a guide to heritage clothing, canvas bags, steel bicycles, and Japanese web shops
The Archival blog started in 2006 as a place to presevere ephemeral print, digitized scans and new digital catalog content. Originally, I posted scans of my own outdoor clothing catalogs from the US and UK. Later, I expanded to include images from Japanese web shops selling Japan-only garb by US and European outdoor labels like …
Under quarantine, I’m consoled by livestreams of apartment concerts with Ceceile McLorin, free access to Met Opera broadcasts and Blossome Dearie playlists on YouTube. Soundtrack secured, I’m browsing comfort print catalog content and ephemera via Google Books, Flickr Commons and the Library of Congresss Digital archives. Beyond that, I’m turning back the clock to a …
This Fall, the Filson catalog rolled out a steady stream of gents (and a few women) jumping snowmobiles, fighting fires and toying with chainsaws (a far remove from the old glass plate snaps of early 20th century Filson-garbed lumberjacks posing beside an almost apologetic axe gash). Tech fabrics are now actively mixing it up with …
On the subject of heritage garb for women, here is what was available from LL Bean in 1982. What I love about this era of LL Bean is how many items are offered in unisex sizes and colors (seriously…when was the last time you saw a contemporary catalog listing the exact same item, in the …
Here are excerpts from my favorite vintage Abercrombie and Fitch catalog from 1939. During this era, Abercromie & Fitch field jackets and outdoor clothing showed a tailored, British influence. Many of the garments came in dress fabrics like high count cotton poplin or wool gabardine. The catalog contains sections for both men and women. While …
Aspirational layering (zippers, webbing, waxed cotton and wool) For a little winter cheer, I’m reprinting pages from my favorite Barbour print catalog from the early 1990s. Compared to current offerings, the catalog presents a minimalist collection of jackets. Each has a specific, distinctive feature making it unique to the line. Once you memorize this catalog …
by Lesli LarsonI’ve been wishful holiday shopping for discontinued Filson plaids. In Japan, you can purchase a classic Mackinaw cruiser, vest or matching hat in blue x black buffalo plaid, a fabric that was discontinued by Filson years ago. When I emailed Filson to ask about a custom order in the blue x black plaid, …
Now regretting that I waited twelve years to mail in my order for a Zo Gravey Dog messenger bag in black cordura (another synthetic exception). I used to own a small red Zo bag but it lacked the sway strap which kept it from lurching from side to side during vigorous pedaling. I could never …
Bicycle Fixation Luxury Edition Knickers Bicycle Fixation, my favorite source for cycling and dress knickers, is now offering a limited edition Herringbone “luxury” model. Fortunately for my austerity matrix, the herringbone wool knickers are not sourced in my size (smalls start at 32). If you do order the BF knickers, you might also consider matching …
Recently, I’ve been receiving email requests from readers trying to track down clothing items from the recent past that they regret not buying. The most recent request came from Markley, a reader trying to track down the Barbour Endurance Tweed jacket he declined to purchase from the Upland Trading Company in 2003. Markley likes the …