Blak Republik - All Blak Everything

Brooklyn boutique and barber shop As You Like and their in-house clothing line called Blak Republik are introducing their clientèle to a whole new take on Black biker fashion.  It's high fashion meets Harley-Davidson.  Black chrome jewelry.  Louis Vuitton sneakers.  Rock & Republic jeans.  Cartier sunglasses.  Cruisers and Choppers. This is the Blak Republik lifestyle.

The shop celebrated it's grand opening just 3 short weeks ago.  One would never guess that judging by the foot traffic.  There were customers in and out constantly during my time at the shop.  Whether stopping in for a haircut, a pair of sneakers or Blak Republik clothing, there was a common theme amongst all visitors; "I need to get fly for the weekend."

In true Black barbershop tradition, the staff at As You Like play several roles to their customers.  Sit in the shops leather barber's chairs and let your barber be your stylist, confidant and counselor.  It's a history of Black male interaction that is storied, varied and most importantly, essential.

The Blak Republik crew brought out their big boys and big toys for the cameras.  It was all Blak everything on Ralph avenue.  It got to a point where traffic was stopping and the police began to pass through the area.  Fortunately, we were able to work without disturbance.

As You Like and the Blak Republik brand seem to be really taking off.  Their unique take on street/biker fashion is certain to turn heads when they are out and about.  Hell, the bikes alone will stop you in your tracks.  If you're out in the area definitely drop by and check out the shop.  The staff is great and the store is very inviting.  Jump over to my flickr for more photos.

As You Like

160 Ralph Ave.

Brooklyn, NY 11233

Hours: 

Mon. - Thu. 10 am to 7 pm

Fri. and Sat. 8 am to 8 pm

The Fitted Gallery 1yr Anniversary Party

Think about the significance of this...

A small boutique storefront that specializes in fitted baseball caps, owned by young Black professionals, has willed it's way through the toughest economy America has seen since the '30s.  I won't get into economics or statistics but this much is clear; This means that the quality of product and quality of execution greatly improves a business's chances for success, regardless of economic climate.  The Fitted Gallery understands this and applies it to their boutique.

In celebration of their first full year of business, the team at The Fitted Gallery called on King magazines "Web Girl of the Year" Milani Rose and DJ Bedtyme 357 (DJ for Remy Ma) to join in on the festivities.

Milani Rose

DJ Bedtyme 357

Joint owners and brothers Phil and Broadway played host to friends, family, customers and fans of Milani Rose that came to the shop.  Guests were given a free Bedtyme 357 mixtape, hosted by Milani Rose and Ms. Rose signed photos and posed for pictures.  A few lucky visitors received free fitted caps courtesy of sponsor Mitchell & Ness.

Phil (l.) and Broadway (r.)

Ms. Rose was also promoting a book she wrote for entitled 'Souls of my Young Sisters'.  The book showcases the personal stories of 60 women.  Ms. Rose, a "Jill" of all trades, most known for her modeling, is also a writer, public speaker and recording artist...and that's just the short list.

It was a great time out and it's always a pleasure to see friends reaching for their dreams and making it.  Congratulations to The Fitted Gallery staff!  Here's to many more years of success.

Here are a few more shots from the evening.  Of course, hop over to my Flickr to see more.

The Wagon

In case you didn't know. Brooklyn is it's own planet. You know when you're in Brooklyn just by looking at the people around you. If New York City is a fashion mecca, then Brooklyn is an Imam.

I made a rare trip to Brooklyn today to get up with the team at The Wagon boutique. Before heading to the store, I of course made my gratuitous stop at Junior's Cheesecake. On a serious sugar high, I sat down to talk fashion with Skely W., Fe and Spag. They are 3 of the 4 heads that put one of the finest boutiques in NY on the map. 4^th partner Ju was unavailable at the time of the interview.

I discovered The Wagon through Skely W. I met Skely a few months ago at a party for a friend visiting from Japan. We spoke briefly about the craziness that is city life and I later discovered that he's also a fashion designer. His clothing line, called Cheese Wagon, is The Wagon's house brand and if you're the fashion forward type, you need to know about it.

RF: How did the store come about? Was The Wagon established first or was Cheese Wagon?

Fe: Cheese Wagon was first. It's been around for 5 years. It was started by Skely W. and Ju. They were partners in that.

Spag: They sold throughout Brooklyn (before The Wagon) in Brooklyn Circus, Vinnie's and other boutiques out there. They started with the I Love BK shirts.

Fe: The Wagon came about 2 years ago.

RF: Yeah, when I first met Skely, he mentioned that he worked with Brooklyn Circus for a while.

Spag: Yeah, The Wagon came about because of “politics”. When you sell your stuff in other stores, you have to deal with.....let's call it “inspiration”. People were taking Cheese Wagon designs and just running with them. So we felt like we had to open our own store so we could have more control.

RF: Smart move. When you decided to open the store, how did you decide on the direction of the store? How did you determine that you weren't only going to sell Cheese Wagon clothing but also other exclusive brands?

Fe: Ju already had a blueprint for the store when he and Skely created the clothing line. So the blueprint has been around for about 4 years. I was in already in the boutique business and they (Skely and Ju) had already been friends for about 10 years. So we got together and it was only right that we use the blueprint that Ju made. They are from an era that I don't know about. They brought the nostalgic, classic style to the table and I bring the new, futuristic and innovative side. We just took that and put it together and we got The Wagon.

