We love looking back at vintage style. It seems so effortlessly elegant—a mix of class and functionality. From Ralph Lauren to L.L. Bean to J.Crew, many college students, myself included, wish to step back in time to a time before fast fashion and tacky brand logos.
The Crew relishes delving into history, admiring sweaters and slacks, jackets and jeans, scarves and tees, headbands and heels. But do we really want to go back? And if so, where would we go?
Following the second world war, conformity and conservatism reigned supreme as a response to global instability. The classic preppy style began in the 1950s, where students at elite prep schools would wear uniforms—blazers, oxford shirts, knee length skirts, ties—a style which out of habit became an unofficial uniform when they matriculated to college. Then came the 60s, a major shift from the previous decade: an age where the rigidity and status quo were challenged. Think the Beatles, who took the world by storm and spearheaded social and political upheaval through their music.
Naturally, the 70s continued the move away from traditional style, featuring baggier clothes and more casual wear. The flamboyance of the 70s carried into the 80s, but this time infused with elements of preppy style. The 90s saw the birth of streetwear, and now, we've watched athleisure take over, even infiltrating Wall Street, where power suits have given way to Patagonia vests and quarter-zips.
With a growing global clothing market, fast fashion has become increasingly mainstream, triggering the countermovement push for sustainable apparel and timeless pieces. That’s what Crew Dog thrives on. We’re not just trying to recreate vintage looks, we want to capture the ease and confidence with which these styles were worn, whether on college campuses to tennis courts to weekend brunches.
Every style here is deeply tied with the context in which it was produced. It’s nice to fantasize about dressing in these styles. But to The Crew, it’s not only how clothing looks, but the natural ease and confidence it’s worn with. We aim to move forward, infusing the culture of previous decades into apparel made for the modern day. Many of the most iconic fashion styles were born from young people on college campuses, so who knows… maybe Crew Dog could prompt the next fashion revolution.