Contemporary Standard

Parli inglese? L’intervista in italiano qui

Contemporary Standard} Ciao, would you like to introduce yourself and Gitman Bros?

Gitman} Hello. Ciao, my name is Chris Olberding and I’m solely responsible for all aspects of Gitman Vintage – selling, pr, merchandizing, modeling, etc.

Contemporary Standard} If Gitman were a dish, which one would it be?

Gitman} I don’t so much see Gitman as a dish, but rather a local beer, namely America’s oldest: Yuengling – it’s just 20 minutes from the factory in Pottsville, PA, USA.

Contemporary Standard} Gitman Vintage is an heritage line that pays tribute to its past, but with a distinct differente. Which one? And what’s the connection with Ashland Shirt Corporation?

Gitman} The difference is in the fit. While the line makes use of the archive every season, and even re-incorporates the old label, original buttons and details, I had to make the fit different, that is, more modern and fitted. But I also mean difference in the sense that no other shirt maker is doing what we’re doing, at least when we started – using old line books and creating a new line based on the past. Ashland Shirt Corporation was the original name of the company, founded by Max Gitman in the 1940s. It wasn’t until his sons took over and called it Gitman Brothers in 1978.

Contemporary Standard} Is there something you love recovering from the past?

Gitman} Yes: seeing how the old fits in with the new. After all, what is the new but the good forgotten old.

Contemporary Standard} The role of texture and fabrics. How do you choose them?

Gitman} I choose fabrics based on the season. I always try to make a wide offering in each season – for spring/summer: linen, madras, chambray, oxford pinpoint; for autumn/winter: heavier oxfords, twills, single and double-sided brushed flannels, denim.

Contemporary Standard} I suppose you’re wearing Gitman right now. If now, what would it be?

Gitman} Yeap, a white oxford. If not, probably Thom Browne, or the Thomas Mason fabric shirts for J Crew.

Contemporary Standard} Gitman and Opening Ceremony collaboration was one of this year’s best sellers. Should we expect for further collaborations, next year?

Gitman} Yes, we’re working with SeaVees on a fabric collaboration. I can’t wait for the SS10 models to hit the stores.

Contemporary Standard} Who would you like to see wearing Gitman?

Gitman} Everyone, of course. From the young hipster to the savvy older gentleman; and both genders too.

Contemporary Standard} And who is /have been your biggest testimonial?

Gitman} The biggest testimonial comes every Monday when Gitman customer service forwards me all of the requests for our product from around the world.

Contemporary Standard} Last but not least, one drink and one album that reflect Gitman’s mood.

Gitman} The drink part is easy: another Yuengling beer; but I’m not so sure on the album? Maybe something from the early the 1980s… Foreigner, Air Supply, John Cougar… but best would be Springstein’s Born in the USA (1984).

Contemporary Standard} Thanks for your time and good luck for everything

Gitman} Thank you, buddies.

❶ e ❷ Fall/Winter 2009 collection shirts, inspired by Fall/Winter 1980 collection

❸ The quintessential white oxford point for Spring/Summer 2010
❹ Cotton madras for Spring/Summer 2010