Itās unusual for a new retail space to feel like a homecoming. But when American menswear designer (whose fans include The Rock, Nick Jonas and Armie Hammer) steps into his new Tribeca shop, the nostalgiš³a flows freely.
āI was here way back in the day when J.Crew opened the space in 2008,ā says Snyder, a former senior vice president and menswear designer at J.Crew, who also worked with Polo Ralph Lauren and Gap before launching his own eponymous brand in 2011.š āIt became a mecca for menswear. So when it became available, I jumped at the chance. It was very kismet.ā
After J.Crewās departure last March from 235 W. Broadway ā which the retailer dubbed when it converted (with Snyderās help) a former bar into one of its prepšpy outź¦posts ā the designer worked quickly to reopen inside the 1809 building.
Snyder added reclaimed French oak herringbone flooring, a coffered ceiling and walls, and painted everything mš§øilitary olive ā his signature color.
āšIām inspired by military and sartorial, with a New York style,ā he says, gesturing around the shop. āFor me, this really represents that.ā
As for the original bar at the front entrance? Itās still fully intactā.
āItās like an old menās club but clean and modern,ā Snyder tells Alexa. āI wanted što create a place where guys can gather and drink whiskey.ā
To that end, Snyder has curated a mix of offerings, combining his high-end looks ā think SavÜ«ile Row-influenced suiting in relaxed American cuts ā and less formal brand collabs with New Balance, Timex and Champion.
The intimate sļ·½ź§tore (which opens this week) will focus on giving shoppers personalized attention, with bespoke and made-to-measure suiting, as well as customizable items like a satin bomber jacket and a retro bowling shirt.
And if things aź¦re taking a while in the fitting room, not to worry. Thereās a brass buzzer with instructions to ābuzz for whiskey.ā
āThe really cool thing about the store is that everything is for sale,ā says Snyder, who partnered with 1stdibs on all the furniture and lighting. āFor instance, this 1920s table mixed with mid-century modern stools ā itās all for sale, down to the art, books and fixtures. Itās šabout lifestyle.ā
His original flagship will remainį£š» open at 25 E. 26th St., and heās planning to open a third location in Los Angeles next year.
āThis store is a satellite thatās meant to service the Downtown guy,ā Snyder says. āIt will give the customer a taste of what we do … which is breaking rules, not conforming and mixing street with sartorial.ā