Spring 2010, Austin
STORE: Stag
SINCE: 2009
FOUNDED BY: "The Five Guys," a.k.a. Ted Allen, Bobby Johns, Joel Mozsersky, Steve Shuck and Don Weir
BRANDS CARRIED:Helm, PF Flyers, Clark's Originals, Frye Boots, Minnetonka shoes, Taschen, Assouline, Burkman Bros., Life After Denim, Alternative Apparel, Oliver Spencer, Dunderdon, Rockmount, RRL, Franklin + Gower, Penfield, Universal Works, Oxen Workwear, Will Leather Goods, Tanner, (MALIN+GOETZ), Jack Black, Dickson Hair Shop, Musgo Real, Alchemy Design, Randolph Engineering, Rogues Gallery and Hamilton Shirts.
WHY WE CO-SIGN: Just as NYC has Odin, Austin has Stag, a menswear store that best represents its modern yet southern swag. Curated like a taxidermist's and stocked with vintage Playboys, you feel as if you'd stepped into a lodge, equipped with a perfectly edited collection, carrying brands like RRL, Penfield, Oliver Spencer, and Alternative Apparel. Obviously, this modern men's clothing store isn't dainty or stuck on themselves. In fact, co-owner Ted Allen best describes it as "authentic red-blooded style" that reflects the city's devotion to casual American workwear. If Steve McQueen, were still alive, he'd definitely hit up this spot. Bet.
Keep reading for an interview with co-founder, Ted Allen...
Spring 2010, Austin
Complex: We've heard that you guys have backgrounds in dealing antiques. How does that influence your aesthetic?
Ted: It greatly influenced our whole business plan. Everything in the store is for sale--from the apothecary tables to the vintage fixtures--we want to sell more than just a men's store.
Complex: What were the main challenges you faced when you opened?
Ted: It was really difficult finding the perfect space but the space we occupy now was formerly a dry cleaner that was built in the '70s, so we decided to keep the wooden fixtures.
Complex: So you must've been psyched to find a spot on South Congress.
Ted: We're pretty fortunate. We're right next door to Uncommon Objects antique shop and surrounded by great Mexican restaurants. The avenue was built in the late '20s so it ties into our theme.
Complex: Where's your favorite place to have lunch?
Ted: The best Mexican restaurant, La Condesa run by Renee Oritz who founded La Esquina in NYC.
Spring 2010, Austin
Complex: What type of dude shops at your store?
Ted: The classic dude. University of Texas is down the street from us so a lot of college students bring their friends and even their dads. We strive to be a timeless brand and as solution based as possible to help the modern consumer.
Complex: What are your favorite pieces?
Ted: We just got a shipment of RRL, it fits the Austin culture and Life After Denim shirts, priced at about $100.
Complex: What was the first designer item you bought or wore?
Ted: Ferragamo loafers which I've resoled three times.
Complex: Oh, those are timeless. What kind of music do you play in the store?
Ted: Beastie Boys, Willie Nelson, and Waylan Jennings.
Complex: What are your bestsellers?
Ted: Burkman Bros., Randolph Engineering, and Baldwin.
BURKMAN BROS. PRINTED IKAT SHORTS $170
RANDOLPH ENGINEERING SUNGLASSES $112
BALDWIN THE REED $215
Complex: How's SXSW going?
Ted: It's like rock-n-roll Christmas all over again. It's insane...
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