SHOW REVIEW: CALA MEN’S SHOW FALL ’23

I just love men’s fall fashion! Don’t get me wrong, I embrace my feminine side, but nothing says fall better to me than curling up in a luxuriously soft, chunky men’s sweater, and there were plenty of delicious offerings at the Cala Men’s Show held at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., Feb. 19th to 20th.

I could cozy up in fantastic sweaters ranging from a Lenor Romano ombre crew pima cotton top with extra fine merino wool bottom with cover stitch details to Jerry Kaye’s hand-stitched artisan painted merino cashmere and luscious offerings from True Grit.  

Shirt jackets or ‘shackets’ have made a comeback with sophisticated hybrid knit fabrications in blazer models, from brands like Patrick Assaraf, Codice, and Liverpool Los Angeles. 

Tony Jacoy, Founder & Owner of P.M. Jacoy Menswear in San Marino, Calif., only shops Cala Men’s and said “I look for a mix of unique moderate to high-end, conservative and contemporary items that other stores don’t carry.” Jacoy added he’s particularly excited about the navy and black currant wolf plaid shirt jacket by Patrick Assaraf with inset welt pocket, made in Italy, MSRP $1,195.

Jim Ockert, President, Khakis of Carmel, was pleased to attend Cala Men’s for the first time. “It’s easy to get here and I like the openness of the show floor,” Ockert added “I love the soft unstructured jackets from brands like Rye51.”

“Suede and leather shirt jackets are big this year,” said Eric Segel with Bugatchi.

The new buck suede with bonded flannel lining overlap stitch shirt jacket by Milestone is quite stunning.

There were handsome sport coat choices from Jack Victor, TailoRED, and Max Man. The calfskin motorcycle jacket from Robert Barakett and “Top Gun” style bomber jacket from Mauritius are also trending. 

Roland Peters, Owner, ROLO, San Francisco likes both the poly, rayon elastane traditional winter-looking wool pant from PostMarc along with the brand’s textured cotton knit polo with drop stitch. “A knit woven like this is classic but a modern pattern and fit makes it fantastic,” said Peters.

Shirt offerings were plentiful with 8-way stretch performance fabric from Oooh Cotton, Georg Roth Los Angeles, bold colors from Robert Graham, Maceoo, and the watercolors on olive chambray from & Son’s are beautiful.

Men are always styling in Alberto and will be in the fun dress pants by Myth. The whimsical colors and textures from Lords of Harlech also stood out to me and the fresh, new hot seller at 34 Heritage is the Seville pant model with a drawstring and gathered waist with a 14” bottom MSRP $225.

Accessory lines included Dion ties, Marcoliani socks, Mistral fragrances, SAXX underwear, Secrid wallets, both Sperry and Florsheim footwear, Vincero premium lifestyle accessories, and Will Leather Goods.

“Retailers are given an opportunity to see 200 vendors in one location,” said Cala men’s Co-Owner, Ken Haruta who added “The benefit of our regional show is that vendors can get in front of the customers not to just sell them but to form relationships. With expenses getting higher, fewer and fewer reps are traveling to stores.”

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Cala Men’s also hosted a beautiful fireside cocktail party on Sunday night at the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, giving partygoers the chance to mix and mingle.