Marking the 55th anniversary of his death, we at JOE decided it was time to honour the effortless Americana style of Hollywood legend James Dean.
In a brief twenty-four years, James Byron Dean became a cultural icon. Today Dean’s iconic status is best embodied in his role as the troubled LA teenager Jim Stark in Nicolas Ray’s Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and the actor became the first performer to receive a posthumous Academy Award Nomination, even ranking 18th on the American Film Institute’s ‘100 Years… 100 Stars’ list in 1999.
It was Dean’s imperfections and unconsciously contradicting manner that kept audiences enamoured and yet connected with the troubled star.
Today his legacy lives on, continuously being passed on and adapted from generation to generation. He held that undefinable something extra that makes a star. He was one of the rare stars, like Rock Hudson and Montgomery Clift, whom both men and women find attractive.
There is a reason why young up and coming stars like Robert Pattinson and James Franco are still channelling James Dean. He had mastered the art of looking effortlessly cool without appearing to have given a damn. It is true that this was coupled with breathtakingly good jeans, but Dean made the flinging of a jacket over his shoulder, a stand-alone collar or the dangling of a cigarette from his lips seem inate.
This Autumn/Winter sees a celebration of such Americana-inspired style, leaning towards the more Varsity-inspired look. Tommy Hilfiger, Kris Van Assche, Dior and Ralph Lauren all featured an Athletic Americana made modern look in their recent collections.
According to GQ the essentials are: ‘club jackets, football scarves, baseball jackets, tailored sports apparel and modern slim-cut chinos.’ Here are some key pieces to embody Dean’s rebellious look.
Lee Eddie Jacket – Lee, €249.90
Levi’s Sherpa Jacket– Urban Outfitters, Dublin €145
Libertine Count Port Cotton Trousers – Urban Outfitters, Dublin, €114
Libertine Navy Count Trousers – Urban Outfitters, Dublin, €114
If the block colour is too much these navy cotton trousers are a great versatile piece for trying out this look.
Dunderdon Moleskin Work Pants – Urban Outfitters, Dublin, €114
A great colour, this is a sartorial classic. The moleskin, a heavier fabric, will add much needed warmth on the ever-creeping winter.
Burgundy Long Sleeve Raglan – Topman, €14
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Finally, if you’re looking for further items to replicate Dean’s look, we recommend You Must Create, who have an excellent online store.
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