Rowing Blazers x Harry's Bar New York

"Please take me to Sank Roo Doe Noo" allows any American passing through Paris to find the address of the legendary Harry's New York Bar. Founded on November 26, 1911 - Thanksgiving Day - in Paris and nestled in the 2nd arrondissement at 5 Rue Daunou, its walls have seen the likes of Hemingway, Humphrey Bogart and Coco Chanel, and the creation of several cocktails still served and known the world over, such as the "Bloody Mary" (dating from 1921), the "Side Car" (from 1931) and "Le Pétrifiant" (1964), which is said to have caused the drinker to collapse after one glass, such is the strength of its blend of different alcohols!

We were able to sample Hemingway's favorite cocktail, the "Bloody Mary", and warmly recommend this pleasant Franco-American landmark: in the evening, head to the basement for a piano performance - atmosphere guaranteed! 

So much has been said and written about Harry's Bar - whether in Florence or Venice (try their "Bellini", it was invented there!) - we wanted to talk about clothes. Harry's Bar New York has teamed up with New York brand Rowing Blazers to offer a range of merchandise, available here.

Rowing Blazers was founded by Jack Carlson, author of the eponymous book and former rowing champion. An archaeologist by trade, he founded Rowing Blazers with the aim of promoting beauty, and makes a point of collaborating with mythical and offbeat brands and institutions.

As a member of "The International Bar Flies (I.B.F.)" founded by the pioneers of Harry's Bar New York - Harry MacElhone & O.O.McIntyre - it was only logical for him to collaborate with the legendary bar and propose a line of clothing. This secret club even has rules! Here they are:

1. The I.B.F. is a secret and sacred fraternal organization devoted to the up life and downfall of serious drinkers.

2. Members must buy if not at the moment, sometime. What is a decade among friends?

3. Any members of the I.B.F. caught cutting out paper dolls after a bad night must hand in their resignations.

4. Those that come to the Trap at 5 A.M. and are able to play a ukulele without rehearsal are eligible for life membership.

5. Members bumping their chin on the bar rail in the act of falling are suspended for ten days.

6. Members who have the idea they can wallop Dempsey are notified that there is a plastic surgeon on duty night and day close to the traps.

7. It is respectfully suggested to Bar Flies that they do their weeping in the toilet, and also bring their own mops.

8. Those seeing cerise cats with purple ears should keep it to themselves. Traps are not zoological gardens.

9. Those sniffling about “the best little women in the world” and starving for another round must pay for it.

10. Remember, nothing is on the house but the roof.

11. Those who decide drinking is a menace are welcome at all times but should just keep quiet.

12. And remember that there are a lot of boys in the rear who might want something.

13. Backslappin after six drinks be tempered with mercy remember, I.B.F.’s have false teeth.

14. Any members breaking any of the above rule will be penalized drinks to all I.B.F.’s present.

We've fallen for the t-shirt with its print of two clashing flies, the symbol of Harry's Bar. The t-shirt is made of thick cotton with a pleasant hand feel, and manufactured in Portugal. Available here.