please let me know what you guys think?
here's my 2 cents.
Since it is virtually impossible to only buy products made in the USA for months now I have only been buying items made by, in this order:
1. USA
2. Italy
3. Germany
4. Japan
5. France
I will no longer support others economies. I believe I deserve the best of things and something that was made in a sweat shop using cheap labor, cheap materials and no passion can not be a good product.
I encourage you to do the same, take pride in what you wear and what you have.
A great source for American made products is http://americansworking.com/
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Support the Japanese Economy!!! Support Our Friends!!!! and Ways To Help
On March 5th we featured an article on John Lofgren from Speedway
www.speedway-shop.com
Speedway on eBay
An American in Japan... A Japanese clothier of American Vintage Reproduction apparel. John has already donated some things to people that have been devastated in the earthquake / tsunami. I encourage you to spend a little bit of money with them, even if it's the least expensive item on his online store, every little bit helps. I myself recently ordered some Feather Razors ( http://www.feather.co.jp/eBarber.htm ) for my safety razor from ebay (see where the origin is from before you buy)
It doesn't just help our friends or loved ones but it also can do it's part to stabilize the stock market and the Japanese economy.
In an interview in The Fresno Bee (http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/03/14/2309767/sendai-survivor-qa-with-kingsburg.html ) John states that his store is up and running.
One of the best things John said in our article is this: "Producing our items in Japan ensures a high level of quality and the customer can rest assure that no child or slave labor is used. Every person involved in making my brand is paid a fair living wage. The end result means less monetary profit for myself, but it really isn't just about making money, right? If my small company keeps skilled people working, food on a person's table, rents covered and loans being paid off, how is that not a wonderful profit?" -John Lofgren
So you see you don't just help the man in the front but you help the people behind the scenes as well.
here is a link with a translated version of the speedway shop:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedway-shop.com%2F
Please see the March 5th article on Speedway if your not convinced "Cream of the Crop - An American in Japan"
If your CD collection is a little old... Buy a CD from On The Hill Records out of Japan.
http://www.onthehillrecords.com/
Or Donate:
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.
GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here.
SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.
SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.
AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.
CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.
SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.
www.speedway-shop.com
Speedway on eBay
An American in Japan... A Japanese clothier of American Vintage Reproduction apparel. John has already donated some things to people that have been devastated in the earthquake / tsunami. I encourage you to spend a little bit of money with them, even if it's the least expensive item on his online store, every little bit helps. I myself recently ordered some Feather Razors ( http://www.feather.co.jp/eBarber.htm ) for my safety razor from ebay (see where the origin is from before you buy)
It doesn't just help our friends or loved ones but it also can do it's part to stabilize the stock market and the Japanese economy.
In an interview in The Fresno Bee (http://www.fresnobee.com/2011/03/14/2309767/sendai-survivor-qa-with-kingsburg.html ) John states that his store is up and running.
One of the best things John said in our article is this: "Producing our items in Japan ensures a high level of quality and the customer can rest assure that no child or slave labor is used. Every person involved in making my brand is paid a fair living wage. The end result means less monetary profit for myself, but it really isn't just about making money, right? If my small company keeps skilled people working, food on a person's table, rents covered and loans being paid off, how is that not a wonderful profit?" -John Lofgren
So you see you don't just help the man in the front but you help the people behind the scenes as well.
here is a link with a translated version of the speedway shop:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.speedway-shop.com%2F
Please see the March 5th article on Speedway if your not convinced "Cream of the Crop - An American in Japan"
If your CD collection is a little old... Buy a CD from On The Hill Records out of Japan.
http://www.onthehillrecords.com/
Or Donate:
AMERICAN RED CROSS: Emergency Operation Centers are opened in the affected areas and staffed by the chapters. This disaster is on a scale larger than the Japanese Red Cross can typically manage. Donations to the American Red Cross can be allocated for the International Disaster Relief Fund, which then deploys to the region to help. Donate here.
GLOBALGIVING: Established a fund to disburse donations to organizations providing relief and emergency services to victims of the earthquake and tsunami. Donate here.
SAVE THE CHILDREN: Mobilizing to provide immediate humanitarian relief in the shape of emergency health care and provision of non-food items and shelter. Donate here.
