Hello-Hello, welcome to a new week here at the Prepatorium.
We just share one topic today, a look at a new exhibit, “The Origins of Preppy: John Meyer of Norwich“. Some readers will recall the brand, for those not quite as ancient seasoned (ahem) as your trusty scribe, John Meyer made the most fabulous clothing. Below, a print ad from the brand.
Elise Meyer Pinterest
The exhibit is at the Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury (CT), more from the exhibit description:
The Preppy style was born on the campuses of America’s Ivy League colleges but it was manufactured using the resources of Eastern Connecticut. Origin of Preppy explores the style’s transformation from campus fad to innovative fashion by pioneering purveyor John Meyer of Norwich.
An installation from the show as well as the woman who created the grouping, Maddie Chapman.
Mattatuck Museum Facebook
I love both the John Meyer button and that tweedy blue and green fabric.
Elise Meyer Pinterest
The exhibit has been put together by Elise Meyer, the founders’ daughter. More from the Norwich Bulletin:
The exhibit is more than just about the clothing trend that became the rage for the most fashionably dressed sporty women of America. For the Northeast and Norwich it was a demonstration of innovation , know-how and determination.
The Vintage Traveler blog shared some delightful John Meyer ads.
John Meyer via The Vintage Traveler
Is anyone else feeling a déjà vu vibe? The “I swear, I wore that!” reaction? In reality it is unlikely I wore any of the pieces shown here, they are from 1967 and 1968, a little mature for someone who was but a wee Princess at that time.
John Meyer Norwich via The Vintage Traveler
We return to the Museum’s description of the exhibit.
The John Meyer of Norwich label provided a certain status and confidence to stylish women from the 1950s through the 1970s. Meyer’s daughter, Elise, has compiled an archive of the groundbreaking businessman including photographs, stories and vintage clothing.
In the project I found profound lessons about hard work and inspiration, about strong communities, about decency and fairness, about American values, about American ingenuity, and most of all, American manufacturing.I learned the value of “good manners in behavior and in dress”, and how that makes everyone a bit more comfortable.
If you were around in the 1960s and early 70s, chances are you were in love with the clothes from John Meyer of Norwich. In my little corner of the world, there were only two shops that carried John Meyer, and both of them were the best stores in town. Not every girl was lucky enough to own clothes from John Meyer, but the influence of the brand was huge, and one could buy cheaper versions of their beautiful heathery tweeds at places like Sears. As they say, imitation is the highest praise.John Meyer Norwich via The Vintage Traveler
…gives a good account of how many girls and young women were actually dressing in the period that is more associated with the mod look and then the hippie look.
Emily Meyer Pinterest
Elise Meyer Pinterest
Elise Meyer Pinterest
Elise Meyer Pinterest
Elise Meyer Pinterest
Mattatuck Museum Facebook
Don your Madras shorts and Lilly Pulitzer summer dresses and head down to the Museum, on the green in Waterbury for an evening of casual summer fun
Guests will have the opportunity to bid on fun summer experiences including creating your own ice cream flavor, being Museum Curator for a day, naming a martini at a local restaurant and much more.
It looks like a lot of fun. For more on the Fling, click here.