My friends over at WANT recently opened up a new retail shop in the heart of Wesmount. They threw an opening party sponsored by Veuve Cliquot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What a great way to drink Champagne

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The WANT Apothecary Shop opens in Montreal’s Westmount area.

Montreal, Spring 2011- The WANT Apothecary was conceived as a way to recapture the essence of the intimate, trusted and neighbourly retail experience of a bygone era.

Loosely inspired by the atmosphere of a 19th-century pharmacy, this concept shop presents a unique opportunity for customers to discover a trusted resource for their style and beauty needs.

The shop is carefully curated by Byron and Dexter Peart, designers of the leather-goods brand WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie. Appropriately, the shop embraces the same design ethos as the celebrated accessories brand: timelessness, quality and a modern interpretation of the past.

Situated on the western slopes of Mont Royal, The WANT Apothecary is nestled among boutiques, fine grocers, florists and cafés on charming Sherbrooke Street West. The Peart twins were drawn to this location by the unique heritage of Montreal’s Westmount residential neighbourhood. This multicultural community shares an ever-present enthusiasm for the rich heritage and tradition espoused by WANT.

The WANT Apothecary will stock a selection of narrowly distributed yet highly desired international fashion brands, including Acne, Nudie Jeans, Arc’teryx Veilance, Maison Kitsuné and, naturally, WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie. A carefully edited array of beauty and body-care products including Aesop and Astier de Villatte will round out this selective offering.

Created together with interior designer Maria Rosa di Ioia, the shop features aged herringbone floors, custom-designed dark oak tables and Roll & Hill smoked bulb chandeliers. Natural and classic materials such as American walnut, Bianco Carrara marble and brushed copper lend a sense of tradition and warmth to the environment.

Patrons will enjoy unparalleled personalized service and be encouraged to confidently pamper themselves with smart fashions, beauty products and homewares that fulfill their daily wants and needs.

The WANT Apothecary 4960 Sherbrooke Street West, Montréal, Québec +1.514.484.3555 www.wantapothecary.com

 

Atlanta is home to a really dope shop and brand that I’ve profiled before, Stivers Row. They carry mostly their brand and some other great accessories like DITA , Jean Shop and Falling Whistles. Will runs the shop and he treated us like family! I felt like staying there all day and just drink Coronas. As you can see we were all really comfortable chilling.

If I were to describe the vibe of the shop I would say that it embodies a great time capsule of heritage. You can spend time dissecting all the paraphernalia and trinkets. This is really how I would want my living room to look like.

If you are ever in Atlanta make sure you check out Strivers Row.

774 N Highland Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30306-4506, United States
(678) 973-0045

Shout out to Jason Geter and Will  Nguyen

Last week when I was in New York City I visited a new denim shop that was probably the best denim store I’ve seen in my life. I want you to think Bespoke Denim all made in house by qualified seamstresses.

This shop is a must see in New York city.

The denim rages from 300 to 1500 (For a custom fit & pair)

Denim designer/entrepreneur Scott Morrison announces the launch of his new denim brand line, 3×1.  The name is derived from denim’s standard weaving construction, the 3×1 RHT (Right Hand Twill).  The ‘3 by 1’ in (3×1) also represents Morrison’s third concept/founding of a jeans brand. His first company, Paper Denim & Cloth, launched in 1999 and proved to be at the forefront of the premium denim market, while his second denim brand, Earnest Sewn, launched in 2004, and was one of the first to focus exclusively on American heritage products and one of the pioneers of incorporating 3rd party brands and strategic collaborations into his retail concept.

Following the success of his first two brands, Morrison sought to create something that could not be replicated, and in the process, capture the uniqueness of New York City, the place he calls home.   3×1 (Made Here) is inspired not only by the city, but also by the people, the heightened pace, the international culture and its manufacturing and apparel legacy, each completely unique to NYC.    3×1’s offering of men’s and women’s denim products are each in of themselves limited-edition styles, as the in-house production is limited to between 8-24 pieces of any given style, and less than 25 pieces are made per day.  A bespoke denim service is also offered, allowing patrons to work individually with Morrison and his pattern-maker to create his or her own pair of jeans from start to finish. The fabric selection offered to customers consists of more than 60 unique selvedge denims from around the world (primarily for men), and as many as 50 varieties of denims and twills specific to women.

Based in Manhattan’s SOHO District, the ‘3×1 Made Here’ brand experience is part retail store and part gallery space, with a complete jean manufacturing facility at its center.  Shoppers can watch jeans being constructed from start to finish behind three glass-walled rooms within the retail store.  Sewers, cutters, patternmakers, and designers are all completely immersed in their process, and customers are offered a one of a kind perspective and experience into how jeans are designed, developed and produced.  Never before has there been a store concept that marries the production process with the retail environment, and by design, Morrison has achieved a level of transparency that is the first of it’s kind, anywhere in the world.

