Most likely a reaction the DB’s of my youth, immortalized in the First Communion photos at my parents’ house, I’ve pretty much had a blanket policy against them since I first started dressing myself.  Turns out, that might have been a bit harsh.  The Company of We version nods to its brass-buttoned forebearers, but the slim fit downplays it stodgy past.  Worn with a t-shirt, it’s smart, but definitely on this side of casual.

Company of We isn’t the only label giving the DB another chance live outside of mafiosos and 80′s business tycoons; they’ve been featured prominently in SS 2010 collections from a whole spectrum of designers — from Alexander McQueen to Michael Bastian and everyone in between.

(top row: Company of We, Bottega Veneta, Michael Bastian; middle: Alexander McQueen, Band of Outsiders, Neil Barrett, bottom: Dries van Noten)

The 80′s reference is there, but designers sent them down the runway paired with jeans, shorts, open collars, and boat shoes, updating the look to reflect a more current sensibility.  So, maybe my mom was just ahead of her time when she forced me to rock one back in the early 90′s.  In which case, let me be the first to announce the return of Starter jackets.

Or not.

(Photos via Company of We and NYMag.com)