May 23, 2013

The Art of Looking Good

With the menswear boom currently hitting the market, the art of looking good has become universal. Shopping designer duds, accessorizing, and beauty are no longer just acceptable for women. Whether you're the manly type, feminine or somewhere in between, men now have access to everything woman do and more importantly, they're interested in experimenting with it. While guys still want functionality and practicality in their clothing, they also want to be well dressed and looking sharp. For the average guy, being stylish is the new cool.

We've talked about the growth of menswear before and mentioned one of our favorite brands, Ernest Alexander. However, lately the menswear market has reached a whole new level of popularity as many continue to follow in Ernest Alexander's footsteps and expand from online to offline. If you're looking for some sweet new menswear finds, look no further than Crosby Street in SoHo, which is quickly making a name for itself as a prime destination for menswear.

photo via Daily Candy

Located at 63 Crosby, Carson Street Clothiers was founded by two attorneys and specializes in a rustic All-American look. Upon walking into the store, one can't help but appreciate the custom cabinetry, industrial worktables, brown leather sofas, and vintage trunks. Did we mention they even have a stocked mini fridge full of beer and liquor? With an inventory of private label, domestically produced shirting, trousers, ties, pocket squares, blazers, and made-to-measure suiting, nothing is more important than tradition here. The shop also carries established and emerging labels that include Michael Bastian, Ovadia & Sons, Patrick Ervell and Mark McNairy, among many others.

video via Bonobos

Bonobos, the former online only retailer, has opened a second "guideshop" in New York City this month, but this time they have set up shop right in SoHo. These "guideshops" provide men with try-on samples as well as the opportunity to shop with a complimentary Bonobos Guide who can educate them on fit and provide them with expert style tips for their current wardrobe. This space will be much like its appointment-only Chelsea location where customers can order in store and have merchandise shipped to their homes.

photo via Saturdays

Right next store sits the downtown surf shop/expresso bar, Saturdays which has successfully been around since August 2009. As you step in, the shop begins as a minimalist coffee bar, which eventually makes way to a California cool lifestyle shop, selling rare boards and upscale wetsuits for that inner beach bum Manhattanite. In the back, you'll find a hidden patio surrounded by plants, high-end surfboards and native New Yorkers soaking up some sun.

photo via WWD

It's not only about new designers and brands, but existing ones expanding into the menswear market. For instance, Macy's is set to introduce a new private label for men called the Bar III Carnaby Collection. The British inspired collection is modern and sophisticated, full of tweeds, herringbones, corduroys, checks, florals, and rich colors. Reminiscent of London's Savile Row, this new line is part of Macy's Impulse department and yet another effort the retailer has made to target Millennials.

photo via amazon.com

Amazon is even jumping on the bandwagon with the launch of its men's grooming store. The new addition is broken down into six categories that include shave, skin care, body care, hair care, oral care and kits and gift sets, where men can explore must-have products, read reviews and even experiment with new grooming regimens. Not only is Amazon's take on men's grooming curated, but it takes an editorial approach by partnering with Men's Fitness to offer How-to-Guides such as "5 Steps to the Perfect Shave."

photo via WWD

Mickey Drexler's son, Alexander is the next designer to watch as he debuts his label, Alex Mill, for both men and boys this fall. With a resume that includes work at Gryphon and Steven Alan, his first collection will focus on casual woven shirts, t-shirts and denim. According to the cofounder of Odine, Eddy Chai, "We liked the line. It has some really interesting fabrics and nice details like different buttons and triple-stitch details on some of the shirts. It's very affordable and approachable for most guys."

From the explosion of e-commerce sites to shops popping up all over downtown New York to large companies launching menswear brands, right now men are looking hot! Companies are finally seeing a niche in the market as they shift away from oversaturated womenswear fashions. With new trends constantly emerging, fresh designers and brands popping up daily, and the latest news spreading at the click of a finger, the only thing that will never go out of style is looking good.

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