RF: I've noticed that with the urban community, the group effort is the best way to go for young startups. We don't necessarily have the same resources available to just up and start a business. With these group efforts, we often see personality clashes that end up tanking everything. How have you been able to overcome your differences?

Fe: I got this one! Ju is Brooklyn. Spag and Skely are closer together. They all teach me. I'm the sponge that's just soaking everything in. At the same time, I still have my own creative ideas. Do we all disagree on things? Yes. Skely is more on the “weird” side. He has is own style and that's why Cheese Wagon is a certain way, even though there's the whole urban (stereotype) of what an urban brand is supposed to be. Spag is the vintage guy and Ju is just....Brooklyn.

Spag: That's Brooklyn. (It's) a melting pot. It's so diverse, but we're a family. We may fight sometimes but at the end of the day we're family.

Fee: The chemistry is great!

RF: Based on the little bit that I know about Skely, I can see where his mind is. As far as being a man, what it means to be a modern Black man and what it means to be a fashionable man in modern times. In regards to promulgating your brand, how do you connect what you think and what you know is good for business?

Skely: I had to learn it on the fly. I, personally, have a one track mind. Not to say that the majority of people today are stupid, but I don't respect their opinions enough to let them hinder my vision.

Spag: I do all of the buying for the store, so I just think like a customer. I put myself in their shoes. I just try to bring things in that are functional. Things that you can be comfortable in at a club or just chilling in the park.

RF: Skely, how did the Cheese Wagon concept come about and how did you put it into action?

Skely: Basically, I don't support “street” wear. I wasn't (interested) in paying $140 for a sweatshirt. So I figured I'd just make my own. Cheese Wagon, the name, was just always there. I don't know where it really came from. It was something I used to write in corners or whatever. After I did the I Love BK shirts, I had nothing to call it. I just did them for myself. So I sat down with Ju and he was like, “We have to give it a name.” I said, “Cheese Wagon.” We kicked the idea around to a few people and they all thought it was weird. I was like, “I don't care. It's Cheese Wagon!”

 

RF: What is your ultimate vision for the Cheese Wagon brand? Are you planning to get into cut & sew and all of that?

Skely: Definitely! I have no choice but to go into that realm. I can't get as creative as I can be right now. It's stifling on (many) levels. It's not easy though. People aren't willing to give up resources. There isn't much help. In 5 years, only a month ago did we find a manufacturer that's willing to work with us without the crazy minimums and wild demands. It's an uphill battle, but I'm optimistic.

(l.) Skely W. (r.) Fe

Spag

The Wagon

1214 Union St. (between Nostrand and Rogers Avenues)

Brooklyn, NY 11225

phone: (718) 756-0009

e-mail: thewagonbk1214@gmail.com

hours: Monday - Saturday: 11 am - 7 pm Sunday: By Appointment Only

http://www.thewagonbk.com

 

Sneaker Lounge - Best in Westchester pt. 2

 I told y'all we get it in in Westchester!  Part two of Best in Westchester takes us to Sneaker Lounge.  This boutique is quickly moving from a hum to a roar, and with very good reason.  I stopped by the store today to talk with the owner, Tyler, so I could bring to you the exclusive first look interview and photos. 

Rox Fontaine: When did you decide to open a sneaker boutique?
Tyler: It's still a work in progress.  It took us about a year to put it together.  My brother and I have been collecting for 15 years.  We saw lots of opportunity in sneakers; collecting and reselling because all of our friends collected for so long.

RF: What type of atmosphere can people expect at Sneaker Lounge?
T: Knowledgeable staff, customer service that can't be beat.  We go above (peoples) expectations.  For example, if we don't have a sneaker in stock, we'll search for it to try and bring it in for (the customer) at a price that can't be beat. It's a buying experience as well.  The atmosphere we have here is nothing like what you'll find in the average (chain) store.

RF: Are you planning any events or exclusive releases in the near future?
T: Yes! There's an artist that (customizes) sneakers and she has a following up here.  We're putting together a showcase for her here at the store and we're going to raffle some things off.

RF: How did you choose your location?
T: There was a Champs here in the area.  They went out of business and there was a big demand for sneakers, as in every community.  We saw that as an opportunity to pick up where they left off as well as offer something that they never (did).  We also saw that this community is saturated with youth.  There are a bunch of high schools, two universities, etc.

RF: What is Sneaker Lounge bringing to the table that boutiques in The City might not be?
T: It's easily accessible.  Parking available (on the premise).  We offer a selection that is as big or bigger than any store you can find in the city.  Vintage releases, new releases and everyday sneakers.  What we do that other stores can't do is; we'll match any price.  If you can show us that you found (legitimate) the same sneaker that we have at a lower price, we'll beat it.

RF: What about an online extension of your store?
T: We do have a website.  It showcases some of our inventory.  There's a bio on (my brother and me).  You can't purchase online but you can call the store and we can ship out anything you want.  Shipping is free!

RF: Do you do consigment sales?
T: Yes, we do.

 

  

RF: I noticed that you have some Sneaker Lounge apparel.  Any plans to expand that into hats, custom gear, etc.?

T: Definitely.  We originally did it as a marketing promo, to try and get our name out there.  We're going to start incorporating the logo on some New Era fitteds and maybe expand into some long sleeve tees and different designs.

 

  

  

 

Check out the Sneaker Lounge website at: www.sneakerlounge.net

Sneaker Lounge

8 Mill Road
Eastchester, NY 10709
(914) 771-7500