By Angela Groom, Intern Staff Writer.
Walking into a men’s clothing store is a unique experience unlike many others. This is due in large part to the fact that there are so few men’s clothing boutiques. In Albuquerque there is only a handful. Women’s clothing boutiques are significantly more common.
Founder of Santa Fe Fashion Week, Stephen Cuomo, conducted a film interview at a men’s clothing boutique located in Nob Hill of Albuquerque on Thursday, June 2nd. The boutique is called Izzy Martin and unfortunately the owner was gone on business but this yielded Cuomo the pleasure of sitting down with the store’s manager, Araña Schluke.
The fashion vibe within Izzy Martin is the sophistication of southwestern spice meeting the west coast yacht club. The light, breathable shirts make it the perfect destination for men’s contemporary summer fashion. Love for local jewelry and fashion is essential to the permanent attire that takes residence in the boutique. The store prides itself on blending contemporary fashion with New Mexican heritage.
The store was founded upon the fact that there are so few men’s fashion boutiques in the city. The owner of the boutique, Rufus, travels frequently to trade rooms and trade shows in search of clothing lines to buy for the boutique. According to Schulke, Rufus finds it crucial to touch the fabric and judge how it will feel on his customers in regards to softness and comfortability.
Models John Von and Isaac London accompanied Cuomo for the purpose of displaying the store’s flavor. Isaac’s first look was an informal summer wear piece. The top is Native Youth’s solid white button down with navy blue polka dots. The lightweight fabric is slightly translucent and a must for any man’s summer closet if one hopes to survive the hundred-degree weather. The top wears exceptionally well when paired with olive-colored Save Khaki shorts and white, Brazilian Veja athletic shoes.
Side note: While looking in-style and keeping cool, supporting Veja is the same as supporting organic fairtrade materials being used to manufacture footwear.
John Von wears a top made by Portuguese brand, called La Paz, in seafoam green. The pastel shirt wears best with light wash Naked and Famous denim jeans. This outfit is worn well with beige Veja’s. John Von also sports a locally fabricated metal and stone bracelet.
London rocks the olive-colored Save Khaki shorts for a second time. They are paired with a dark wash denim Gitman Bro’s button down and Jungmaven under shirt. The Jungmaven shirt is made in America of 55% hemp and 45% organic cotton, which yields a save-the-planet type of comfort.
John Von also rocks a Gitman Bro’s button-down, although this one is black with a subtle earthy green colored leaf pattern. Save Khaki shorts are seen once again but this time in a powerful navy blue color.