Style Retail Spotlight: Context Clothing, Wisconsin

STORE: Context Clothing

CITY: Madison, WI

SINCE: 2005

FOUNDED BY: Sam Parker and Ryan Huber

PRICES: $$$ (out of 5)

WHY WE COSIGN: What DQM and UNFTD are to sneaker stores, Context Clothing is to denim shops. Not satisfied with just selling denim, these guys opted to head down the “boutique” path and make the in-store experience just as cool as the product. Much like sneakerheads, denim connoisseurs are often interested in the story behind the final product as much as the item itself. From the quality of the denim to the cut, Context knows everything there is to know and are more than happy to share the wealth (unlike their sometimes overly pretentious cousins in the sneaker industry).

Stocking brands like Atelier LaDurance, A.P.C., Dunderdon, Engineered Garments, Nom de Guerre, Nudie Jeans and Woolrich Woolen Mills, these guys have an eye for quality and that’s for damn sure. So get your denim game as proper as your sneaker collection and make sure to stop buy…if you’re ever in Wisconsin. You would be a fool not to, what else is in Wisconsin?

BRANDS CARRIED: Atelier LaDurance, Nom De Guerre, Nudie, A.P.C., Kicking Mule Workshop, Woolrich Woolen Mills, Wings + Horns, Somet, Shades of Greige, Quoddy, Momotaro, Krane, Kenton Sorenson Leather, Jean Shop, Band of Outsiders, Dunderdon, Canada Goose and Engineered Garments.

For pics of the store, an interview with the owner and contact info, see below…

Style Style & Design 2009: 6 Workwear Brands To Watch

When the Great Depression ended, it wasn’t because of bailouts, but because of effort. We built a new country out of sweat equity, and the clothes we did it in were built for the long run: hardy fabrics, reinforced seams, and everything put together with deference to the way a body moves. And while the value of honest workwear never went away, today more than ever we appreciate the idea of pulling ourselves out of a rut.

Whether it’s classics like Woolrich and Levi’s or modern interpretations like PRPS and Engineered Garments, American style is form and function. No preppy entitlement here, kids; before the yacht clubs and golf shirts, “Americana” meant little more than dependable jeans and self-respect. As a companion to the article in our 2009 Style & Design special, we chose six brands who are keeping the real American aesthetic alive…

Style Deals of the Week: No Mas, Engineered Garments, A.P.C., Band of Outsiders

To make sure you’re rocking the right gear while saving money, each week Complex scours the virtual racks for the best sample and retail sales in our Deals Of The Week post. This week, check out the bargains from No Mas, Stuart & Wright, Alexander McQueen, and more below…

WHO: No Mas
DEAL: Hats are 50% using online code: complex2009
WHEN: Monday, August 3 – Friday, August 14
WHERE: No Mas online store
[No Mas]

Style Buy It Now: Engineered Garments Blue Chambray Ground Jacket

So a begrudging congratulations to Japan for crushing Korean pride (again!) in last night’s World Baseball Classic. In honor of his country’s champs, today’s Buy It Now salutes Daiki Suzuki of Engineered Garments. Mr. Suzuki’s a recent trophy-winner himself, having won last year’s CFDA/GQ Menswear Designer of the Year for his work with Woolrich Woolen Mills. His Engineered Garments brand is acclaimed for its creative interpretations of classic American workwear.

The Blue Chambray Ground Jacket is another E.G. banger with snap buttons and a hood that you can take off to create a totally different look. For Buy It Now info and a bunch of detail pics, see below…