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Classic remains cult.
What makes a classic a classic
Why do some designs remain timeless –
regardless of fashion or taste Perhaps
because style arises where function and
aesthetics meet Regardless of whether the
classic itself is a Volkswagen Beetle or a
tweed flat cap. A man looks into the camera,
leaning casually on one arm. He wears a
cream pullover, dark blue trousers combined
with white tennis socks and loafers. Behind
him his car: the chromed hubcaps and
polished bumper shining in the sunlight.
The car is a fire-red Volkswagen Beetle
convertible. The name of the man is
Paul Newman.
The picture was taken during the late 1960s and
immortalises two famous figures for all time.
Because classics are timeless. Whereas taste
may change over the years, some lines remain
untouched by the passage of time and create
milestones throughout the history of design.
They may be quoted and even slightly modified,
yet their true form always remains apparent.
The shape of the Beetle has been contemporary
ever since the 1970s and Newman's style
can be seen today on runways in Milan and
Paris under the name "preppy style". The term
"preppy style" arose in the 1950s: In the United
States, the abbreviation "prep" described pupils
at private college preparatory schools and
"preppy" described the neat and sporty clothing
style of the well-off New England students.
"Classics are timeless."
Within the space of only a few years the look
went on to become the most popular dress code
in Hollywood. Not only with Paul Newman:
Steve McQueen frequently wore a trenchcoat
and Clint Eastwood polo shirts, whereas Warren
Beatty preferred chinos. The stars of the silver
"There are designs which
cannot be improved."
screen, clad in fashion classics. Then as now.
When one asks what makes a classic a classic,
then it quickly becomes apparent that a classic's
roots often lie in its effectiveness. There is a
reason why designers, artists and architects
have long wrestled with the challenge of
"form follows function". This had precious little
to do with fashion. Rather, protection against
rain, heat or cold were the central issues.
The clothing had to be functional – and longlasting.
The materials were high-quality and
durable, the design simple and yet sophisticated.
"There are designs which cannot be improved"
was the slogan of a Volkswagen advertisement
at the beginning of the 1960s. This same slogan
could be said to apply just as well to the preppy
style's immortal fashion classics. Whether a Golf
or a raincoat, a Volkswagen Beetle or a T-shirt:
They all began with the idea of convincing
functionality, the desire for durability, the love
of detail, and the drive to create a lasting,
rational and reliable product for many people.
And in the end In the end, we will sit in a
Volkswagen and on the passenger seat lies a
racing jacket bearing the famous red and white
stripes or a pouch bag bearing our shopping.
We put on a pair of fine leather driving
gloves, adjust our T-shirt beneath the seatbelt
and drive off into the sunset. Perhaps today,
perhaps in 20 years. Because some things
remain unchanged ... and always will.
Written by Wiebke Brauer
Volkswagen Classic · 85