Hats and vintage: With or without Indy?

[jake_fink]

It may be enthusiasm for the new movie, or it may be that it was always there only I never noticed it, but IJO* seems to be rampant on the boards lately. This combined with what seems to be a tendency away from discussions of vintage or "golden era" clothes and culture has me wondering...

Is Indiana Jones the main reason you're interested in hats or is Indiana Jones irrelevant to your interest?



*Indiana Jones Obsession

 

[donCarlos]

Indiana Jones was only one of the factors. Then I´ve seen some old movies and after Casablanca, I was doomed. However, the summer is near and I´ll need some clothes for my adventures, so IJ style will gain more importance.

 

[KeyGrip]

As far as hats go, it was all Blues Brothers for me.

 

[ScionPI2005]

I voted IJ was irrelevant. It was film noir detectives for me...

 

[CharlesB]

Not at all. It was entirely relevant in my desire to use ancient powers to melt the faces of nazis however

 

[Dixon Cannon]

Methinks we shouldn't kid ourselves, friends! If this movie was any other title with any other actor, the posts would be flooded with, "Great hat movie!", "Interesting period film!", "Wonderful Wardrobe!", from all sectors.

After a guy has worn his lid for a couple of years and he makes the association with fine suits, quality shoes and snazzy neckties, there is the tendency to place oneself above the unwashed masses who enjoy the entertainment of another Indiana Jones flick. That's called "elitism" folks.

These are just entertainment pieces and they do inspire some people to step out of the norm and present themselves differently. I know we will see a lot of Dorfman's on newbies that have been so inspired. And, no doubt some comments will be thrown at us for choice of hats at given times. I say, so what! It's life - it's entertainment! - It's people, just being people.

I plan to go see the film at mid-night Wednesday night with friend, wearing my twenty-five year old DP and a khaki shirt. I will enjoy myself, no end and I'm sure the vast majority of viewers will too. Probably more than a few of the younger ones will say immediately afterward, "I gotta get me one of those hats!". And a new generation of fedora lovers is born!

It is amusing to me that we will point to films like "the Maltese Falcon", or "Touch of Evil" or some other and perhaps make a point of obtaining a hat that best represents the "look" that inspires us. I certainly did after seeing "Seabiscuit", and went out and found a Marathon like Jeff Bridges. It's what people do. Indiana Jones isn't any different in anyway - except that it's popular and the masses love it too. Heaven forbid one of them should spy one of us in hat and think that we're one of the masses too!

-dixon cannon

 

[alexandra]

I voted in this because although I'm not a boy, I have been asked a number of times recently (probably because of the new movie) if my attraction to fellows in vintage attire and hats has anything to do with Indiana Jones and/or Harrison Ford.

It doesn't.

 

[Samsa]

When I joined the lounge I had actually not yet seen any of the Indiana Jones movies. It was only after I joined that I became aware that there was such a thing as an Indiana Jones subculture.[huh]

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

Originally posted by Samsa:
When I joined the lounge I had actually not yet seen any of the Indiana Jones movies. It was only after I joined that I became aware that there was such a thing as an Indiana Jones subculture.

Another one! I can't say I hadn't seen any of the movies when I joined, but only recently did I actually realize who Indiana Jones was. He's rather in the collective consciousness, so I had a vague idea, but nothing concrete. Vintage led me to Indy, as it were, not the other way around.

Naturally, now I'm hooked.

 

[Undertow]

I would think Indy is a little more important than the numbers show.

Although, I must admit, I came here without knowledge of Indy and only recently purchased the movies to "catch-up" with everyone else.

 

[drafttek]

You nailed it, Dixon. Most just won't admit it.

 

[GWD]

I guess I'm backwards, I stumbled across a local hat store picked up a few straw fedoras then started watching the old movies and noticing all the cool hats.

