tennis ensemble. See below for step by step illustrations on how to play the game.

Restock - Archival Sweatshirts & Tees for Women

2013-04-29T11:38:00.001-07:00

We're pleased to announce a restock of our best quality, lightweight sweatshirt for women in navy, eggplant, heather gray/natural stripe and new gray with natural trim. Made of a stout 8-9 oz cotton loop-back French Terry, with a rib V insert at the neck and set in sleeves, the Archival Sweatshirt is designed exactly like our model for gents - but sized for women. We are also releasing a new plain tee for women in gray with natural trim. Made in Oregon by a regional manufacturing partner who has been producing sturdy cotton garments since 1921. To place an order - visit our Archival Web Shop.

Archival Lookbook

2013-04-25T22:36:00.001-07:00

Over Spring break, Tom and I took some snaps of Archival bags in some of our favorite Eugene locations. We'll be assembling the shots into a formal lookbook for distribution to stockists and Archival customers. Here are a few sneak previews... and outtakes by Lauren, our much beloved Archival intern.

Lauren, AC Intern

Archival Spring Offerings

2013-04-23T23:12:00.002-07:00

Our leather cuff is available in a new colorway, Natural with Olive thread. Made by Hollows Leather of stout buffed leather cord, the double loop cuff is fitting for any lady or gent. We also have new Dot Kerchiefs, inspired by the historical polka dot patterns found in old Montgomery Wards catalogs from the 1940s. The kerchiefs are discharge printed in LA by General Quarters, one of our favorite Southern California stockists. We are now offering our Archival Dopp Kit in two new colorways, cheery Yellow and Gray. By popular demand, we're expanding our line of clothing for women including new sweatshirts in eggplant and navy. Keep an eye out for our upcoming release: a new women's Archival Sweatshirt in Gray with Natural-colored ribbing.

We are offering our loyal customers 20% off a purchase now through April 30. Enter the discount code "SpringFling" during checkout in the Archival Store.

Shopping from TV - Actor Worn Clothing

2013-04-22T00:42:00.002-07:00

Here are some unusual. "actor worn" offerings via ebay. I'd watch any show featuring characters sporting vintage Abercrombie hunting garb or Alden cordovan loafers. Can we put a plotline to these auction items?

Archival Odds & Ends

2013-04-19T02:02:00.001-07:00

Here are a few Odds & Ends sale items from the Archival web shop. If you're smaller or taller, you're in luck. We're selling off the outlying sizes of several limited edition items including our Archival x Individualized linen popover and a special contrasting pocket Archival tee. Our women's l/s tee in white cotton is also being offered at a reduced rate.

Archival x Individualized linen popover (XL)

Archival Sweatshirt (Black XXL)

Archival Pocket Tee (XS and S)

Archival L/S Tee for Women

Wishful Shopping - Black's Anoraks

2013-04-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks to AC friend Spoke Sniffer for directing me to this ebay auction for a rare, unworn, Black's cotton anorak. Beware of the But It Now button which will zap $636.00 from your pocket if you dare to press play. I'm collecting a few snaps from the auction so you can safely admire this classic anorak design once the real thing disappears from view.

Shopping from Japan - Cyclo Tourist Bags

2013-04-15T08:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Bill Lane at Wall Bike for reprinting this pictographic feature on front handlebar bags from the Japanese magazine Cyclo Tourist. Apart from Guu-Watanabe, Ostrich and Berthoud, many of the brands are new to me.

For reference, here is my post from 2008 showing the of the range of French, US and Japanese made handlebar bags in use by my randonneuring friends.

Update - Archival Pop Up Show (4/12)

2013-04-11T21:45:00.002-07:00

For Eugene and Portland folks, here is your final reminder about the Archival Pop Up Show tomorrow at The Barn Light from 12-6. Note: we've extended the show for an extra hour by popular demand. 20% off on all Archival merchandise at the show. Special Archival Roll Top giveaway. Drop by, shop the Archival line and sample local Ninkasi Brewing beer.

Release - Dot Kerchiefs

2013-04-10T09:08:00.002-07:00

I first spotted these kerchiefs at General Quarters, one of my favorite Los Angeles stockists. For those of you that have followed us for awhile, you know how much we love traditional, discharge printed cotton kerchiefs. Outside of Japan, they can be difficult to source. The General Quarters version is beautifully discharge printed in LA on all cotton blanks. The original design echoes historical polka dot patterns found in old Montgomery Wards catalogs from the 1940s. Visit the Archival Web Shop for more information or to place an order.

News - Archival Pop Up Shop (4/12)

2013-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

Eugenians, Oregonians and I-5 motorists should drop by The Barn Light next Friday (4/12) for our one day only, Archival Pop Up Shop. We'll be selling our stock line of bags and apparel in addition to samples, blems and one off wonders. Drop by and register to win an Archival Roll Top in fetching carmine canvas duck.

Archival Roll Top Giveaway!

Restock - Archival Zip Cardigan

2013-04-05T08:56:00.004-07:00

We have just taken delivery of a small reorder of our Archival Zip Cardigans in Navy and Olive. Knitted from 4-ply worsted wool on circular knitting machines from the 1930s, the fabric is sturdy, warm, and pill resistant. This historical sweater design features a low rib knit shawl collar, a two-way brass zipper, and knitted cuffs. Double thickness elbows reinforce that wear point without an unsightly external patch. Pocket bags are trimmed with multi-weave wool.

