The Convert Blogspot

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The latest trip to Las Vegas was once again a success in terms of finding awesome clothing for the store (actually awesome on a personal level as well, as I got to see the Black Keys).

Black Keys at the AG Party

Highlights included Kasil (again) …

Kasil womens pant for fall '11

… Kanvis (again),

Kanvis Jacket for fall '11

Kanvis woven plaid shirt

… and Madison Park.

Madison Park Cargo Pant

Had a great meeting with Jeffrey Campbell, who has graciously allowed me to rummage through his magnificent collection and come up with some eco friendly takes on his designs. With his direction I think they came out pretty sweet. I’ll update you when I have styles in hand, which shouldn’t be too long, as Jeffrey works quickly. Got to love that.

Also like to give a small shout to two non domestic lines that I love but cannot at the moment buy: Life/After/Denim  and Creep. Both are great looking and well priced, but completely Chinese made and non-organic. I am going to work on these lines and try to get them to do something Earth friendly.

Overall, I loved the atmosphere at the shows. Hopeful, I would say. Lots of smiles, lots of orders written, better sales stories from across the country. Very different from two seasons ago. So I hope that positive attitude rubs of on consumers as well, because we have excellent stuff coming into the store at this very moment. Newness from Kasil, Kanvis, Native, Crate, Obey, Leftfield, Spiewak, J Brand (mens), Fortunate Son, Madison Park. Love to see you anytime. 

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First, the revamped Project show, cleaned up and back to it’s former glory.  No shortage of made-in-the-US brands either.

Standouts included Kasil Workshop for men, where I geeked out over the wool cargo pants, a loose fit, tapered ankle piece of awesomeness that will be on my body when it delivers in July.  (Got a quick preview of Taylor Jacobson’s womens fall line.  More to come on that later).

Wool cargo pants by Kasil

Also loved the clean, sophisticated look of Spurr, by Simon Spurr, definitely a designer on his way to the big time.  All made in US, so great for the store.  A little pricey for me, but the quality is there, so will last a long while.  Won’t go out of style either, as these are all timeless looks.  Loving the long sleeve green pique polo.

Spurr mens jacket

Spurr long sleeve polos

Jump over to Capsule, a more forward brand show featuring many local New York designs as well as great European fashion.  Standout here was ironically from LA.   I already carry the line Crate, so know it fits great and guys love it, so really excited to see the line grow in size and style.  Especially loved the vests and jackets for Fall.   Best part, everything is made from dead stock fabrics, which means they have been sitting in a warehouse waiting for a cool designer to find them and create something fantastic.  Crate delivers.

More updates to come.

PS – best burger ever at DBGB on Bowery.  Made up for the lousy weather.

Crate vest made of dead stock

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Saturday the 18th was an interesting  and enlightening day at the store. We’ve been open for 7 months now and it’s been relatively smooth sailing, with the weather cooperating, brisk sales and very few employee mishaps. So, our first real test came when the power went out just as the Saturday shopping crowd started coming out in force. Now I’m a live in the moment kind of guy and some things I just forget to plan for in advance, so I had no back up system, no manual credit card machine and the first thought was to close the store. But the store does have a good amount of natural light and I figured we could wing it with the credit cards. I have to send a big thank you to everyone that came in and had the patience to let us help them though dimly lit racks, having to go outside to get a good look at the color of the garment they were trying on and waiting patiently as we wrote down everything and tried to remember elementary math. We ended up having a great day and got to know our customers a little better and we like what we saw. I will say right now I  have the best customers around and am grateful to be a part of the 4th street experience.

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I would like to thank each and every one of you that attended our Obey launch event. I know how hard it can be to step out on a weeknight, but you came in, shopped and ate and drank like veterans, and made our night a true pleasure. Congrats to the winners of the signed Shepard Fairey prints and books. Look forward to seeing you at upcoming events for Nau and The Furies. Lots of fun in the works.

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I can truly say I have never had so many awesome clothes at one time in the store. Now is the time to come let me put you in a new outfit. It’s my obsession, so help me live it! Come get dressed up and we’ll put your photo on the website. See you soon.

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