If we’ve proven anything in our Fishing Issue (or last year’s Fly Fishing Issue) it’s that fishing is, for many, a way of life. In the enduring film A River Runs Through It, though, fly-fishing not only serves as a noble center for the Maclean family, but also as a metaphor for life.
Based off the book by Norman Maclean and directed by Robert Redford, River harkens back to a fabled time in America, between World War I and the Great Depression, where nobility, uncertainty and the inevitability of modernism loomed on life’s horizon. Set against the backdrop of a bountiful West — Missoula, Montana — it’s impossible to watch River and not feel wistful for a bygone era free of callow snark and roaring pop culture exacerbated by social media; and also, an epoch of style that celebrated simplicity and utility.
While watching A River Runs Through It to inspire ourselves for this issue we couldn’t help but take note of its unforgettable style (and Oscar-winning cinematography): Oxfords, waistcoats, felt, and not a single pair of shorts in sight. The two brothers may struggle with life’s unpredictabilities, but they does so with predicable, and a might handsome, style.
Below we’ve taken a few key stills and provided modern interpretations of a squarely 1920s look. Wade in, and who knows, maybe you’ll catch a few items of your own.
Style Picks: Henry Phillips and Eric Yang
Woolrich Wool Alaskan Shirt ($119), Orvis Felt Hat ($79), Barena Henley ($170), Swiss Fly Fishing Bag ($33)
Filson Tab Suspenders ($64), New England Shirt Company Banker Stripe ($105)
Borsalino Felt Hat ($300), RRL Silk Linen Pant ($490), Chipp Ancient Madder Tie ($50)
Smythson Panama Notebook ($80), Hunter Balmoral Boots ($345), Stetson Saugus, Patagonia Chambray Workshirt ($79), J. Crew Vintage Cord ($75)
Ibanez Mandolin ($150), Orvis Canvas Field Shirt ($79), Levi’s Vintage Clothing 1920 Henley ($140), Filson Guide Chino Pants ($130),
Yellow Stimulator Flies ($1)
J. Crew Ludlow Shirt ($88), Alexander Olch Greyson Tie ($150), Oak Street Bootmakers Trench Boot ($426), Sage Circa Fly Rod ($775), LL Bean Signature Washed Poplin Shirt ($54), J. Crew Stanton Short ($50)
Goorin Bros Florence Lake Fedora ($120), Taylor Stitch Indigo Chambray Shirt ($125), Stevenson Overall Co. Trousers ($285)
