Anyone that knows me, knows that I am a huge classic menswear enthusiast. The admixture of history, tradition, and timeless style has always infatuated me since I was a child seeing my father dress for work. As a man of color that is both Latino and Black, appearances and how the world views me has always been a topic of discussion between my parents and even myself. In the book Black Ivy: A Revolt in Style, by Jason Jules and Graham Marsh it shows unique, stylish, and unapologetically Black styles of very important Black figures in politics, music, the arts, and film, as well as candid pictures of Black youths. In honor of Black History Month I will take a deeper dive into this truly one of a kind book. 

The Black Ivy movement in the United States was a way for Black Americans to channel the way the white ivy-league elite dressed but with their own twist and style. The reason behind this sartorial revolt was to elevate themselves, and show themselves as the well manicured gentleman they were. The height of this revolt in style was throughout the civil rights movement, where the perception of a Black man was truly at the focal point, of the fight for being treated and seen as equals. 

From the oxford cloth button down shirts (OCBDs for the real menswear enthusiasts), 3 button and 3 rolled 2 jackets, to Bass Weejuns, this very stylish book shows that despite the hardship of the fight for civil rights, the shining beacon was the effortless style and poise these men had. Some of the most notable people photographed are Jazz trumpeter and musical virtuoso Miles Davis, playwright and poet Amiri Baraka, and legendary civil rights titans Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The styles pictured in this book are things we can wear today in 2022, due to the sheer timelessness. 

Overall, this book is truly a work of art, and incredibly moving and as a menswear and sartorial enthusiast, I highly recommend it.