In a nutshell
The recent refurb expands the store into a gentlemen's-club-vibe location for this near decade-old Queens brand. Their zeitgeist-fuelled take on the 1990s goes from the street to Bill Clinton.
In their words
"[ALD] embodies real community through meticulous craft and taste, with a clear and authentic point of view"
Visit Field notes
Following the success of the London store (more mature, "woodsie" and harking to gentlemen's clubs) the brand continues its role shifting street taste from Supreme/Logo/Lux focus to a "quasi-sophisticated style of post-skate menswear" (Highsnobiety).
Visiting is a challenge. Over the pandemic they realised that fewer people in-store led to increased customer experience and increased spend. In parallel, their neighbours grew weary of the the all-day queues blocking their frontages, and so enter the 'digital queue'. If you pass and the blinds are drawn (giving the appearance of a stock take or private party) just ask the doorman to add you to the digital queue. You'll get a call when your place is ready. Spaces tend to go by 4.30pm each day, however, so either get in early or jump in whenever you see the door open!
Inside the store layout is immaculately maintained and a typical view will show someone getting fitted for $10k of suiting while nearby a tourist is choosing between 6 different t-shirt colours. All welcome, and plenty of space and time... provided you make it into the store!
"The Look Clothes for when hypebeasts and sneaker freaks grow up and learn how to hold down a proper job.
The Vibe Patient and crisp, with ample room to look at the clothes. A cafe provides impetus to lounge.
The Cost More expensive than street wear but less expensive than the more established clothing companies that street wear companies rip off ideas from." (source: NYT)
Other Reading
LAST VISITED
19/11/2024
Added
2021
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