Abandoned Republic

[subject101]

Here's one: http://www.misterfreedom.com/?page_id=33

And here's another: http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11757743

Amazing couple of links, thanks for posting I didn't know that Ralph Loren was making vintage clothing.

 

[sbhva]

Yes, thanks for the link to the RRL line. I have bought a couple of the RRL coats on ebay and couldn't find an officail website for them.

 

[ButteMT61]

Yes, thanks for the link to the RRL line. I have bought a couple of the RRL coats on ebay and couldn't find an officail website for them.

Here ya go...

 

[feltfan]

Here's one: http://www.misterfreedom.com/?page_id=33

And here's another: http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/index.jsp?categoryId=11757743

I'd argue that those are entirely different animals. Banana Republic was priced for the regular person. Also they
stocked real vintage stuff. The links you sent are closer to couture- luxury items. That deerskin RRL A-1 is the
same price as a Good Wear custom job.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Banana Republic was priced for the regular person.

What makes you assume that if Banana Republic were still selling the same kind of stuff in 2012, its modern prices would not be as high as Ralph Lauren's? We're living in an entirely different retail world today.

Also they stocked real vintage stuff.

Look again. 'Mister Freedom" stocks real vintage stuff too: http://www.misterfreedom.com/?page_id=7

 

[ButteMT61]

I'd argue that those are entirely different animals. Banana Republic was priced for the regular person. Also they
stocked real vintage stuff. The links you sent are closer to couture- luxury items. That deerskin RRL A-1 is the
same price as a Good Wear custom job.

Of course. There are tons of "fashion" companies/labels out there selling overpriced items that mimic what we like here, at tremendously exaggerated prices (pseudo-couture) which apparently some folks with way too much money buy lol
Doesn't mean some of it isn't good - it is - but I have to laugh at $995 chinos!

 

[V.C. Brunswick]

Who forks out nearly a grand for chinos???? I certainly wouldn't even if I was rich enough to do so!

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Of course. There are tons of "fashion" companies/labels out there selling overpriced items that mimic what we like here, at tremendously exaggerated prices (pseudo-couture) which apparently some folks with way too much money buy lol

Well, if more people were really ready to buy this kind of stuff, the prices would come down from their 'niche market' highs. Fact is, there is no longer enough of a market for the things we like. (Chinos being the exception.) I think we should be relieved that (a tiny handful of) retailers are still willing to sell such stuff.

 

[ButteMT61]

Well, if more people were really ready to buy this kind of stuff, the prices would come down from their 'niche market' highs. Fact is, there is no longer enough of a market for the things we like. (Chinos being the exception.) I think we should be relieved that (a tiny handful of) retailers are still willing to sell such stuff.

I guess in comparing what we like to say Levi's 501's, yes. Seems there is still a strong market for some of this gear. Quite a few makers with more business than they can handle and people waiting months (or years) for deliveries. I think most folks just don't know where to get the things I like. If it's not at the local Target/Macy's/Saks/Nordstrom, people don't know about it. I think it's true due to the compliments I get on my gear. Either that, or it's just sympathy "I love your <fill in the blank>" lol
If you think about it, Porsche, Rolex, Tiffany are all niche markets as well - and they thrive!

 

[feltfan]

What makes you assume that if Banana Republic were still selling the same kind of stuff in 2012, its modern prices would not be as high as Ralph Lauren's? We're living in an entirely different retail world today.

Let me restate my original query. I grant you that the economy is now lopsided and the middle class isn't what
it was back then.

What companies/stores are selling high quality goods or quality vintage goods at reasonable prices today that we will look back
on in coming decades? That Banana Republic store on Polk was affordable to most folks, back in the day. Who is selling
affordable goods of quality that we will kick ourselves if we miss out on?

Seeing the old Banana Republic catalogs, like seeing quality vintage goods here, makes me feel awash with
disposable junk from China. I do pay for vintage, quality, and things made by people who are paid fairly, but
I wouldn't mind getting some stuff for less money.

An example of this, I think, is some of the jeans Carhartt makes. Nice denim, good styles (at least for me),
and while often made in maquiladoras, not made in China.

 

[Marc Chevalier]

Who is selling affordable goods of quality that we will kick ourselves if we miss out on?

Bills khakis, I guess. Do they qualify as reasonably-priced? What is 'reasonable'?

 

[ButteMT61]

@feltfan: I like Carhartt a lot. You're right though. While there are probably more - who are they? Carhartt gets a lot of my money now for daily wear.
I also wait until Macy's has sales where I can get good stuff at good prices. Otherwise, not much - esp in the brick and mortar world.

 

[RBH]

Seeing these old catalogs just takes me back to when I was first married... man... I wish I would have had a spare 60$ to get me one of the BR safari hats!!!!

I do have a pith helmut around here some where, it was bought around 1986 or so.

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Banana Republic actually made a decent A2 jacket repro for a while. While not completely historically accurate, it did feature a one piece back and worsted wool knits which to me are very important features. Worsted wool knits never "pill" like synthetics invariably do. Nothing worse than knits composed of an acrylic blend material on an otherwise nice jacket.

 

[RBH]

I would also love to run across one of the vest with all the pockets.... at a deal of course!

 

[RBH]

This thread renewed my intrest in all things 'safari'.
I found this book on line for under $ 20 shipped.
Here is a youtube posting of the book.
I should recieve mine on Tuesday.

[video=youtube;3Nmnru5B1HA]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Nmnru5B1HA[/video]

 

[Grizzly Adams]

I would also love to run across one of the vest with all the pockets.... at a deal of course!

I guess I have had this Bush vest and the French Army hat since the mid 80s. The vest has lots pockets, including a large one on the back. Hood is folded into the collar. Considering the fact that both have been worn alot, both are still in excellent condition. The vest wears like iron. The hat was my "lucking hat" when hunting in Alaska, and it is getting pretty worn, but still serviceable. Here's a pic taken this winter while visiting down in the Terlingua, Texas area.

 

[RBH]

Nice vest GA! Looks really sharp!!!

I recieved my BR book today... man.. it takes me back.
They sure knew how to put out a catalog then.

 

[kiltie]

I sent this site some pictures of my kit. Some of it was collected after the 'big change', and some I've had since the days of the Jeep and palm trees.
Here is a link to my pictures posted on Abandoned Republic:

http://scottcadams.com/bananarepublic/?p=868

I have three of those felt hats now. They're GREAT, well made hats. If anyone knows who they contracted those things out to, I'd love to know.

 

[Aerojoe]

I don't know in the rest of Europe but here, there must be a Ralph Lauren shop in every mall market of the country and none of them carry this kind of vintage line.

http://www.ralphlauren.com/shop/ind...5=19552828417&006=15139202377&007=Search&008=

Only modern suits and modern cloths. Same happens with other shops like Schott NY. There are a bunch of branches but they offer almost nothing of their vintage catalog, only a modern line which it is actually quite unpleasant to the eye.