Alexander Julian's Debut

[Bespoke 51]

Alexander Julian was featured in a multi page GQ magazine spread in the early 1970's (maybe 1973 or 1974.) His first line, (extremely fine quality) was sold by Jerry Magnin in LA and Wm. Fox & Co., in Wash, D.C. I owned a
cheviot tweed sport coat and wool flannel trousers from this offering. Can anyone provide details on this GQ magazine issue?

 

[Flaneur]

This GQ editorial featuring his Spring 1976 Bespoke collection is almost certainly the earliest multi-page editorial of Alex’s work featured in a major men’s fashion magazine.

 

[JJ Katz]

I was too young and penniless to buy his stuff back in the day but I always thought his ads were brilliant. They projected such a colourful, cool vacation sense of style.

 

[vida]

I certainly remember him, but what happened to his business?

 

[Flaneur]

My IG feed should be quite the treat for you, as it contains very nearly every color ad and editorial of note that featured Alex’s Collection (vs. “Colours”) menswear during his 1980’s heyday:

(@alex_julian_collector) • Instagram photos and videos

350 Followers, 901 Following, 315 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from (@alex_julian_collector)

www.instagram.com

 

[imatlas]

I only know the name from the “Colours” era.

 

[Flaneur]

His menswear design business has taken many twists and turns over the years. His most recent endeavor is what he’s informally called “Relaunch”, which marks the return to the specialty store and online marketplace of his “Collection” level menswear.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

Talk about a blast from the past. AJ seems so 90’s. What’s going to be next, Pierre Cardin?

 

[Bespoke 51]

Talk about a blast from the past. AJ seems so 90’s. What’s going to be next, Pierre Cardin?

A J's real treasures were to be found in the first couple of seasons. The first clothing collection, labeled Alexander Julian Bespoke, was manufactured by Baker Clothing Co.(a very small company absolutely revered in the industry.) Thereafter production was moved
to the venerable H. Freeman for a couple of seasons. The jacket sleeves were all prepared for working buttonholes (like bespoke.) The fit and finish were exceptional. Julian himself worked with the mills and designed all the fabrics initially himself.
The weaves and colors were very unique- pretty heady and accomplished for a guy in his late 20's. Also, Pringle made a few sweaters for his collection that were heirloom quality.

 

[Phileas Fogg]

I only know the name from the “Colours” era.

yeah, me too.

 

[Terrence O'Connor]

Great personal style.
Here is an advert from Esquire Gentleman 1993.
He did uniforms for UNC and Hornets.