SALVATION ARMY: The Salvation Army has been in Japan since 1895 and is currently providing emergency assistance to those in need. Donate here.
AMERICARES: Emergency team is on full alert, mobilizing resources and dispatching an emergency response manager to the region. Donate here.
CONVOY OF HOPE: Disaster Response team established connection with in-country partners who have been impacted by the damage and are identifying the needs and areas where Convoy of Hope may be of the greatest assistance. Donate here.
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL CORPS: Putting together relief teams, as well as supplies, and are in contact with partners in Japan and other affected countries to assess needs and coordinate our activities. Donate here.
SHELTER BOX: The first team is mobilizing to head to Japan and begin the response effort. Donate here.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
The Cream of the Crop... An American in Japan
In My opinion, as I've said before, the best Vintage Reproduction items are being made in Japan. John Lofgren an America native, has transplanted to another country because of his passion for detail and quality. He is the last of a dieing breed left amongst the looms of history. Recently he started his own clothing line in which I own a few of his items and LOVE them. They are made of very high quality, high detail, timeless, traditional, and superior. I can personally guarantee and recommend anything he sells because he goes to great lengths to make or find clothing of very high quality.
Here's some more info on Mr. Lofgren. Do yourself a favor buy one of his products and you will be hooked!
John Lofgren moved to Japan in the latter 1990s to work as a vintage buyer for a firm that ran a chain of vintage & used clothing shops, and also to operate my own vintage shop. The company he was working for eventually closed as it became difficult to supply quality product to all their shops. He stayed the course and eventually got into some brands that remade vintage style clothing. This lead him into making some items, the first being jewelry, then finally clothes.
"Moving to Japan wasn't an easy decision of course, but I've had little regrets and the country has endeared itself to me. I've traveled all over the world, there's no place like it here. I've been in Japan over a fourth of my life". -John Lofgren
A California native and long time resident of Japan, John Lofgren is the creative force behind the Lofgren brand.
John’s vision for a brand began when he first ventured into a thrift store in the early 1980s and sensed a deep connection with the style and quality of another time, a time when substance and tradition were considered important and pride was taken in craftsmanship and excellence.
The Lofgren brand embodies these values, timeless, traditional, and superior, like an old pair of blue jeans. It’s about garments designed for a customer who understands the difference between fashion and eternal style, who recognizes the graceful fading of indigo or the gentle patina of time on an old leather jacket. It’s a brand that connects the customer to an exclusive circle between the designer, textile maker and craftsman and allows for a rugged individualism in the wearing of the product.
Drawing inspiration from 19th to mid 20th century American style and an archive of original vintage items, the Lofgren brand handcrafts their classic and enduring products in Japan using artisans to construct a collection that has a sense of history underpinned by the highest level of quality in manufacture and materials.
"Producing our items in Japan ensures a high level of quality and the customer can rest assure that no child or slave labor is used. Every person involved in making my brand is paid a fair living wage. The end result means less monetary profit for myself, but it really isn't just about making money, right? If my small company keeps skilled people working, food on a person's table, rents covered and loans being paid off, how is that not a wonderful profit?" -John Lofgren
Johnny's vintage shop shop opened in 2000 and was called Honky Tonk (thus the company name H.T.C., or Honky Tonk Co.). When he started dealing in new, reproduced items only he thought it was time for a change so I opened Speedway, which reflects my love of vintage cars, motorcycles and planes. Speedway serves customers from all over the world and I think we have a great reputation for quality service.
www.speedway-shop.com
Speedway on Rakuten
Speedway on eBay
His Japanese sites are always stocked with the latest items, eBay gets a little neglected because of high fees and a simple lack of time. Anything on his Japanese site can be purchased directly from him by emailing shopatspeedway@hotmail.com
Here's some more info on Mr. Lofgren. Do yourself a favor buy one of his products and you will be hooked!
"Moving to Japan wasn't an easy decision of course, but I've had little regrets and the country has endeared itself to me. I've traveled all over the world, there's no place like it here. I've been in Japan over a fourth of my life". -John Lofgren
A California native and long time resident of Japan, John Lofgren is the creative force behind the Lofgren brand.
John’s vision for a brand began when he first ventured into a thrift store in the early 1980s and sensed a deep connection with the style and quality of another time, a time when substance and tradition were considered important and pride was taken in craftsmanship and excellence.
