Unique graduation gifts for guys: 5 modern takes on classic presents for stylish men
With graduation around the corner, here are some gift ideas for guys that put a unique spin on some old standbys, courtesy of a new generation of entrepreneurs. From a book about surviving life in the digital age to a luxury watch without the luxury price-tag, there are options for any budget
24 Hours in Denver, Featuring Homer Reed — and Snow
On a quick and unexpectedly snowy May trip to Denver, Modern Fellows caught up with the gentlemen of Homer Reed. Longstanding independent menswear stores are an increasingly-rare breed these days, so it was nice to meet a group of professionals who were optimistic about their economic prospects and enthusiastic about their product mix.
How Pakistan, the Peace Corps and USTR spawned Georgetown’s New Stealth Tailors
While entrepreneurs often jump from business school or the corporate world to start a new business, others take a different path. This is the improbable story of two development professionals trying to change the world through men’s clothing: Introducing J&C Suiting, Georgetown’s new stealth tailors of affordable custom menswear.
Review: VM Clothiers’ Custom Dress Shirts
Down the street from the White House, Vishal Mirpuri is building a solid reputation in the District of Colombia for affordable custom suits and shirts. Over the past several months, Modern Fellows tried out and tested two of VM Clothiers’ custom dress shirts and, in the process, got a feel for Vishal’s approach to men’s clothing and customer service.
In Raleigh, Lumina Clothing Showcases American Manufacturing and Southern Style
Founded in 2009, North Carolina-based startup Lumina Clothing opened a flagship store in downtown Raleigh in November 2012, which showcases their growing line of men’s clothing and accessories along with a selection of complementary products from up-and-coming American manufacturers. Modern Fellows took a tour during a recent visit to the Triangle
Celebrating Milestones, Start-ups American Trench, Black Lapel and Peter Field Look Ahead
Circling back with three start-ups that celebrated milestones in recent weeks, Modern Fellows looks into life after successful Kickstarter campaigns and how to build a community in the global digital marketplace:
Inside the Indochino Traveling Tailor’s Visit to Washington DC
The gang from Indochino, including CEO Kyle Vucko and President Heikal Gani, has arrived in Washington. From March 2nd through the 10th, the company’s tailors and stylists will show customers around their product line of suits, shirts and accessories and take measurements out of Living Social’s 918 F Street NW location.
Introducing Peter Field American-made Custom Ties
In this age of customization, it is a wonder more attention hasn’t been paid to ties. Entrepreneur Nicholas Monterotti is looking to shine a brighter light on bespoke neckwear and American manufacturing through his startup, Chicago-based Peter Field, which is in the middle of a Kickstarter funding campaign.
Indochino CEO Kyle Vucko Previews the Company’s March Traveling Tailor Visit to DC
Vancouver and Shanghai-based e-commerce pioneer Indochino is bringing its traveling tailor to Washington, DC March 2-10. Modern Fellows spoke with co-founder and CEO Kyle Vucko in advance of the trip about quality control, scaling up, and what Washingtonians should expect when Indochino occupies Living Social’s experimental live event space at 918 F Street NW next month.
Bucking the Trend, Zkano’s Gina Locklear Carves Out an Organic Niche for Alabama Socks
Meeting entrepreneurs is often inspirational, especially when they fly cheerfully in the face of conventional wisdom. Gina Locklear launched Zkano socks in 2009 in Fort Payne, Alabama after much of the South’s once-booming textile and apparel production moved off-shore. Zkano’s story suggests opportunities remain for American manufacturing in an age of global competition.
Can Bonobos’ Alternative Retail Concept Gain Traction? A preview of the E-Tailer’s Georgetown Guide Shop
After arriving in the DC market via a temporary presence on Bethesda Row over the holidays, innovative menswear e-commerce retailer Bonobos is set to open a permanent Guide Shop in Georgetown on January 29. Here’s a look at their new digs
Review: Ratio Clothing’s “Handcrafted in North Carolina” Dress Shirt
Over the past several months, Modern Fellows put two of Ratio Clothing’s custom dress shirts through the motions. We found a remarkable and competitively-priced American-made dress shirt that uniquely balances convenience, fit, fabric and a desire to make sure the customer is happy with the final product.
Dressing Sharp in the Digital Age
MF focuses on the entrepreneurs who are driving affordable custom tailoring, emphasizing American manufacturing, and making properly fitting clothing more accessible and interesting in the digital age. It is written by a DC-based professional who believes that the best way to face an increasingly overloaded and uncertain world is to dress sharp.