“People love to learn how things are made, at least I always have, and there’s something magical about seeing the process itself.  Perhaps it’s a sign of the times, but the thought that seems most relevant to me today is one of transparency, value, and uniqueness.”  To facilitate his unique vision, 3×1 incorporates each of the processes of design, patternmaking and sewing quite literally into their modern gallery/retail/work space and the result is like nothing you’ve ever seen.   “It’s a bit like looking into, and working in, Santa’s workshop” says Morrison.

‘3×1 Made Here’ is located at 15 Mercer Street, on the same block as other fashion notables such as Alexander Wang and around the corner from Opening Ceremony.  The 4,000 square foot retail space is open to the public on Wednesday – Sunday (11am – 7pm), while bespoke appointments are typically reserved for Monday and Tuesday.   In addition to 3×1’s line of men’s and women’s denim, bespoke jeans, and fashion accessories, the store will also offer a few select brands, products, and unique items that share the brand’s ideology pertaining to quality, attention to detail, and exclusivity.

3×1

15 Mercer St.

NY, NY 10013

info@3×1.us

212.3×1.NYNY

Courtesy of 3×1 | Photographer Ian Allen

Take a look at A.P.C.’s new Flagship store in NYC.

Designed by architect Laurent Deroo

A.P.C.
92 Perry Street
New York, NY 10014

via HB

Check out my homies spot called Coat of Arms in the LES, the place where I got this. They specialize in vintage sportswear and hard to find products.

43 Clinton St. New York, NY 10002

between Stanton St. & Rivington St.

Lower East Side NYC

I did some shopping there over the holidays handpick up some items from some my favorite brands. The store is on Crescent street surprisingly. Check them out and tell them Marcus Troy sent you.

“Tozzi is an upscale menswear boutique for those who are looking to build their perfect wardrobe. Opened fall 2010 by Joey Tozzi, a fashion buyer with over a decade of experience, Boutique Tozzi is Montréal’s premier destination for those on the hunt for the latest and most tasteful in menswear. Located in the heart of Crescent Street, the boutique is surrounded by magnificent architecture, lively cafés and some of Montréal’s most exciting clubs. The minimalist all-wood Zen décor compliments the extensive selection of today’s best labels and top designers offered at this unique spot. Our customers will enjoy a relaxing shopping experience in a peaceful environment, while sampling a selection of the trendiest brands of men’s clothing and accessories.”

Converse’s SoHo Store to Offer the Largest Converse
Footwear Collection in the World

Special Men’s & Women’s Product Offering Including
the Launch of an Exclusive Apparel and Accessories Collection
and One-Of-A-Kind Customization

Unique Design Elements Create a Truly Original Shopping Experience

Converse Inc. announced the opening of its first specialty retail store in Manhattan, opening just weeks after the company’s launch of their first-ever specialty retail store in the Newbury Street neighborhood of Boston, Mass. The new SoHo store located at 560 Broadway and Prince Streets will open Friday, November 26. The heart of Manhattan’s vibrant SoHo shopping district provides an ideal backdrop to showcase Converse’s independent spirit and diverse product offering, including one-of-a-kind footwear, a brand new collection of women’s and men’s apparel and accessories and unique product customization capabilities.

“The Converse brand was first in sports and first in rock ‘n roll so we’re extremely excited to bring our fans the first Converse New York City specialty retail store,” said Michael Spillane, Converse Chief Executive Officer. “Converse has deep roots in New York City culture from basketball to the influential underground music scenes of the 80s and 90s. The newest Converse store will allow visitors to immerse themselves in a unique Converse experience. The varied product assortment will amaze and delight consumers looking for new and exclusive ways to engage with our brand.”

The SoHo store will offer the largest offering of Converse footwear in the world, showcasing the breadth of the brand’s collections including Chuck Taylor All Star, Jack Purcell, Star Chevron, One Star and Converse by John Varvatos, as well as other premium footwear collaborations. Additionally, a new line of men’s and women’s apparel and accessories grounded in the company’s American heritage of sports and rock ‘n roll will give consumers a true head-to-toe innovative shopping experience. The Converse apparel collection includes a range of graphic t-shirts, denim and outerwear. New York exclusive merchandise, including over 20 exclusive footwear styles and limited edition “I Star Chevron” graphic tees featuring New York City’s iconic boroughs and neighborhoods will be sold exclusively at the SoHo store. All of New York City’s boroughs are represented plus key neighborhoods such as SoHo, L.E.S., Williamsburg, Coney Island and Hell’s Kitchen, to name a few.

