The Original Take Ivy

In 1946, Alfred Eisenstaedt, the legendary German photojournalist who rose to fame by capturing some of the world's best-known images, was commissioned by LIFE magazine to document daily campus life at Howard University, a prestigious Historically Black College and University (HBCU).

What he inadvertently captured was a visual archive of impeccable style: students in tailored garments, assembled into a distinct Look that was prevalent at HBCUs in the 1940s. This occurred 20 years before Teruyoshi Hayashida’s iconic photography book, Take Ivy, was published.

At its core, Howard students effortlessly wore timeless, classic pieces that transcend the decades and remain as stylish today as they did over 80 years ago.

Notably, our founder and creative director’s mother, after whom Gilda George Tennis Club is named, was accepted into Howard University. This is the same alma mater as U.S. Madam Vice President Kamala Harris and civil rights activist Stokely Carmichael (Kwame Ture), who popularized the phrase “Black Power” in the 1960s and 1970s.

Students studying in the Reading Room of Howard University Library. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

Women's tennis at Howard University. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

A co-ed student on campus. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

The Howard University campus and students. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

Two co-ed students on the campus. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

Eugene Brown, a business major at Howard University. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

Women's golf at Howard University. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

John C. Norman, a freshman at Howard University. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.

A meeting of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Howard University. Alfred Eisenstaedt, 1946.