The Obtainer - 8/7/24, Wednesday
Cory Ohlendorf
August 07, 2024
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Style Strategies
How the “Menswear Whisperer” Shops
He’s been called the “menswear whisperer” and fashion's equivalent to Rick Rubin. If you're a regular reader of Valet., then there's a 99.5% chance you already have a piece of clothing he's designed in your wardrobe. That's because Aaron Levine has had his hand in a whole lot of brands. He worked at indie labels in the early aughts before overhauling Club Monaco and then he took his talents to Abercrombie & Fitch and resuscitated the struggling mall brand, turning it into the must-stop shop it is today. Lately, he's been traveling around (catch those airport bathroom fit pics) working with a range of brands, from Aimé Leon Dore and Ten Thousand to Madewell and Huckberry. It's not where is Aaron Levine? these days, but rather where ISN'T this guy's influence felt?
When asked to define his job, Levine tells me in the plainest terms, he's a consultant. “I help with everything from product to line architecture to org structures,” he says. “But a lot comes down to design POV, brand direction, art direction, shoots and styling—it's full service.” As if the guy didn't have enough on his plate, he's also now working on his own label, dubbed aaronlevine, with “several incredible people.” He says it's been in the works for a little while and that it's “something that had to be done.” He still loves collaborating with other brands and calls work one of his biggest hobbies. “But theres always a compromise involved, which is fine,” he says. “With aaronlevine, we can do exactly what we want ... for better or worse. We'll make what we believe in and communicate to the customer in a voice that's 100% our own.” That's the line's beginning in the photo above and we can't wait to see the final product. In the meantime, we asked Levine a few questions about how he shops.
It probably isn't an item of clothing. I think it has to be a Mercedes G550. I spec'd one back in 2019 and didn't get it until the 2020 model year. Honestly, I felt a little silly driving it. I didn't like what they say about the driver, so I ended up selling it. But, I realized after owning several other cars, that nothing is made in the same way as the G550. So, then I bought a used one and just don't care. What’s something you’re looking to buy at the moment? Fabric for our line. Along with brands I'm working with, that's all I'm really focused on right now. Three favorite brands, currently? This is a tough one. But, if I'm being honest ... eBay, eBay, eBay. What’s your footwear rotation look like lately? It's summer, so its Birk Gizehs, ivory white Vans Authentics, black leather Belgians, Davide from Ghaia's black fisherman's sandals and bedrocks.
How do you like to shop? I do a lot of shopping, both online and in store. It really just depends on my accessibility. What city has the best shopping? I like New York. I like London. I like Paris and Tokyo. I like everywhere I go and all the interesting local things you can find in each special place. That's what I think is special. Finding interesting things anywhere you travel that you can't find at home.
The one thing you refuse to spend money on ... Deodorant and face soap. I feel like the drugstore staples Old Spice and Cerave take care of me decently. No complaints. Something you buy multiples of (either by design or by default)?< Trousers. Once I find a pair of trousers that I love, I need to buy two. At least. What’s one shopping tip or hack that you can let everyone know about? If you don't follow the herd, you don't have to worry about competing with the masses. You can catch some pretty interesting fish at will when you're fishing in a pond no one else is fishing in. |
Drops to Watch For |
 | Modern grooming brand Harry’s has teamed up with multidisciplinary creative Sean Brown for a Mediterranean-inspired collection that brings coastal elegance to your daily routine. Each set includes a one-of-a-kind razor handle and stand made out of terrazzo, molded and finished by hand. It also comes with a zine designed by Brown, featuring never-before-seen film photos and musings on his Mediterranean adventures. Available now | ||
Blogfather Michael Williams has partnered with Original Madras Trading Co. again for a second edition of his popular ACL shirt, which was created way back in 2010 and immediately sold out. Those who remember the #menswear days will appreciate how each shirt is made in India from genuine, hand-loomed madras cloth. Available now |  | ||
 | The sales and discounts our team is currently watching. |
 These Allen Edmonds loafers are hand sewn from high quality European leather and have a sleek, low profile. Available in four different colors, they're now $100 off.
|  Australian-based Rhythm puts a colorful Spanish tile print on a Cuban-style shirt to achieve the epitome of laid-back coastal comfort. Grab it while it's 30% off.
|  Looking for a lightweight hiker sneaker? The stylish Terrax Swift has a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane, a heel clip for stability and a Continental sole for traction.
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Want more? See all 45 sales » | ||
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