Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wearing Hemingway’s Cap


J. Peterman Catalogue looks different from the bundle of similar offerings that arrive weekly in the mail. It is white; instead of assertive photos of male and female models, there are delicate watercolor renderings of clothes and merchandise. None of it appears too distinctive or special, until you start to look and read closer.

A shirt on sale is a copy of one worn by Thomas Jefferson, a striped t-shirt was spotted on Picasso in St. Tropez, and a long-billed cap once belonged to Hemingway. “He probably bought his in a gas station on 
the road to Ketchum, next to the cash register, among the beef jerky wrapped in cellophane,” – intones the catalogue.

How does it feel to wear a copy of Hemingway’s cap? Do you feel empowered? amused? – or does it make a cute conversation topic? (I am tempted to order one and try it out.)

These references to cultural history clearly endow J. Peterman merchandise with a certain aura. In a highly saturated fashion market, these humble, not-inexpensive caps and shirts are able to stand their own ground. Fashion industry is always the first to tap into consumers’ hidden cultural desires. I could see product and furniture design following suit. Could offerings like John Lennon’s bed be far behind?
3 Comments:
Blogger Unknown said...

Did you ever get this hat? I can't tell if I want it because its associated with Hemingway or because I'd actually like it for fishing...

June 25, 2010 at 12:43 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

It's also the cap that Bernie wore in the second "Weekend at Bernie's" movie.

March 11, 2017 at 12:47 AM  
Blogger VA Fisherwoman said...

It's a very good fishing cap. Only problem is how to clean the canvas part.

November 5, 2018 at 10:56 AM  

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