Proof of the enduring rebirth of niche men’s retailing was there for all to see within the historic context of Melbourne’s Royal Arcade last night. E-tailer Nathan Jancauskas took a cut-throat razor to the red ribbon opening of Men’s Biz, a bricks-and-mortar store designed to showcase the retailer's range of high-end men’s grooming and shaving products that – until now – have only been accessible via the company's online platform.
Designed by interior architect, Sarah Cosentino, Men’s Biz runs a chic apothecary aesthetic courtesy of floor-to-ceiling New York subway-style tiles and reclaimed timbers. Brass fixtures and fittings provide the sheen.
Nathan: “Online is great in so many ways, but we got to the point where we had so many clients wanting to come through our Richmond warehouse to experience the product that we felt establishing a physical space was the next step. So many of the products we have are available exclusively to us, so for men to be able to smell cologne and experiment with shaving creams became essential – and that’s not something that can be achieved with online.”
Shop 49, Royal Arcade, 335 Bourke Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
mensbiz.com.au
Like all great ideas, Menske began with identification of a commercial niche that appears largely to have been ignored: that of male-focussed retail. The bloke-friendly pop up above Allpress’ Collingwood roasting house and cafe has been pulled together by men’s apparel designer Courtney Holm. The inspiration? A recent New York trip that saw Courtney stumble upon a space devoted entirely to collation of designs for men.
“I try really hard to avoid using words like ‘craft’ and ‘market’,” Courtney admits, explaining that even in creative Melbourne the majority of artisan-style pop ups focus on a more feminine aesthetic. “We just wanted to create a space where guys could come and find a whole group of brands that appeal to them.”
Certainly there is nothing of the cutesy about it. Instead the majority Melbourne-based brands run the gamut from cult wallet maker, Bellroy, to shoe designer &Attorney, men’s skincare product from boutique brand, lief, and striking haute sport-style apparel from Courtney’s own label, Article.
Coffee is plentiful and Gertrude Street menswear retailer Pickings & Parry has its barber on loan for the weekend.
But the pop up’s creation is not all about retail. For Sydneysider Courtney, the event is equally designed to cultivate relationships between makers, ‘Menske’ being a Nordic word with a textured meaning: a noun, if you like, to describe honourable and courteous intent among Mankind.
“There can be a kind of protectiveness around the fashion industry that I don’t really understand,” she says, explaining her approach while offering an insight behind the name. “I just think it’s better for everyone if we can get together and share our energy and our ideas.”
Menske is on at 84 Rupert Street in Collingwood this Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13. Open from 11am-8pm Saturday and 11am-6pm Sunday. The next series of Menske pop ups are scheduled in Melbourne this coming August and December.
So Frenchy So Chic has grown to become one of the highlights of Summer in Melbourne. Werribee Mansion hosted the ultimate garden party last Sunday, featuring the best of French music, food & wine - the perfect event to display why even when taking it easy, the French still retain that special je ne sais quoi.
Steve wearing bespoke derbys purchased on a trip to Italy
Anthony wearing Sebago boatshoes
Will wearing his father's vintage brogues
Oliver in his well loved boots by Mosson Bricke
Josh in Lacoste leather sneakers