 

[Edward]

I'm not sure there's an option that quite does it for me, so I didn't vote.... (not my approach to elections, of course ). I first saw Dr Jones take on the Thugees in the cinema in 1984; some time later, Raiders was the Christmas Day film, so I saw them in chronological order of when they were set, if not when they were released. Last Crusade followed, in the cinema. I still love those films. I'm not a hardcore gearhead and I don't (yet) have a complete costume. I am certainly, however, not one to mock those who do - that would be a serious case of glass houses, bearing in mind how much of my spare time is spent dressed as that other, rather different doctor, Dr Frank N Furter. lol

Indiana Jones certainly had an influence on me in later life - I've maintained my love of the films, and I don't remember the last time I was as excited about a new release as I am about Crystal Skull. I would definitely wear clothes like Indys, though I'd probably avoid copying the complete look when I wasn't deliberately dressing in a costume. The appeal of sharp tailoring and appropriate (non-Indy) hats came from elsewhere for me... mostly vintage set, modern movies like the Godfather, maybe even Bugsy Malone, and more recent outings. I'd long come to appreciate a sharp suit before that; exposure to noir films in recent years honed my preference for vintage styles over the contemporary. I suppose films and my interest in vintage clothing have been largely symbiotic. Other influences have been key too - specifically developing a stronger interest in the retro music scene (the 50s look, which I still enjoy, was influential in seeking out information online and finding this place, the interest in 30s and 40s styles followed). For Golden Era casual and adventuring styles, though, Indiana Jones has been a big influence, and continues to provide inspiration. The main difference nowadays being that I look more towards some of the other outfits he wears, or which are sported by the other characters. I still love the Jones adventuring look, but it's not the be all / end all. I guess you could say the focus has shifted for me - where once the clothes had resonance because of the character, they have now come to have resonance because of an interest in clothing of that era.

I'm sure I could articulate the above better, but it's been a long day....

 

[Dixon Cannon]

I'm not sure there's an option that quite does it for me, so I didn't vote.... (not my approach to elections, of course ). I first saw Dr Jones take on the Thugees in the cinema in 1984; some time later, Raiders was the Christmas Day film, so I saw them in chronological order of when they were set, if not when they were released. Last Crusade followed, in the cinema. I still love those films. I'm not a hardcore gearhead and I don't (yet) have a complete costume. I am certainly, however, not one to mock those who do - that would be a serious case of glass houses, bearing in mind how much of my spare time is spent dressed as that other, rather different doctor, Dr Frank N Furter. lol

Indiana Jones certainly had an influence on me in later life - I've maintained my love of the films, and I don't remember the last time I was as excited about a new release as I am about Crystal Skull. I would definitely wear clothes like Indys, though I'd probably avoid copying the complete look when I wasn't deliberately dressing in a costume. The appeal of sharp tailoring and appropriate (non-Indy) hats came from elsewhere for me... mostly vintage set, modern movies like the Godfather, maybe even Bugsy Malone, and more recent outings. I'd long come to appreciate a sharp suit before that; exposure to noir films in recent years honed my preference for vintage styles over the contemporary. I suppose films and my interest in vintage clothing have been largely symbiotic. Other influences have been key too - specifically developing a stronger interest in the retro music scene (the 50s look, which I still enjoy, was influential in seeking out information online and finding this place, the interest in 30s and 40s styles followed). For Golden Era casual and adventuring styles, though, Indiana Jones has been a big influence, and continues to provide inspiration. The main difference nowadays being that I look more towards some of the other outfits he wears, or which are sported by the other characters. I still love the Jones adventuring look, but it's not the be all / end all. I guess you could say the focus has shifted for me - where once the clothes had resonance because of the character, they have now come to have resonance because of an interest in clothing of that era.

I'm sure I could articulate the above better, but it's been a long day....

Actually Edward, quite well said and this Yank concurs! Ibid!

-dixon cannon

 

[RedHotRidinHood]

Methinks we shouldn't kid ourselves, friends! If this movie was any other title with any other actor, the posts would be flooded with, "Great hat movie!", "Interesting period film!", "Wonderful Wardrobe!", from all sectors.

After a guy has worn his lid for a couple of years and he makes the association with fine suits, quality shoes and snazzy neckties, there is the tendency to place oneself above the unwashed masses who enjoy the entertainment of another Indiana Jones flick. That's called "elitism" folks.

