Where to Shop (Not Zara Edition)
Helping you discover brands with a unique edge
It’s been a while since my last post (time flies, right?). To usher in a new wave of fall content, I wanted to talk about brands that have caught my eye. From bold marketing to eye catching pieces that make me wish I could drag and drop them directly into my closet, these are brands pushing boundaries in the menswear space. Here is a list of brands that are doing well/have the potential to capture a share of the menswear market.
Some of these brands are either firmly rooted in menswear or have a separate menswear section for people looking to add interesting pieces to their wardrobe or perhaps are browsing for some style inspiration beyond Pinterest. Due to the varying price points and aesthetics of these brands, I decided to categorize them into a couple of buckets. “Aspirational” brands are the trendsetters with a strong legacy and high price point”, while “unique” brands offer a fresh, creative take on menswear. Lastly, “on the rise” brands bring that up and coming energy we love to see from Instagram startups.
Hope you enjoy these picks and find some fresh places to browse!
Instagram Brands on the rise
These brands — California Arts, Lemonate, and La Corsia — share an Instagram savvy edge, appealing to a new generation of fashion conscious shoppers. Each brand has a compelling brand ethos, whether it’s merging European design elements with resort wear, blending timeless pieces with streetwear or capturing the West Coast laid back style. They all sell elevated minimalist pieces without looking like carbon copies of each other (I’m looking at you mall brands). For instance, California Art’s vinyl jackets are a refreshing wardrobe staple for those who want to venture beyond the classic leather jacket and come in deep earthy colors perfect for the fall. Lemonate stands out with a solid knitwear and denim collection, offering relaxed silhouettes ideal for a laidback yet stylish look. Finally, La Corsia’s track pants and shorts have a refined versatility that makes them perfect for dressing up or down.
Aspirational Brands
Aspirational brands are mainly associated with luxury giants like LVMH. While a few brands on this list may fall into the mid-range, let’s be real, buying a piece from any of these stores is considered a significant investment. These brands are aspirational not just because of their price but because they began with a strong foundation in menswear, establishing themselves as leaders through unique, high quality designs along with with their perceived exclusivity in the menswear space. Each brand has a cult-like following or founders who are recognized for shaping the fashion industry.
Wales Bonner: This London based label is currently buzzing due to its footwear collaborations with Adidas. Beyond its notoriety, WB combines sportswear and tailoring for everyday wear with design influences inspired by a mix of European and Afro Atlantic heritages.
Our Legacy: Their pieces are inspired by vintage and archival fashion and is widely known for their basics such as their denim, which have a signature wide leg style.
Aimé Leon Dore: Similar to Lemonate yet double the price, Aimé Leon Dore (ALD) is known for their classic menswear pieces which have a streetwear element infused into it.
JW Anderson: If you can’t get enough of the surrealism aesthetic going on at Loewe, check out JW Anderson. Founded by Jonathan Anderson, who also serves as Loewe’s creative director, JW Anderson offers androgynous pieces and playful designs for those wanting to explore gender fluid fashion.
Dries Van Noten: Although Van Noten recently departed from his own namesake label after 38 years in fashion, the brand’s influence shows no signs of waning. Rejecting traditional advertising and logos, DVN emphasizes substance over branding by focusing on bold patterns and gender fluid designs. Fun fact, when DVN landed its first client in 1986, Barney’s New York, the store bought its men’s collection in smaller sizes and sold it as womenswear.
Unique brands
Even though every single brand on this list so far has a certain je ne sais quoi, the brands in the “unique” category stand out for carving their own niche in menswear. Their commitment to originality and distinct design philosophies make them ideal for those seeking pieces that stand out as truly one of a kind.
Bode: Bode is a New York based brand known for creating pieces that feel like they’re straight out of a vintage collection. Founded by Emily Adams Bode, the brand repurposes old fabrics and textiles, bringing a lot of character and history into each piece. Think embroidery, patchwork, and hand-stitched details inspired by American workwear. Bode’s all about sustainability and craftsmanship, giving you clothes that don’t just look cool but also feel like they have a story behind them.
Frescobol Carioca: This brands luxury men’s swimwear and resort wear draws inspiration from the the Carioca lifestyle of Rio De Janeiro. Known for their polos and swim trunks with bold colors and distinctive prints are perfect for a polished, standout look by the beach.
Nude Projects: Nude Projects is a “premium streetwear brand” founded in Barcelona by two college students, but it offers more than just hoodies — it sells a lifestyle and a community. With over a million followers on Instagram, the brand has resonated deeply with Gen Z through engaging storytelling, community focused initiatives and authentic relatability. Nude Projects goes beyond the online realm with a podcast featuring notable guests like Quevedo, the “Nude Cafe” in Barcelona, and pop up events and store locations that bring their digital community into real life (I was so close to visiting when I was abroad in Madrid!)
The story behind Nude Projects is inspiring. For a deeper look into their journey, check out this Forbes Video that dives into their brand story and growth into a $30 million enterprise in just 6 years.
