Military Chic Booms at On Beverly Boulevard
For work, for play, it’s the season of the cargo pant, and several reinterpretations of the look are selling at On Beverly Boulevard, ranging in price from $115 to $240.
“Utilitarian streetwear is the fix of the moment,” said owner Shauna Stein, who has already reordered styles by Riley and Tark’1.
Riley’s cotton pants with back pockets, patches and drawstring ruching and Tark’1’s synthetic satin looks are being bought by shoppers “in multiples” in neutral shades of black and khaki, she said. Riley’s parachute-styled floorlength coat and skirt are also money-makers.
Other cargo brands enjoying robust sales are Joie and Stein’s own private label with Asian prints.
Customers have created ladylike ensembles with georgette shirts or kimonos.
“They’re really mixing up the look with prettier tops and sexier shoes,” Stein said.
Her other top sellers are designs by Roberto Cavalli—including his tattoo- motif jeans and suede skirts—and Reneacute; Lezard separates with athletic-inspired striping.
Like other retailers, Stein has weathered a seesaw year, but her location across the street from the Beverly Center—home to Bloomingdale’s, D&G and DKNY—is both a blessing and a curse, she said, adding that holiday business was affected when department stores resorted to promotional pricing early in the season.
“Those early sales killed me,” Stein said. “Things have to change or we’re going to see a lot less specialty, directional stores. That type of pricing will ruin legitimate retailers.” —Nola Sarkisian-Miller
