'The Big Lebowski' cardigan: The sequel, from Pendleton Woolen Mills

[tlongII]

http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/ind...digan_the.html


Jeff Bridges as "the Dude," in "The Big Lebowski," wearing the original cardigan, made by Oregon's Pendleton Woolen Mills.



The new, tribute version of the "Lebowski" sweater, the "Dude Cardigan," will be available in September.


As any fan of "The Big Lebowski" knows, "the Dude" had his own personal style. There's the rug that tied the room together. White Russians, his tail of choice. And his distinctive sweater, a chunky-knit, zip-front cardigan.

Since it debuted in 1998, Joel and Ethan Coen's movie has built a fervent cult of followers who have seen it a zillion times, can recite dialogue from memory, and worship the Dude, the slacker character played with shaggy aplomb by Jeff Bridges.

But even the most diehard "Lebowski" scholars may not know that the Dude's cardigan was made by Oregon's Pendleton Woolen Mills. Or that the original sweater worn by Bridges in the movie is going to be auctioned off May 14-15 in Beverly Hills as part of a multimillion-dollar showbiz memorabilia auction.

As the auction listing for the sweater says: "There were four sweaters made for the production -- this vintage sweater and three modern copies, according to costume designer Mary Zophres. Bridges wore this vintage sweater exclusively during the entire production, preferring to wear it all the time and thus delve deeper into the 'Dudeness' required of the role."

While it will probably sell for big bucks -- the opening bid is $4,000 to $6,000 -- the original sweater was, let's face it, a bit weathered. The Dude wasn't all that persnickety about his wardrobe. But you can also get a brand-spanking new "Dude Cardigan" this September. Pendleton is bringing back a tribute version of the design, inspired by the original, priced at $188.

"We had already decided to bring it back," says Debbie Coryell, manager for men's communications at Pendleton. "We had no idea about the auction."

Obviously, like the man himself, the Dude's cardigan abides.

[Viva Las Espuelas]

I'd buy one but not at that price. Oh, and today's the 10th.

[Dex]

Spending $188 for a knock-off cardigan is very un-Dude.

[jsandiego]

I'm just gonna go find a cash machine..

[CavsSuperFan]

For $188 bucks you can buy a nice rug to really tie the room together…

[Viva Las Espuelas]

[Isitjustme?]

Its weird they have some soap opera looking dude modeling it.

[mrsmaalox]

Its weird they have some soap opera looking dude modeling it.

Very nice