The store’s design features speak directly to Converse’s distinct sport and rock ‘n roll heritage. Converse worked with New York based architecture firm Jennifer Carpenter Architect to preserve as much of the original details of the 110 year old building as possible. The single floor retail space is approximately 7,000 square feet using several reclaimed and natural elements to create a vintage inspired feel. From old gymnasium bleachers and recycled wood flooring to re-used Brooklyn factory parts and iconic New York City imagery, all in-store elements blend to create authentic design details. Tying back to the brand’s 102 year old American heritage, a 13-foot by 35-foot American flag made from 648 pairs of red, white and blue Chuck Taylor All Star shoes will welcome visitors and can be seen through the storefront window.

Taking center stage of the space and the first of its kind is a 40-foot wall featuring an expansive Chuck Taylor All Star footwear collection. White tiled walls throughout the space pay homage to the New York City subway, creating a unique backdrop for the new denim collection, which features 24 styles for women and men.

Another key feature of the New York City store experience will be Converse’s unique customization capabilities for both apparel and footwear available in-store. Converse customization will allow customers to select exclusive product including shoes, t-shirts and bags, along with graphics and colors, to create their very own masterpiece of personal expression. Customization Maestros will be on hand to provide one-on-one assistance with two state-of-the-art printers that will offer over 200 graphic options that will be updated monthly, with plans of inclusion of limited edition selections from collaborations with well-known artists. Customers will be able to create and leave the store with their creations same day with the final product presented in its own special package, taking customization to new heights touching an individual’s inner artist.

The grand opening of the Converse SoHo store will be on Friday, November 26, 2010, opening at 8 am. The store’s normal operating hours will be Monday through Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 7 pm.

Converse ∙ 560 Broadway ∙ New York, NY, 10012 ∙ 212-966-1099

A couple weeks ago I was invited to the media launch of the new Dr. Martens (aka Doc Martens) shop on Queen street in Toronto. I accepted the invitation without hesitation, I was kind of excited to see what the iconic brand was up to since it turned 50. They gathered some of Toronto’s elite taste-makers, bloggers and media to attend this exclusive launch event  at the new store.

Growing up Dr.Martens were definitely the pair of boots to have especially in my high school, they were mostly worn by the “Rockers”  and “Skinheads” but my friends quickly appropriated them after a few R&B groups started wearing them in their videos. The Iconic brand recently celebrated its 50th year anniversary so the store comes at perfect timing for this milestone.

The shop has a very personal ambiance and everything seems so transparent, it feels like you are in someones home. The stockroom is visible trough a Plexiglas so you can see the staff as they are picking your shoes. I was also really impressed with the cash register which  is  a fully functional piano,  how cool is that? The store houses the biggest Dr. Martens selection and limited edition pieces you would ever want, which is great for those hard to find collaborations.  They have a wall dedicated to the 50th anniversary  MADE IN ENGLAND products which is really cool.

I was fortunate enough to get the full tour of the store and a very important history lesson about the brand and the privately owned Dr. Martens company. The Dr. Martens brand has such a rich history that I would love to share it with you guys in another post.

Everyone who attended was gifted a pair of Dr. Martens and if you were lucky you got yourself a special Dr. Martens USB KEY.

If you are ever in the Toronto area make sure you check out the shop and I am sure you will find something that you’ll love.

Thank you Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens
391 Queen Street West
Toronto, Ontario

This new Levi’s Vintage Clothing Shop in Tokyo looks beautiful. I hope to see it next year when I am in Japan. Something about retail really speaks to my heart, I love the merchandising, the product and the layout, all of these elements add to the shopping experience.

They carry the Levi’s xx collection which I spoke a bit about a couple months ago.

“XX” is an abbreviation for “extra extra strong”, an industry reference to the exceptional quality denim used by Levi Strauss & Co. when they created the world’s first pair of jeans in 1873.

Levi’s®XX is home to a team with a passion for simple, authentic and quality products.

* Update I reported earlier that this shop was called the Levi’s xx concept shop but my friends over at Levi’s informed me that the shop is actually called Levi’s vintage clothing.

Store Name: Klaxon Howl

Web site: http://www.klaxonhowl.com/

Address:
694B Queen St. West Toronto, Ontario                                                                                                                                                                    M6J 1E7
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday 12-7 & Sunday 12-6

Store owner/Notable buyer: Matt Robinson

Brands carried/in-house line: Vintage & Klaxon Howl

My ideal outfit from this store: Vintage Canadian Army Jacket, Combat Boots and a Naval hat.

I like the design and vision behind of The Klaxon Howl brand and I feel that the retail space is just a great extension of that. You feel as though you are entering a military bunker They specialize in hard to find vintage army coats and unique workwear items. The store is located in an hidden alley which makes the hunting even better. This is truly a men’s store and you’ll feel great spending some time shopping in there, your girlfriend might be the one waiting for you this time. If ever you get the chance to meet the owner Matt, he is also a great guy.

Photo Credit: Jason Tavares.

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