The Lofgren brand embodies these values, timeless, traditional, and superior, like an old pair of blue jeans. It’s about garments designed for a customer who understands the difference between fashion and eternal style, who recognizes the graceful fading of indigo or the gentle patina of time on an old leather jacket. It’s a brand that connects the customer to an exclusive circle between the designer, textile maker and craftsman and allows for a rugged individualism in the wearing of the product.
Drawing inspiration from 19th to mid 20th century American style and an archive of original vintage items, the Lofgren brand handcrafts their classic and enduring products in Japan using artisans to construct a collection that has a sense of history underpinned by the highest level of quality in manufacture and materials.
"Producing our items in Japan ensures a high level of quality and the customer can rest assure that no child or slave labor is used. Every person involved in making my brand is paid a fair living wage. The end result means less monetary profit for myself, but it really isn't just about making money, right? If my small company keeps skilled people working, food on a person's table, rents covered and loans being paid off, how is that not a wonderful profit?" -John Lofgren
Johnny's vintage shop shop opened in 2000 and was called Honky Tonk (thus the company name H.T.C., or Honky Tonk Co.). When he started dealing in new, reproduced items only he thought it was time for a change so I opened Speedway, which reflects my love of vintage cars, motorcycles and planes. Speedway serves customers from all over the world and I think we have a great reputation for quality service.
www.speedway-shop.com
Speedway on Rakuten
Speedway on eBay
His Japanese sites are always stocked with the latest items, eBay gets a little neglected because of high fees and a simple lack of time. Anything on his Japanese site can be purchased directly from him by emailing shopatspeedway@hotmail.com
 |
| Lofgren hand selecting fabric. |
Monday, February 28, 2011
American clothing companies that ceased or limited production in America:
Carhartt:
For over 119 years, Carhartt has manufactured premium workwear known for exceptional durability, comfort, quality of construction, and fit that you can feel in the fabrics and see in the performance. This historic line of clothing, up until recently, was only produced in America. However times and economies have changed leaving only a handful of pieces of Carhartt clothing made in the USA.
LEVIS:
Levi Strauss & Company, a brand practically synonymous with theU.S.A. San Francisco America
Article from: http://www.organicconsumers.org/clothes/chineseslevis.cfm
THE BUNDLE OF EM':
Gap, Guess, Ralph Lauren [except Double RL line (one of my favorites!)]
MORE COMING SOON!
For over 119 years, Carhartt has manufactured premium workwear known for exceptional durability, comfort, quality of construction, and fit that you can feel in the fabrics and see in the performance. This historic line of clothing, up until recently, was only produced in America. However times and economies have changed leaving only a handful of pieces of Carhartt clothing made in the USA.
LEVIS:
Levi Strauss & Company, a brand practically synonymous with the
Article from: http://www.organicconsumers.org/clothes/chineseslevis.cfm
THE BUNDLE OF EM':
Gap, Guess, Ralph Lauren [except Double RL line (one of my favorites!)]
MORE COMING SOON!
WHERE TO SHOP FOR HIGH QUALITY GOODS
Speedway: Japanese Made Reproductions
http://www.speedway-shop.com/
Unionmade in San Francisco: Mostly American Made Traditional Clothing and Workwear
http://www.unionmadegoods.com/
Filson (Workwear Dept.) Made in USA
http://www.filson.com/mens/workwear/-1013/
All USA Clothing: Sells workwear made in The USA
http://allusaclothing.com/
More coming soon
http://www.speedway-shop.com/
Unionmade in San Francisco: Mostly American Made Traditional Clothing and Workwear
http://www.unionmadegoods.com/
Filson (Workwear Dept.) Made in USA
http://www.filson.com/mens/workwear/-1013/
All USA Clothing: Sells workwear made in The USA
http://allusaclothing.com/
More coming soon
VINTAGE REPRODUCTION WORKWEAR
The best reproduction workwear / denim is being made in Japan. They are so maticulous on every detail. From what I've seen the best stuff are Cushman, Sugar Cane Co, and Lofgren Co.
Of course US made LEVIS LVC as well
-Carhartt is making some of their old products... But guess what? They are made for European and Japanese markets not available in the USA. WTF?
