Popularized in the United States in the 60s, the one hiding behind the enigmatic nickname of " OCBD " did not need to be asked twice to set off to conquer the Old Continent. "OC" for Oxford Cloth , "revealing" the construction of this icon of the men's wardrobe; "BD" for button-down , evoking the type of collar that such a piece must be adorned with. Ultimately, the acronym says it all about this sacred monster that brings together an essential material - Oxford - and a glorious collar in the service of an emblem of elegance and versatility .
Across the Atlantic, several brands are vying for the first and claiming to have created the original OCBD (Mercer & Sons, Brooks Brothers and J. Press), but they all agree that its soul lies in this cotton canvas lined in warp and weft , as well as in this button-down collar that is as supple as it is generous: the "soft roll collar".
Having become a cult classic on the shoulders of students from the prestigious North American Ivy League, the Oxford shirt has entered the pantheon of preppy style, and more broadly the Mount Olympus of men's clothing.
Want to know everything about its making?
As you can see, there was no question of excluding the OCBD from our capsule collection. After ten years (almost) entirely devoted to shirts, it was strictly unthinkable not to offer you one.
On this occasion, we set the bar high, very high, and went in search of a material worthy of the event. Crowned with success, although long and tedious, our research allowed us to resurrect for you a fabric straight out of the origins. It's quite simple, the cotton oxford that we found at Albini can perhaps be considered the most beautiful on the market . Nothing less. A contemporary reissue of a period armor striped white and sky blue (called "university stripes"), it is by far the most delicate that we have been able to see and touch. Smelling good of the 60s and the fabrics of the early hours, it is in itself the promise of a look embodied in their time by the dashing JFK, the Avvocato Agnelli or the ineffable Miles Davis.
To accompany such a material, the cut of our Oxford 1960 shirt had to be present. This is done with a classic fit of imperturbable elegance , camped between tradition and modernity. Barely adjusted at the sides, it will flatter all silhouettes by adapting to each morphology with seriousness and discipline.
With the collar , we touch the heart of this marvel; and the least we can say is that it assumes this responsibility without trembling. The opening is proud , the panels generous, the points incisive. The whole, of a rare balance, evokes harmony as much as assurance. Confident without being insolent, available but not zealous, imposing without imposing itself, we have crafted a "soft roll collar" according to the rules of the art. Buttoned or not, it represents an intoxication for the eyes, a vertigo under the fingers, a miracle to wear.
Given our high standards , it goes without saying that details are not details. With the same rigor that governs the search for raw materials and the design of the piece, we have ensured that the details and finishes are truly dazzling . As in the good old days, you will find for example a chest pocket on the heart side, a subtly rounded cuff and a pretty pleat at the bottom of the sleeve. The cherry on the cake is that all the buttons are made of genuine mother-of-pearl. "Everything is order and beauty, calm luxury and voluptuousness."
Casual by nature, sophisticated by nature
For over half a century, the OCBD has established itself as a leader in the casual-chic movement. Relaxed by nature, sophisticated by nature, it combines elegance and irreverence like no other piece in the men's wardrobe. Unsurprisingly, our Oxford 1960 shirt displays the ambition to cultivate this duality, and even more to elevate it to the rank of art.
Timeless and versatile , the iconic Ivy will look just as good in a suit as in a more informal look. Paired with a suit, chinos or the slightest of your blue jeans, you can count on it to set the pace; taking your outfits to heights of refinement or bringing a welcome casualness .
With or without a jacket, with or without a tie, with or without shame, just put it on and let it do the rest.
How to maintain an oxford shirt ?
In addition to being easy to wear, the 1960 Oxford Shirt that we offer you in 100 copies is child's play to maintain. All you have to do is put it in the washing machine inside out (possibly in a washing net) and run a "Cotton" program at 30°C , without exceeding 800 rpm. Once this is done, you will only have to hang it on a wooden hanger while it dries, then iron it at a medium temperature.
