Kind of funny how until recently I only knew of Madewell as the workwear manufacturer and had no idea that they were the name behind the vintage inspired J Crew sister store. I am also sure that most customers of the current incarnation have no idea of the authentic American Made work clothes from Madewell’s past.
Madewell Manufacturing Company was founded in 1937 and based in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They were a family-owned workwear company known for its popular farmer bib overalls and painters pants. In February 1989 Madewell dismissed its last remaining 70 employees, announcing it would close. At one time they employed 350 people. J. Crew's CEO Mickey Drexler purchased the Madewell brand and typography which was resurrected as a new retail concept Madewell 1937 by the J. Crew Group in 2006.
A Madewell flasher from a pair of 1950’s deadstock dungarees sold by Little Reata; more photos and info here.
ELK BRAND Cone Selvedge Denim Chore Coat made by The Elk Brand Shirt and Overall Company, which was established in Hopkinsville, Kentucky in 1907.
ELK BRAND Made of CONE DEEPTONE DENIM SANFORIZED SHRUNK label.
Brass buttons with green enamel inlay.
Interior chest pocket with exposed selvedge edge.
ELK BRAND button front dungarees 8 oz. sanforized denim. UFO style copper rivets on front and back pockets. Donut button front with ELK BRAND engraved snap button closure. Deadstock condition with sewn on pocket flasher.
Deadstock indigo denim chore jacket with back belt and pleated construction, narrow loom selvedge denim, double stitch main seams and wreath & star buttons. Size 44.
Here's a great old FINCK'S sign that we just sold this past month. 
Big thanks to Rin for all the inspiration and Ben from RRL for the hook ups. The Kogi truck at the RRL Melrose after party Saturday night was a real nice touch. Check David Himel’s blog The Art of Vintage Leather Jackets for a nice inspiration event recap.
Just a few pieces of vintage workwear based on one of my favorite fabrics and a couple of variations to get us started. Some are from my closet, some are dead stock from the collection and some items are for sale thru the San Fernando Valley Mercantile.
Here’s a list of what’s pictured above:
Will follow up with future posts featuring more detailed photos & descriptions along with some related items of interest and some other pieces not pictured. Till then, check out a great DubbleWare salt & pepper shop coat and article on twist chambray a.k.a. convert cloth / salt & pepper fabric over at RIVETED, a fine blog for vintage workwear aficionados.
...and speaking of salt & pepper cloth & workwear aficionados, eBay sellers *kompendium & emperor-of-mercia have been bringing some great salt & pepper workwear from the UK as of late. Check them out for a nice change of pace.
Take note of the early RRL made in USA salt & pepper work cap purchased way back in the mid 1990’s; my first foray into the world of salt & pepper fabric work clothes & the iconic clothing label that would help shape & define a style for myself & so many others. Till RRL gets the post space it deserves, here's a link to another like minded blog, SANFORIZED for some nice photos of the RRL Melrose store.
