A FEW GOOD BRANDS TO KNOW
Walking miles of aisles in Dallas and Chicago, these collections caught my eye.
Field Shop by Hadleigh’s: Established in 2009, this is one of the most compelling offerings I’ve seen anywhere. Founder Ed Shaikh explains that this Dallas-based collection was inspired by the heritage of outdoorsmen but it’s really “classic attire with a modern influence, handcrafted in Italy from the finest materials.” Hunting jackets, fabulous shirts and shooting vests all work perfectly with jeans and boots and are complimented by the beautiful hats, belts and bags. The collection will be officially launched for fall ‘22. For more info: ed@hadleighs.com.
JK-DT is a new brand extension of the Jerry Kaye collection. Jerry Kaye has partnered withdenim maven Ardie Ulukaya for a great new denim-driven statement, including retro photo tees reflecting Kaye’s love for music. (Back story: In 1954, Jerry’s dad, also named Jerry, opened Jerry’s Bar in South Detroit, the first live jazz bar outside the inner city.) The denim component reflects Ardie’s insider knowledge of the business: from slim indigo twills to pigment-dyed hopsack canvas, from blends of cotton/recycled cotton/recycled poly and elastane to BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) fabrics to blends with cotton and Tencel. Wholesale prices range from $76 to $90 with suggested retails from $190 to $225. Other key items: vegetable-tanned leathers, sophisticated knitwear, linen shirts ($114 for $295 retail), and more. For more info: ardie@jerrykayecollection.com.
Emilio Scotti: Harold Master has spent years in the belt business but his Emilio Scotti collection of sustainable belts is brand new. Targeting better specialty stores, this Italian crafted line uses leathers only from certified green tanneries, meaning the skins are tanned with a tree bark process rather than chemicals. Each belt (35 cm, hand-burnished, with shiny or antique finished buckles) is numbered to verify authenticity. Wholesale $32.50 for a suggested retail of $125; delivery 9/25. For more info: h.master@me.com.
Recycled Planet: Stephen Weisbuch thought he was retiring but got an offer he couldn’t refuse. His new men’s/women’s collection of puffer coats, jackets, and vests is both sustainable and well-priced: poly-fills range from $50-$90 costs; repurposed down from $60 to $125. Assuming containers from China actually arrive, these men’s and women’s puffer jackets, coats and vests should have a healthy selling season starting soon! More info at: Stephen@therecycledplanetco.com.
PinoPorte markets itself as “easy everyday essentials” including elevated sportswear, outerwear and leathergoods. My favorite items include a zipfront camo track jacket ($65 for $168 suggested retail), performance stretch joggers ($27.50) and pants ($29.50), a perfect performance travel coat ($65 for $158) and some nice leather bombers and motojackets ($199.50 for $498) and beautiful wallets, card case and bags. (My favorite: the executive briefolio @$159.20 for $398). Contact: Michelle Rothstein at Michelle@PinoPorte.com.
David Thomas Collection: He’s a celebrated stylist; clients over the years have included John Legend, Usher, Harry Connick Jr, Jack Nicholson, and many more. And although he’s been around for years, this is his second season showing a wholesale collection that includes everything from luxury suitings to loungewear. We loved the silk camp shirts with cotton shorts, the pastel ribbed sweats with zip pockets and articulated knee, and a wool/mohair suit with a high-waisted trimmer pant leg. Celebrity inspired for sure!
OPB Collection: Owned by a dye house in Vernon, California, this is a colorful, gender-neutral, beach-inspired collection that resonates fun. Soft tie-dye tees retail at $65 and up, heather knits are $145. I love the cropped tees (on young people with abs) and French terry hoodies. For info: Leary Forteau Agency.
Pashmere: Luciano Moresco represented this third-generation business in Perugia specializing in super-luxury knits at reasonable prices. The product is special indeed, with patterns (e.g. this year’s choice was the cheetah, symbol of velocity in recovery) knit into the sweaters, or else with unique details. Yarns include sea island cotton/silk/linen blends, averaging $170 cost for $395 suggested retail. (I’m wearing my favorite piece…a super-soft cardigan, 40% linen, 60% cotton, $220 cost, $454 retail). With the same yarns, Pashmere transitions from formal to comfortable with luxury jogging suits, a sign of the new normal. Luciano has a long relationship with the family but particularly enjoys dealing with 33-year-old Emanuele Galatioto, part of the new generation that listens with humility and executes with youthful enthusiasm. Among their retail fans in the U.S.: Maus & Hoffman in Florida, Sartoria de Pandi in DC, and Platino in Las Vegas. For more info: luciano@lucianomoresco.com.