Shockoe Denim has been producing high quality denim jeans since 2012. But this fall, the designers are expanding their line and changing their name to fit their new wider range of styles.
Shockoe Denim has been producing high quality denim jeans since 2012. But this fall, the designers are expanding their line and changing their name to fit their new wider range of styles. Now, Shockoe Atelier is prepping their fall/winter clothing line and the early styles are pretty impressive.
Owner Anthony Lupesco and most of his partners at Shockoe Atelier are not from Richmond, but they choose RVA as their home because of the city’s architecture and vibe. Their brick and mortor location, in the heart of Shocke Bottom, plays well against the former-industrial landscape of downtown RVA.
Lupesco comes from a long line of family members in the apparel industry, but he set to out do something different with the way jeans are made.
“I really wanted to make jeans in a way that nobody else was doing,” said Lupesco. “[Doing so] by applying old world tailoring techniques to something that’s really pretty automated at its core.”
Their jeans are sold at Need Supply in Richmond, Context Clothing in Madison, WI, Navy Fits in San Francisco, Jeffrey in New York, and several other independent boutiques. The new clothing line is meant to complement their already successful jeans.
Lupesco said expanding to clothing is a big step forward for the brand.
“I think it frames the jeans in the proper context into how we would like to see them worn,” said Lupesco.
The collection consists of men’s dress shirts, jackets and vests. Materials used are Alpaca, Cashmere and Wools. The line is available now at their retail space and will be at Need Supply in September, as well as their other suppliers.
They are currently still in the process of selling their collection to more retail suppliers and boutiques across the country.
“Potentially a couple of majors [will start selling our products] but we’ll see what happens,” said Matt Rho, Managing Partner and Commercial Director at Shockoe Atelier. “So we’ve got 2-3 weeks left in the selling season so at that point we’ll have the full list compiled together.”
Just as their jeans are made with the best denim, the new line aims to be crafted with the same mindset, using the highest quality materials and techniques. Lupesco chose the business of denim because raw denim wears well with age and gets better each time you wear it. The materials used in the new clothing line are meant to wear well with age as well.
Their jeans and clothing line are a bit pricy but can be expected to hold up well and be worn for years and years. This is the first time that they are doing a full clothing line and buyers like what they see.
“It’s been pretty well-received. The response from the buyers has been really good,” said Rho.
There are only good things to come from Shockoe Atelier.
To see the full looks of Autumn/Winter 15 line, check out their website here.
Located at 13 S 15th St, Richmond, VA 23219
