It's Hip to Dsquared
The phone is ringing at Man, and it’s a long-distance call. Someone in Cincinnati needs a belt. Not just any belt, mind you, but one that makes you want to grab the nearest tennis racket and play air guitar in front of a full-length mirror.
As the premier accessories source in the United States for Dsquared, Erik Rudy gets calls from desperate fashionistos from all over the country pathetically pining for anything by the Italian brand.
“It’s rock ’n’ roll,” said Rudy of the line. “It’s young, it’s edgy, and we can’t keep the things in our store.”
Rudy opened the Los Angeles accessories store—located at 302 N. Martel Ave.––one year ago with partner Annika Virdone.
Dsquared has minimal U.S. distribution, and Man is able to delve more deeply into the company’s line than the average apparel store, Rudy said. Dsquared’s shoes can fetch $625, while belts average $175.
The current shoe line features several styles of rock-star boots that come with chains, studs and pointed toes suitable for kicking in a Marshall amp.
“Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci are great,” Rudy noted. “But this is serious hard core, more interesting and special.”
The brand’s belts include elaborate buckles, such as chrome eagles that practically beg you to go out and buy a Harley. “Some guys are even getting belts that match ones their girlfriends have,” Rudy added.
Success always has its downside, and some rabid customers have resorted to tracking Man’s shipping schedule from the New York showroom in order to get first dibs on new gear. “This one guy called me up and said, ’They told me in New York that you should be getting your shipment on Thursday of next week,’” recalled a baffled Virdone.
She said the store has started two lists: one for clients who have reserved items in advance and another for those who want to be called “the second Dsquared comes in.”
“It’s a phenomenon,” added Rudy—before excusing himself to answer the phone. —Christian M. Chensvold