The fit is trim and athletic - on the slim side of regular. Sizes available from XS to XL.

Made for us by our friends at Centralia Knitting Mills.

From the Archives - Les Compagnons

2013-04-03T00:28:00.001-07:00

I never tire of reprinting print ephemera from the collection of Pillpat (agence eureka). Next to the Library of Congress, no other flickr stream issues forth so many amazing, hard to source images of French clothing catalogs, playing cards, maps, children's books, educational texts and party games from the early to mid twentieth century. Here's a terrific, scouting themed coloring book, Les Compagnons, that defies the user to reproduce or improve upon what has already been illustrated. While the coloring book lacks explanatory text, its presentation of well appointed campers and hyper stylized camp sites reminds me of Tom's beloved Little Golden Book of Camping and Camp Craft (1959). I'm including a few blank page in case Archival readers wish to draw up their own aspirational scenes from camp. Scan and send me the results. I'll repost in a future blog.

Shopping from Etsy - Abercrombie & Fitch

2013-03-31T22:11:00.002-07:00

Thanks to Jesse Thorn for forwarding along these listings for an Abercrombie & Fitch Game Bag and Travel Kit on Etsy. Although the vintage of these two bags is unknown they were most certainly manufactured by the original, New York based A & F Company. If you feel the urge to order your own best quality travel bag, here's a link to our reprint of the 1939 A & F catalog.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. Travel Bag

Obsession - Brown's Beach Vests and Jackets

2013-03-28T01:34:00.001-07:00

Brown's beach fabric, a unique wool-cotton blend, was developed in 1901 for general outdoor use. This hard wearing, water repellent, slightly elasticized fabric was sewn up into simple vests and jacket styles which are still being made today by Japanese repro brands like Sugar Cane Co. One can also source original, historical versions on ebay or through second hand, vintage hand dealers. Here's a maroon Brown's vest from the 1940s that sold for three thousand dollars on ebay. According to this terrific post by Vintage Workwear, Brown's Beach is the fabric that kept Admiral Byrd warm at the South Pole ("the best buy in warmth and comfort ever known").

Sugar Cane vest at Reveille

I first encountered the amazing Brown's Beach fabric during a recent trip to Reveille in Portland. The shop, which sells Japanese brands like Momotaro, Post O'Alls, Rising Sun and Self Edge, had a few vests and jackets on display. I immediately fell in love with the brown's beach vest, made by Sugar Cane Co. In addition to the snug, body hugging "monkey" fit, the vest resembled my beloved Woolrich, four pocket Railroad vest.

Hefty, two ply weave with fuzzy, fleece facing

Brown's Beach Lapel Jacket

Sugar Cane Lapel Jacket

via Hickorees - an updated Norfolk style jacket made in in Brown's beach fabric

Archival Athletes

2013-03-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

From the Musee McCord Museum Archives, here are some terrific photographs of individual and team sports from the turn of the (past) century. I love reprinting images of historical athletes as evidence of a time when athletic prowess was conflated with a snappy, well tailored presentation for the camera. Here, in the McCord image set, both male and female athletes wear sporting garb that could easily double as street clothing. I long for the days when heraldic emblems, plus fours, bowler hats, wool knits and striped tunics were de rigeur elements of the the amateur sporting uniform.

John Lowe, 1931

Frank Barnwell, 1891

Louis Rubenstein, 1893

Rowing Crew, 1871

Fencers, 1925

"Bonnie Lassies" group, 1891

Hurdle race on snowshoes, 1892

Trafagler Basketball Institute, 1928

YWCA Water Polo Team, 1925

Bank of Montreal Hockey Team, 1895

Kahnawake Lacrosse, 1867

Wesleyan Thelogical Basketball Team, 1916

Physical Education Hockey Group, 1925

Restock - Archival Sweatshirt in Gray

2013-03-22T12:32:00.000-07:00

We just received a restock of our popular Archival Sweatshirt in all sizes including tall. Made of a stout, 8-9 oz cotton loop-back French Terry, with a rib V insert at the neck, the Archival Sweatshirt is a great layering piece for Spring. Also available in eggplant and navy. Visit the Archival Web Shop for more details or to place an order.

Our Archival Sweatshirt is also available in sizes for women.

Archival Space Shuttle

2013-03-20T15:36:00.001-07:00

The San Diego Air and Space Museum (SDASM) just celebrated their five year participation in Flickr Commons. While I'm partial to the Museum's archival collection of Zeppelin crashes and Aviation Pioneers, my favorite SDAM set features photographs, illustrations and ephemera from the Space Shuttle program. Out of context, they invoke a version of the Shuttle that is heavy on concept, light on flight. What remains are charming, lo-fi, diy artifacts: button lit simulators, dated office furniture, slide presentations and cryptic medical tests. Study the photographs below and develop your own space program.

Shopping from the Past: Archival Plus Fours

2013-03-18T12:46:00.000-07:00

Images courtesy Pillpat, Flickr Commons, Zombikombi1959 and my personal archives