Vintage Ivy League Pieces Have a New Life at The Co-Op

It all started when German-born David Klein discovered a copy of Take Ivy, the legendary (and until recently, extremely rare) 1965 style bible that took Japan by storm. So often associated with old money and WASPs, preppy style is seen as quintessential "establishment" dressing in the United States. But in Japan the Ivy League look was seen as rebellious, youthful, and new in contrast to the staid post-war school uniforms and suits of Japanese twenty-somethings.

Fascinated by the history of Ivy's influence on Japanese style as well as 60s East Coast lifestyle, Klein began scouring vintage markets for one-of-a kind Ivy League pieces. His collection began with a simple Patagonia pullover that bore the valuable Princeton logo. From there, Klein began to look deeper into the world of vintage, curating it through the lens of literature. This led him to create The Co-Op, an online marketplace for vintage Ivy League gear.

Launched in January 2021, The Co-Op's collection ranges from letterman sweaters, to fraternity tees, ties, crewnecks, and an original tote bag with the phrase "Martinis and light exercise," which definitely rings true.

As a longtime fan of J.D. Salinger, specifically Franny & Zooey, Klein approaches all of his curating based on what these legendary literature characters would wear. He knows he found the right piece if he can fit it into a scene in the book. Klein himself uses The Co-Op's vintage pieces to follow in the footsteps of famous writers and artists, however, posing as Jennifer Cavalleri and Oliver Barrett IV will also do just fine.

As far as the future of The Co-Op, and where Klein envisions wearing the vintage gems, he imagines a night at The Odeon with martinis, oysters, and an espresso martini to finish. His outfit of choice? According to Klein: "I want to overdo it."