CARHARTT HERRITAGE COLLECTION
More from the Carhartt Herritage line:
http://www.carhartt-wip.com/products/ss11/men/heritage
Of course US made LEVIS LVC as well
-Carhartt is making some of their old products... But guess what? They are made for European and Japanese markets not available in the USA. WTF?
CARHARTT HERRITAGE COLLECTION
More from the Carhartt Herritage line:
http://www.carhartt-wip.com/products/ss11/men/heritage
CARS
The only true built NORTH AMERICAN car is:
According to NHTSA documents provided to AOL Autos, Ford’s compact Focus is assembled in Wayne, Mich., with 90 percent of its parts sourced from the U.S. and Canada, but its transmission originates in Germany. While the Taurus is assembled in Chicago, Ill., about 65 percent of its parts are of U.S. origin. But its engine and transmission are both built in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz assembles its ML-, R- and G-Class vehicles in Vance, Alabama, with a U.S./Canadian parts content of 62 percent, but both its engines and transmissions are unsurprisingly sourced from Germany. BMW, meanwhile, assembles its X-series SUVs in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with mostly German componentry.
Read this article: http://autos.aol.com/article/is-your-car-really-american/
According to NHTSA documents provided to AOL Autos, Ford’s compact Focus is assembled in Wayne, Mich., with 90 percent of its parts sourced from the U.S. and Canada, but its transmission originates in Germany. While the Taurus is assembled in Chicago, Ill., about 65 percent of its parts are of U.S. origin. But its engine and transmission are both built in the U.S.
Mercedes-Benz assembles its ML-, R- and G-Class vehicles in Vance, Alabama, with a U.S./Canadian parts content of 62 percent, but both its engines and transmissions are unsurprisingly sourced from Germany. BMW, meanwhile, assembles its X-series SUVs in Spartanburg, South Carolina, with mostly German componentry.
Read this article: http://autos.aol.com/article/is-your-car-really-american/
BOOTS!
WOVERINE 1000 mile:Crafted with the same attention to detail found in the original, Wolverine’s new 1,000 Mile Boot is the cornerstone of the collection. Made in America and featuring top quality Horween Chromexcel® Leather, a stacked leather outsole and classic welt construction, the new 1,000 Mile Boot has been meticulously designed to replicate the original’s aesthetic.
(from:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REDWING Style No. 8111
IRON RANGER In far northern Minnesota, lies the Mesabi Iron Range, a rugged, remote area from which raw iron ore was mined. The local residents proudly became known as Iron Rangers, individuals with a sense of adventure and a determined personality. Those same attributes are what makes the Iron Ranger.Collection so appealing. These boots are as impressive as they are rugged.
(from: http://www.rwleatherboots.com/ )
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HERE'S WHAT REALLY PISSES ME OFF!!!!
These Boots are made in USA for the Japanese market only... WTF? Why not make them available to everyone?
WILL POST MORE SOON!!!!!!!
A great place to start....
Something to be proud of:
http://www.americancraftsmanproject.com/
Workwear made in USA:
http://www.pointerbrand.com
http://www.americancraftsmanproject.com/
Workwear made in USA:
http://www.pointerbrand.com
INTRO
This blog is dedicated to the lost art of detail and a dieing industry of American made products. Mainly touching on the subject of American work apparel from the 1940's and 1950's.
I am all for the Unions but not for the pillaging of an industries finances. Let's face it.. American unions demand too much and have driven the American made products to either sky rocket in price or pushed to be made in other countries. Fueling others success and stimulating their economies. Not ours... I have HUGE respect for self reliant countries, like Italy and Japan that stimulate their own economy.
Enough said! Let's just enjoy the past clothing. I will show you some American companies that still make their workwear in the USA and some that make vintage reproductions here... but beware of the prices. Then I'll show you where the best vintage reproduction workwear is made and where to but them.
I am all for the Unions but not for the pillaging of an industries finances. Let's face it.. American unions demand too much and have driven the American made products to either sky rocket in price or pushed to be made in other countries. Fueling others success and stimulating their economies. Not ours... I have HUGE respect for self reliant countries, like Italy and Japan that stimulate their own economy.
Enough said! Let's just enjoy the past clothing. I will show you some American companies that still make their workwear in the USA and some that make vintage reproductions here... but beware of the prices. Then I'll show you where the best vintage reproduction workwear is made and where to but them.
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