These are just entertainment pieces and they do inspire some people to step out of the norm and present themselves differently. I know we will see a lot of Dorfman's on newbies that have been so inspired. And, no doubt some comments will be thrown at us for choice of hats at given times. I say, so what! It's life - it's entertainment! - It's people, just being people.

I plan to go see the film at mid-night Wednesday night with friend, wearing my twenty-five year old DP and a khaki shirt. I will enjoy myself, no end and I'm sure the vast majority of viewers will too. Probably more than a few of the younger ones will say immediately afterward, "I gotta get me one of those hats!". And a new generation of fedora lovers is born!

It is amusing to me that we will point to films like "the Maltese Falcon", or "Touch of Evil" or some other and perhaps make a point of obtaining a hat that best represents the "look" that inspires us. I certainly did after seeing "Seabiscuit", and went out and found a Marathon like Jeff Bridges. It's what people do. Indiana Jones isn't any different in anyway - except that it's popular and the masses love it too. Heaven forbid one of them should spy one of us in hat and think that we're one of the masses too!

-dixon cannon

Dixon, you are my HERO today. You pegged it so well. There is a whole lot of elitism going on here in the FL and it is why I don't post very often. But I enjoy the hell out of the Indiana Jones movies and I don't CARE if they are part of pop culture. I like them! So what! And if the movies lead a whole new generation to cool hats and dressing well, then GREAT!

 

[RedHotRidinHood]

I'm not sure there's an option that quite does it for me, so I didn't vote.... (not my approach to elections, of course ). I first saw Dr Jones take on the Thugees in the cinema in 1984; some time later, Raiders was the Christmas Day film, so I saw them in chronological order of when they were set, if not when they were released. Last Crusade followed, in the cinema. I still love those films. I'm not a hardcore gearhead and I don't (yet) have a complete costume. I am certainly, however, not one to mock those who do - that would be a serious case of glass houses, bearing in mind how much of my spare time is spent dressed as that other, rather different doctor, Dr Frank N Furter. lol

Indiana Jones certainly had an influence on me in later life - I've maintained my love of the films, and I don't remember the last time I was as excited about a new release as I am about Crystal Skull. I would definitely wear clothes like Indys, though I'd probably avoid copying the complete look when I wasn't deliberately dressing in a costume. The appeal of sharp tailoring and appropriate (non-Indy) hats came from elsewhere for me... mostly vintage set, modern movies like the Godfather, maybe even Bugsy Malone, and more recent outings. I'd long come to appreciate a sharp suit before that; exposure to noir films in recent years honed my preference for vintage styles over the contemporary. I suppose films and my interest in vintage clothing have been largely symbiotic. Other influences have been key too - specifically developing a stronger interest in the retro music scene (the 50s look, which I still enjoy, was influential in seeking out information online and finding this place, the interest in 30s and 40s styles followed). For Golden Era casual and adventuring styles, though, Indiana Jones has been a big influence, and continues to provide inspiration. The main difference nowadays being that I look more towards some of the other outfits he wears, or which are sported by the other characters. I still love the Jones adventuring look, but it's not the be all / end all. I guess you could say the focus has shifted for me - where once the clothes had resonance because of the character, they have now come to have resonance because of an interest in clothing of that era.

I'm sure I could articulate the above better, but it's been a long day....

Oh, Edward, I could just kiss you. You and Dixon. And I would die to see you dressed as my favorite doctor!

 

[Big Man]

I had been wearing a fedora a long time before the first Indy movie came out; but I don't mind admitting that I was influenced quite a bit by the movie. There. I said it. I feel better now.

 

[freebird]

Actually, IJ doesn't influence my choice of headgear. I've never seen a IJ movie, don't know why exactly as I'm not opposed to watching them. I did look into picking up the trilogy at Wal-Mart a few days ago, but saw the pricetag and put it back. Not an elitist here, just a guy from the sticks.

 

[AmateisGal]

Not at all. It was entirely relevant in my desire to use ancient powers to melt the faces of nazis however

Charles, I read this at work and it's a darn good thing I wasn't drinking anything when I did, else my keyboard would be a mess right now. lol

 

[J. M. Stovall]

My grandfathers and their hats were the main reason I started wearing.