Kensuke Ishizu revolutionized the Japanese fashion scene in the 1960s by importing the Ivy style whilst targeting the youth of Japan. Uniquely, his company made all parts of an outfit made them to go together. He is the central figure in Avery Trufelemans’ argument as to why the Ivy style will continue into the future. 

According to Truefelman, the Ivy style was borne out of the mass-produced clothing started by the Brooks Brothers and English youth influence. Its origin lies at Princeton University, which unique situation allowed this style to flourish. After world war 2, the influx of college students caused the style to shift, adopting some clothing from the military. In the 1960s it was co-opted by black civil rights activists, who further adapted the look to themselves.

By the time of its popularization in Japan, the Ivy style in America was on the decline. This resurgence helped to keep the style alive and, eventually, produced the Take Ivy book, the cornerstone of this podcast. Without Ishizu, the style would not have been kept alive past the 1960s when it faded in the US, and may never have rocketed back to popularity in the US in the 80s.

Timeline

By introducing the Ivy style to Japan, Ishizu simultaneously preserved a part of American History, while forever changing the culture of Japan. 

Works Cited

“The Man Who Brought Ivy To Japan.” Ivy Style, Ivy Style, 9 Dec. 2017, http://www.ivy-style.com/the-man-who-brought-ivy-to-japan.html. 

Trufelman, Avery. “American Ivy: Chapter 2.” Articles Of Interest, Articles Of Interest, 2 Nov. 2022, https://articlesofinterest.substack.com/p/american-ivy-chapter-2.