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Retail Spotlight: Roden Gray

A good store is as strong as the brands it carries. Still, not every retailer is lucky enough to offer a wide variety of top names when they first start out. That is, unless your rep is like Rob Lo, co-owner of Vancouver’s one-stop shop Roden Gray.

As the former manager and buyer for Bruce and Richard Kidd, Lo was responsible for stocking labels like Ksubi, YMC, and even Supreme. After Richard Kidd closed their doors in 2007, Rob and his partner David Fernandez continued the legacy by taking that same fine brand selection to Roden Gray.

Inside the gray walled interor, RG has something for everyone. This fall, the fashion-forward boutique will carry a mix of American, Japanese, and European imported styles. Comme des Garcons Play, Wings + Horns, Swear footwear, and vintage watches by Rolex, Omega, and Panerai will be amongst the bevvy of quality products. See more photos of RG after the jump.

Popularity: 23% [?]

Retail Spotlight: Yigal Azrouël

If you’ve ever walked around NYC’s Meatpacking District, you’ve seen the metro-sexual douches in Italian suits skipping the line at the club. Luckily, Israeli designer Yigal Azrouël, whose store is located in this neighborhood, knows that not every dude needs to try so hard to stunt.

When the store opened up in 2003, Azrouël focused on lady’s clothing. Then just last year, he developed gear for guys like hoodies, premium leather jackets, cardigans, and gingham shirts, all featuring his signature attention to detail. Sneaker vets K-Swiss even commissioned Yigal to design another line of kicks for this fall, which will be available at his boutique. See a few photos of what Azrouël has in store after the jump.

Popularity: 63% [?]

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: 55DSL Has A Birthday Bash

55DSL is free at last. When Diesel (known best for premium denim) opened its Union Square store in 2001, they nestled their sports-inspired off-shoot, 55DSL, in the rear. Today, the Italian brand celebrates the 1 year anniversary of their own store with a party at their SoHo location. Hold your gifts, because all party patrons (21 and over) get 20% off all items tonight. View the invite and a product gallery after the jump.

Popularity: 90% [?]