The Material Review
Issue 029: The Declassified US Army Lookbook, Shein's Mysterious Past, Fleas Across America, The New Airport Flex and a Spotlight On: Bags.
Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Fashion with firepower: retro styles from the US Army lookbook – in pictures
“These declassified images from the US Army archives show combat designs through the decades – and their influence on fashion photography” [The Guardian]
The Mysterious, Meteoric Rise of Shein
“A murky founding story, a shadowy CEO, and a staggering takeover of American retail” [The Altantic]
Land of the Flea
“What America is buying and selling.” [The New Yorker]
Friends Don’t Let Friends Wear Chore Coats
“More like bore coats. Don’t waste light outerwear season by wearing the past-due workwear silhouette, GQ’s Noah Johnson implores.” [GQ]
‘The new digital flex’: the airport tray trend stirring outrage and delight
“High-end possessions artfully placed in grey plastic security trays are giving #foodstagram a run for its money” [The Guardian]
Finding myself irrationally angry about that chore coat article. The author sounds like a petulant child with a platform, which gives me complete confidence to ignore every word he says and go on with my life wearing what I like whenever I feel it is appropriate.
I wasn't exactly holding my breath that J.Crew was going to get things figured out. They looked like a victim of early aught's excess and hedge fund hell. "Against all odds, J.CREW has recaptured our attention. Only time will tell if they deserve it.”