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Retail Spotlight: Coat Of Arms

It’s kinda crazy watching kids who were born in 1991 dressing like it’s 1988. Luckily, there’s one streetwear outpost that schools kids on the authentic styles from the era: Coat Of Arms. The Lower East Side shop, which opened almost a year ago, digs up real remnants from the past, like rare Ralph Lauren gear and Starter jackets.

Owner Naghman Chaudry initially wanted to open a boutique that would house his burgeoning clothing line Subscript. But as the plans came to fruition with partner Brian Procell, they became the bridge between fashion’s old and new school, carrying brands like Rockers NYC, Prada, WESC, Creative Recreation, and vintage BAPE. “It’s like being an urban archeologist—you’re literally digging up everything that was ill in the hood back in the day,” says Procell. See photos from the store’s interior after the jump.

Popularity: 81% [?]

Retail Spotlight: Rogan’s Bowery Outpost

Photo: Piera Gelardi

Rogan Gregory gets cooler with every move he makes. The eco-friendly designer that built the Rogan fashion house also launched organic clothing lines Loomstate and Edun, a collaboration with Bono and wife, Ali Hewson. Recently, he made another major move by opening his second store in New York’s Lower East Side. The new location, which carries all the previously mentioned chic brands, is located in an actual NY landmark—the Bouwerie Lane Theatre—which was constructed in 1874. Grab a quick look at the shop’s interior after the jump.

Popularity: 85% [?]

Retail Spotlight: Alife’s Tokyo Flagship Opens

Alife’s modest approach to cool streetwear and sneakers has brought them pretty far since operating out of NYC’s Lower East Side store front for over a decade. Try three more stores: Vancouver in 2005, Los Angeles in 2007, and now the brand new Tokyo flagship, all with their own unique design concepts. The latest Tokyo store follows the aesthetic with a quote that greets customers, “Lead, follow or get the hell out of the way.” Once inside, a giant tank with a collection of their signature RTFT and ARC shoes are on display. See more photos of the Japan’s newest import after the jump.

Popularity: 85% [?]

Retail Spotlight: Dunderdon’s New SoHo Space

After three years of operating out of the small SoHo retail space on Lafayette St., the Swedish fashion import Dunderdon relocated to a bigger location on 25 Howard St. this past March. The brighter, spacious flaghship is living proof that Dunderdon paid its dues coming up from the dark, industrial theme of their old home. This year’s line of jackets, pants, shirts, and hoodies meets the needs of both form an function. Design director Carlos Salazar creates durable jackets, complete with plenty of pockets (including a few hidden ones), and rich colored T-shirts with a lyric from The Smiths emblazoned on the front—”Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.” Take a look at a few more Dunderdon products in the gallery after the jump.

Popularity: 85% [?]

Retail Spotlight: YMC’s New Website

London’s exclusive fashion staple, YMC (short for You Must Create) just got more accessible. Since it’s based overseas, and only available in select boutiques stateside, the brand birthed by Fraser Moss and Jimmy Collins in 1995 is embracing the world of online shopping with their new Flash enabled website. Now anyone from the SoHo stalwarts to skate punks can put together complete outfits before they buy YMC’s goods. Catch a glimpse of their new spring line and bags after the jump.

Popularity: 84% [?]

LRG & Corvoisier’s Spring Time Tour

The sun is out, the leaves are green, so it’s only right that Courvoisier and LRG are here to put spring in your step. As part of their new promotional campaign that kicks off this week, each city on their five stop tour will host a different pop-up shop, featuring a variety of collaborated LRG x CV products, from flat screen TVs to bicycles. This week, Los Angeles is home to the party with DJ Vice spinning on the wheels of steel. See a few of the items on display and a full schedule of the tour after the jump.

Popularity: 85% [?]

Tip of the Week: Denim 101

Illustration by Mike Davis

Owning a pair of jeans means much more than having the receipt to prove it. Every detail from the fit in the waist to the cuff must meet your needs—you’re the one that has to wear it. So make it yours with these simple denim-related tips. After the jump, get instructions on caring for your denim, what to look for when you’re shopping for denim, and the best way to style your denim.

Popularity: 85% [?]

Public School Is The Next Brand To Watch

Photo: Freshnessmag

Besides being one dimensional, fashion statements are just too cliché. As those “rebellious” motorcycle jackets peel off into the sunset, New York’s it-designer Dao-Yi Chow is makng noise with Public School’s conversation pieces that speak volumes.

Popularity: 89% [?]

Free Cotton Bales In NYC

Photo: Almost Girl

Over in SoHo, NYC you might notice a small cotton field. In case you’re questioning what era we’re currently in, yes it’s 2008, and no this is not some weird demonstration by those Truth renegades to get you to stop smoking. The plush spectacle is actually a part of a new marketing campaign by Supima (the folks behind US Pima), educating consumers on the source of one of the world’s most integral textiles.

Popularity: 90% [?]