Men on a Shopping Spree
Even with stepped up competition from Web-based retailers and department stores, New York's multibrand menswear boutiques are more than holding their own — with some opening up new locations, and others moving to larger spaces. Here are some of the standout spring offerings at such stores throughout the city.
ATELIER
At Atelier in SoHo, design is all about details: Black-and-white silk plackets adorn a cotton dress shirt by Ann Demeulemeester ($290), while a pair of heavy black linen pants ($1,400) by MA+ designer Maurizio Amadei has only a raw seam in place of a waistband. And some of the store's most futuristic designs are also the most retro: Attachment's robe-like, knit hoodie ($390) comes with its own metal clasp, evoking a time before zippers or buttons. Given Atelier's success, the store will triple in size when it moves south to Hudson Street in April. (125 Crosby St., between Houston and Prince streets, 212-941-8435, ateliernewyork.com)
DAVIDE CENCI
A range of suit lines including Cantarelli, Belvest, and Santandrea are at the core of Davide Cenci's offerings. At the Upper East Side store, suits can run as much as $3,800. Slimmer cut Cantarelli blazers and sport coats start at $1,150. Though the rich plaids of winter are now gone, shoppers will find color in gingham shirts by Orian ($198), shown in the store with a pinstriped Belvest suit and a silk tie, featuring apple slices ($125), by Personality.
(801 Madison Ave., between 67th and 68th streets, 212-628-5910, davidecenci.com)
HOLLANDER & LEXER
Brian Cousins and Hicham Benmira's Boerum Hill boutique Hollander & Lexer is a dark and fragrant place, where mounted antlers and timeworn portraits adorn the walls. Even for spring, the color palette is relatively dark. Winning looks, now on the racks, include an Engineered Garments black, pinstriped cotton pants ($225), vest ($210), and jacket ($385) ensemble that evokes Daniel Day-Lewis in "There Will Be Blood." It is a look complemented by the store's own label of collarless shirts ($160). According to Mr. Cousins, menswear this spring, more than in the past, incorporates solid colors: "Prints and graphics have almost been eliminated," he said. Some of the store's more unusual accessories include antique bronze rings ($200–$450). (358 Atlantic Ave., between Bond and Hoyt streets, Brooklyn, 718-797-9190)
OAK
According to the co-founder of Oak, Louis Terline, the store's typical customer lives (and works) in denim. This spring, Oak's jeans selection for men ($154–$335) includes the Nudie and Acne labels, as well as the store's proprietary brand of denim — sold in traditional hues, as well as in bright yellow, green, and electric blue. Meanwhile, patchwork short-sleeve shirts by Band of Outsiders ($238), sleeveless hoodies by Endovanera ($149), and lambskin and suede high-top sneakers by Generic Man ($282) are also available. Launched in Brooklyn, Oak crossed the bridge last month, opening its third store in NoLIta.
(28 Bond St. at Lafayette Street, 212-677-1293; 208 N. 8th St., between Roebling Street and Driggs Avenue, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, 718-782-0521, and 668 President St. at Fifth Avenue, 718-857-2080, oaknyc.com)
PETER ELLIOT
The founder of the 31-year-old Peter Elliot boutique, Peter Elliot Rabin, said that the store's selection this season is all about "color, color, color!" Now on the racks are Borrelli's lightweight cashmere sweaters in green and orange ($490 and up) and wing-collared casual shirts in various shades of pink and purple ($390). Peter Elliot Blue, nearby, features oversize floral ties ($145) and silk pocket squares woven like Oxford cloth ($65) by Altea; tropical-themed swimwear by Kiwi ($94–$115), and deep discounts on fall and winter attire from last season. (1070 Madison Ave. at 81st Street, 212-570-2300; Peter Elliot Blue, 997 Lexington Ave. at 72nd Street, 212-570-2301)
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