Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style

Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style by Jason Jules

Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style delves into a defining era in American history where black men from all walks of life embraced the attire of the elite and transformed it into their own unique expression. From imaginative jazz musicians, visionary artists, and eloquent poets to modest architects, profound philosophers, and skilled writers, Black Ivy examines how these men reimagined the classic Ivy Look, making it effortlessly cool, edgy, and unpredictable, with a lasting impact on today's contemporary menswear. Within these pages, readers will encounter well-known, infamous, and lesser-known individuals in black culture, all who contributed to the reformation of Ivy and Prep fashion, the dominant styles of the time. The true stars of the book - the Oxford cloth button-down shirt, the meticulously crafted loafer, the softly structured three-button jacket, and the timeless repp tie, among others - are carefully examined. What Black Ivy reveals is the way these articles of clothing are reframed and redefined by the most sartorial of Black men.