Why the overalls is a really important garment in the denim history?
For me when I think of workwear, especially when we are talking Americana, the overall, or bib and braces if you prefer (or dungarees if you are British), are its defining item. Designed for hard work and hard times, they always told me about the early 20th Century’s America, particularly the 1930’s Dust Bowl and the Great Depression periods. They always make me think about the photography of Dorothea Lange, and of course John Steinbeck. “I don’t really think that you’ve ever walked a mile in my shoes. I don’t really think that you know what I’ve been through.” – From ‘Of Mice and Men’ by John Steinbeck.
HOM MANY OVERALL PIECES DO YOU HAVE INSIDE THE VINTAGE SHOWROOM ARCHIVE?
It’s always hard to keep track as we loan a lot of pieces out for film and for designers for inspiration, but it’s around 100 strong pairs.
WHICH ONE IS THE BEST OVERALL FROM YOUR ARCHIVE?
The best are a recent find, I have never even seen this style before – half coveralls and half overalls – the Putnam, such a killer piece!
IN YOUR OPINION WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES FOR A VINTAGE OVERALL THAT MAKE YOU PICK IT UP FOR THE VINTAGE SHOWROOM ARCHIVE?
This is a hard question as we buy for different reasons. Sometimes it’s the wash, sometimes it’s the repair work, sometimes unusual pocket details – but always there must be something about it that makes us fall in love – we want the best for our collection!
