3 Independent Boutiques With Really Good Menswear
In this month’s column supporting independent businesses, we discover three stores serving up an incredible array of the latest men’s fashion. With Father’s Day just around the corner, it seems only fair we give this sartorial bunch a little attention. So, whether you’re shopping for that special man or you are that special man looking for a wardrobe update, read on to reveal the independent menswear shops with new styles in store for summer.
Here at The Handbook HQ there’s always a lot of chat about fashion, but recently the focus has been on the boys. Why? Well, why not. There are so many phenomenal designers at the forefront of the men’s category. We’re talking Stan Ray, the hardwearing Texan label; iconically British YMC and, of course, the great supporter of other small brands, Universal Works. These unique and creative businesses are offering up more than ever before. Finally, the styling options are there and we’ve discovered a few boutiques from across the country supplying their customers with the most impeccable selection of wares for the modern man, whether he’s dining, dancing or simply grabbing a pint.
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Meet Bernard
Specialises in: Laid-back separates and relaxed tailoring.
Style: Urban Chic
Made in: London, England
The brand began its days specialising in menswear and has since evolved to cater for women, too. However, it’s the East Dulwich locale featuring all the latest men’s fashion that caught our attention for this piece. A family business run by husband and wife team, Ryan and Dani Chandler, not to mention their two kids, Ruby and Bruno, Meet Bernard was rather beautifully named after an imaginary friend – a stylish one, at that. It stocks some of the most sought-after brands of the moment including YMC and PS by Paul Smith, so we decided to get the business lowdown from Ryan himself.
“We wanted to start a business where we could spend more time together. We both always loved fashion, so it was an easy decision to make,” he shares. “At Meet Bernard, we’re always on the hunt for something new and different and something that no one else is stocking. Fundamentally, we have to love it. Small or new brands are the creative driving force of our industry, they are the new kids on the block shaking up the established brands. We support them to give them a voice and to allow them to thrive.”
Meet Bernard has one stylish couple at its helm. Run by Ryan and Dani Chandler, you will find the duo sharing not just their style tips over on Instagram, but also their inspiring collabs with other local creatives. Go check out both their Style Hunter and How To Style series for some of the coolest London inspo.
Ryan Chandler is understandably committed to contemporary men’s style. His Insta page is an inspiring feed of the latest drops in store, joyful styling tips and chats with extremely dapper locals popping by the South-East London store. For this very reason, Meet Bernard has become a go-to for the customer looking for quality, honest advice and unique labels, including Monokel, Edwin and La Paz. The team behind it all is proof that when you do what you love, you will love what you do.
Ruskin
Specialises in: Independent brands with sustainability at their core
Style: Smart Hipster
Made in: Whitstable, England
Right in the centre of the bustling seaside town of Whitstable, is the one and only Ruskin. Run by yet another fabulous family team, this fashion independent is a coastal hub for contemporary labels, such as Samsøe Samsøe, Kestin and Colorful Standard. After seeing a gap in the market for quality menswear in Kent, Ruskin was founded in 2012 by husband and wife team, Garrie and Shelly Keeys. The business has since brought in daughter, Isobel, and now stocks both men and women’s clothing.
In sharing their vision for the store, their warmth is palpable. This uber cool family has an invested interest, not just in making a profit, but in their community and the environment. “Quality and an ethical approach to retail was the cornerstone of our ethos from the very beginning,” they admit. Unsurprisingly, their forward thinking and engagement with other local businesses have created something so much more than a shop. With perfected edits, including an ungendered area, Ruskin has become a lifestyle experience offering something for everyone.
They make it their mission to work with local names, like 100% natural skincare brand, Heackels, and in-store brand Nula, designed by their daughters, Isobel and Charlotte Keeys. “As you can see, local, independent business is part of our DNA.”
As part of their Future Friendship Project, clothing brand Universal Works teamed up with family-run fashion store, Ruskin, to design a tee which celebrates their connection to small businesses and brands around the world. Team Ruskin a.k.a Izzy, Shelly and Garrie were captured wearing said tee in Whitstable’s famous working harbour.
Dick’s
Specialises in: Handcrafted classics and timeless pieces
Style: Rugged Elegance
Made in: Edinburgh, Scotland
Dick’s in Edinburgh struck a chord immediately with hardworking, heavy duty, yet seriously smart pieces. We’re talking hand-sewn suede deck shoes and Italian-made field jackets; this is all about the rugged traditionalist. In a nutshell, every piece is utterly beautiful. Founders Andrew Dick and Uli Schade believe in buying less, but buying better. “The starting point was a search for traditional Shetland jumpers and we couldn’t seem to find anywhere in Scotland selling them, which seemed truly unbelievable,” they say. And so Scotland gained a new stylish store, which over time has introduced handcrafted pieces from all over the world. “We have a passion for quality, craftsmanship, and manufacturers who are honest about their production processes.”
On their site, every label comes with a little back story of how it all began, so instantly you feel like you’re buying into something unequivocally special. Look out for knitwear from the Aran Islands, hand-stitched shirts from Naples and denim workwear from Japan. “To make the edit, we look for exceptional design, and pieces that exist outside of seasonal trends,” says founder, Andrew Dick. His eye for style, or more specifically, timeless style, is second to none. There is nothing throwaway about the collections stocked, in fact, Dick’s feels like the perfect fusion of classic meets contemporary, honouring ancient skills alongside exceptional new talent. Let’s just say your wardrobe is now sorted.
Quality fabrics, considered cuts, and exceptional design from the very beginning sum up Dick’s, the Edinburgh-based contemporary fashion store. This is luxurious clothing designed for living that will stand the test of time and grow with the wearer.
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
