5 Menswear Brands On the Rise in Philly

The rising stars of the local menswear scene.

Image by Rog Walker

A look from Ikiré Jones’s SS16 collection. | Image by Rog Walker.

It can be difficult to find distinctive menswear that isn’t simply a copy of a copy of a copy. Your best bet? Start looking a tad closer to home. Philly is home to some amazing menswear designers who are taking the men’s fashion scene by storm, and earning national acclaim while they’re at it. Whether you’re after customized suits, one-of-a-kind pocket squares, or ready-to-wear casual pieces made and sold only in Philly, we’ve got five of the best rising talents for you to scope out now. 

Ikiré Jones

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Images via Ikiré Jones.

It’s been over a year since we beheld this spectacularly lined linen jacket and these European Art-inspired tapestry scarves that pay homage to the West African roots of mad fashion genius Walé Oyéjidé’, and we’re still not over it. The brand is now doing big things: Their awesome afro-futurist series Africa 2081 A.D. is on display in Germany as part of the Vitra Design Museum’s “Making Africa” exhibition, and their latest collection is packed with beautiful silk scarves, jackets and shirts, all more art than mere apparel.

Commonwealth Proper

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Images via Commonwealth Proper.

After over a decade in business, this custom menswear studio in Rittenhouse still earns top billing for its luxurious digs, top-notch fabric choices and impeccable tailoring. From their ultra cool jean-recreation and customization service to the more formal suiting process, owner Craig von Schroeder and his team rule the local bespoke market. 1839 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse, 267-319-1741.

Duke & Winston

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Images via Duke & Winston.

Seun Olubodun’s success story is one for the books: After working at web design company, the U.K.-born entrepreneur started a preppy menswear line – with no formal fashion training. His first line of men’s t-shirts, emblazoned with a logo inspired by his English bulldog Duke, took off. Now, Olubodon’s vision has grown into a huge Rittenhouse flagship store that sells men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, and, of course, great dog gear. 1822 Chestnut Street, Rittenhouse, 267-639-5594.

Armstrong and Wilson

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Armstrong & Wilson squares and bowties.

This line of men’s accessories is loved by stars like LeBron James and The Roots’s Black Thought. It was founded in 2009 by Ontario Armstrong and Clifton Wilson, an impossibly dapper duo that’s since gone on to launch collabs like Mr. Nice Tie, a line of neckwear co-designed by Miami Heat star Chris Bosh and given the thumbs up by our friend Sabir at Mens Style Pro.

Henley Bond

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Images via Henley Bond Instagram.

You might know Michael J. Beaumont from his locally based company Beau & Co., which turns out customizable Brit-inspired suits and tuxedos. Beaumont then established Henley Bond, offering a small but mighty array of hand-cut oxford and twill dress shirts that are personalized for each client (watch the making of a shirt here; it’s fascinating).