Sunday, October 25, 2009

Innovative Ad Campaign: Unused (Japan)



You have GOT to check this out. Denimology has posted a link to Unused's new ad campaign featuring a gentleman who (40 years ago) may have actually worn those Big E Levi's that you've just bought. The campaign is a great way of reminding us of old world craftsmanship and jeans constructed to be withstand the wear of everyday field work At the same time some shots are downright quirky (see below). The Japanese love Americana as much as we do and we salute their tribute to denim's heritage... and old guys. :)

Thursday, October 22, 2009

1970s Adidas Pro-specs 'Super Plantin' WBA/WBC Hi-Top Boxing Shoes


Figuring out the provenance of this item has been an absolute wild goose chase and we still don't know everything.

What we know: They're from the 70s, not American and built to professional specs.

The mystery: The tongue has the word "platin" and it's arabic transliteration. There's no record of this trademark ever having been registered in the USA. Infact, we have no idea what it means outside of America either!
The insoles have been replaced with a spongy-soft insole (probably for the fighter's comfort). There are no country of origin or materials tags.
This is the only pair that I've ever seen bear the World Boxing Authority/World Boxing Council's Seal.

It's interesting to note that a more common pair sold a few months ago for a whopping $300. The guys at Defunk'd have a link to it here.

My best guess is that the shoes were used for a ranked match sometime in the 70s, possibly for the 1976 Montreal Olympics.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Great Finds on Etsy: 1970s Levi's Big E Corduroy Jacket- Only $16





Every week we comb the internet to find you the best deals in vintage clothing. The Etsy seller catsandcrickets has a gem for sale here at 1970s prices.
EDIT: The item has SOLD

The seller dates them to the 1970s and it has design features typical of jackets from this era (belt loops, two front pockets, exaggerated collar, etc). Many of you are likely wondering "didn't Levi's stop making 'Big E' clothing after 1971? Actually, while that is true of their red tab jeans, they continued to make some items with the Big E tag throughout the 70s. At this price it's a steal.

Note: We are in no way affiliated with the above seller. Any description given above is our opinion only and should be interpreted as such.

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Great Finds on eBay: (1900-20s) Buckle Back Casual Pants

Every week we comb the internet to find you the best deals in vintage clothing. The eBay seller Brooktrader has a pair of real vintage pants for sale here. The seller dates them to the time of the patent (1894) but I'm more familiar with Solide buckles being used as late as the 1930s. It has design features typical of the day (button fly, buttons for suspenders etc) the buckleback seen in the auction was instrumental in in ensuring a snug fit and remained in use until belts/belt loops were introduced in the 40s.


In older garments where both bucklebacks and beltloops were present, its not uncommon to find that the owner tore out the buckle, perhaps a sign that fashion sensibility also changed with advancement in pant design. Grab these now, there's less than 24hours left.

Edit: It sold for $33

Note: We are in no way affiliated with the above seller. Any description given above is our opinion only and should be interpreted as such.

Monday, October 12, 2009

1976 Montreal Olympics Logo Adidas Track Jacket



Chekc out this one of a kind 70s Adidas track jacket. It's unique in that it features the logo for the 1976 Montreal Olympics on the chest. I've never seen another one like it!

Enlcosed are pictures of the tags, to help you authenticate one for yourself.