Strut
Neighborhood: SoHo
Type of Place: Women's Clothing
Description:
Some men feel that a tie in a shade other than navy constitutes a
fashion risk. Some live in khakis, pastel oxfords, and modest loafers; or
jeans, sneakers, and solid-colored T-shirts. And we're OK with these men.
We understand their fashion reticence. But we feel a little sad that
they'll never have the fun of shopping at Strut.
Strut is not for the shy guy or the fashion follower. Rather, it's for
a man confident enough to wear a hot-pink Speedo-style bathing suit or
an oxford shirt covered in silver beads.
We visited Strut on Friday night to celebrate the launch of its Spring
lines and the opening, in its downstairs gallery space, of an exhibit
of work from gifted local painter Jackson Brown. Upstairs, in the
shopping space, Brown also created one painting inspired by and "customized"
one outfit from each of the store's four designers: Canadians Haithem
Kaadiki, designing under the Kaadiki label, and Douglas Mandel, whose
label is Kamkyl; and Italians Bray Steve Alan (under the label "Bray")
and David Mayer. Eye-catching accessories by Nolan Percival complete the
collections.
Some of what we loved: Bray's pink sleeveless oxford shirt with a
silkscreened red rose ($190); a white oxford shirt wrestled from
conservatism via a shower of siver beads and studs ($230); a hot-pink blazer in
what felt to be a yummy brushed cotton (Hello, 80s revival!) ($410); and
Kaadiki's T-shirt in a super-thick, hugely touchable cotton with "Rebel
With a Cause" hand-screened on the front ($120). And hey, navy-blazer
guys, look out--we noticed quite a few gals cruising the afformentioned
hot-pink briefs (price to be determined) and murmuring about
Valentine's Day.
When you visit, you must also check out Brown's work downstairs:
exuberant and loving portraits of music-world icons (Flavor Flav, Deborah
Harry, and Fab 5 Freddy, among others) as well as two new collaborations
(with photographer Ricky Powell and painter Sacha Jenkins). The art
world has embraced Brown's energy, passion, and skill since the beginning
of his career; it's great to see that he's garnering the exposure that
he deserves.
Strut owner Kevin Thompson looked dashing at the opening, proudly
showing off this new venture (the shop opened in November of last year). And
he should be proud: The shop's got heart, style, and a great shot of
moxi; plus it's bringing welcome attention to the fine-art world--and
sending out a reminder that fashion, too, is a fine art. Well done.
- Pamela Grossman; January 23, 2006
Strut
81 Greene Street
New York, NY 10012
(646) 942-7042
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