Fashion Icons of the Prairie: Isaiah Edwards Edition

Walnut Grove, Minn.-Welcome to The Prairie Review’s newest column, Fashion Icons of the Prairie! In this column, we pay tribute to the fashionable folks of Walnut Grove and the surrounding area and break down exactly what makes them fashion icons. Love them or hate them, you have to admire a sense of style!

In this edition of Fashion Icons of the Prairie, we take a closer look at Isaiah Edwards’ iconic style.

Isaiah Edwards: The Basics

What basic elements make Isaiah Edwards’ fashion iconic? Well, for starters, he displays a level of commitment that is rivaled only by his commitment to “Old Dan Tucker.” You’ll see Isaiah rolling around town almost exclusively in his plaid shirt and dirty old hat. You might ask yourself if perhaps he should get a new hat or wash the one he has, but rough and tumble Isaiah can’t be bothered–and that’s just one of the things that makes him iconic!

What We Love About Isaiah’s Fashion

What’s not to love about it? Well, as long as you want specifics, here we go!

• He owns more than one shirt, but it’s not something he brags about. You’re probably thinking to yourself that Isaiah has only one shirt. Don’t worry, a lot of people think that. However, Isaiah himself confirms that he owns another shirt when he agrees to babysit the Ingalls children while Charles takes Caroline on a holiday after he goes home to grab it. Astute observers will notice that while his shirts are very similar, there are some slight differences that are noticeable to the fashion-aware among us. Nonetheless, it is verifiable that he owns very few shirts.
• He has mastered the art of the tease. Isaiah almost always displays just a bit of his long johns, especially his sleeves and a bit around his neck area. You’ll see just enough to have a taste of what’s going on underneath all that plaid, but you’ll have to use your imagination for the rest!
• His limited wardrobe frees his mind for creative pursuits. Studies show that successful people wear the same thing every day. By not wasting time picking out clothes, more energy is left to devote to pursuits that lead to success. You might not think of Isaiah as particularly successful, but we humbly take this opportunity to remind you that he mastered making his own liquor, learned to read as an adult, learned sign language, and saved an orangutan’s life. As if that’s not enough, Isaiah is always ready to go searching for missing children and what not at the drop of a hat because he doesn’t have to waste time thinking about what to wear or organizing outfits for an extended trip.
• He is practical. Isaiah knows that on the prairie, you never know what you’re going to encounter or when you’re going to get a hankering to spit only to have the wind turn and that spit flies right back in your face. His scruffy beard is perfect for concealing misdirected spit!