It’s beyond trendy – that’s almost an insult.
It’s vogue. It’s grown. It’s smart. It’s swag and sexy and everything in-between. It’s Method at 18th and Wyandotte, a perfect new location for the sophisticated men’s store.
David Lloyd, 29, Shomari Benton, 32, and McClaine Bryant, 30, opened Method on 15th and Grand in April of 2010. They moved to 1817 Wyandotte in June of 2011, an artsy neighborhood that provides just the right atmosphere for Method. The three founders – who are all attorneys – recognized the need to expose Kansas City fashion and set a goal to put the town on the style map.
Kansas City was recently ranked 37th on GQ’s “The 40 Worst-Dressed Cities in America” list.
Method is here to set the record straight. Lloyd states, “KC has great food and people know it. KC has great music and people know it. What people don’t know is KC has great fashion, too. Method is here to make people aware.” Aside from being a fashion guru and attorney, Lloyd is also a business law professor at UMKC. “It’s our rules, our style, our way,” he adds.
As soon as one enters Method, it is very apparent that this is not a follow-the-latest-craze type of market. The walls are decorated with chic local art and there is a bookshelf lined with a few impressive titles. Clearly catering to the refined man who enjoys life outside of the box, the shop is filled with unique clothes, wallets, sunglasses, watches, ties and more. Method carries attire and accessories from LA to New York, London to Japan and creates a flawless blend of charm and class inspired from all over the world. Of course, the most impressive looks come from local designers. Sozni, Sike!, E the Real, Fli By, and Angry Ape are all Kansas City bred brands that Method keeps in stock.
Angry Ape designer, Adam Kaleikau, 28, says having his line in Method has really boosted his career and has proved to be quite the asset for his reputation as a designer. “These guys are so relational,” Kaleikau says. “It’s about more than business with them. They’re all for helping out the local talent.”
Method will soon add their own clothing line to the shelves, scheduled to release next spring. National artists like Fonsworth Bentley and Talib Kwali have taken notice of Method. Both have performed at events hosted by the store. Talib Kwali even sported one of the shirts he purchased there on the BET Awards in 2010.
Method plays host to a wide variety of occasions, ranging from hip hop parties and style-me contests to book readings and political awareness affairs. Fundraisers for both Emanuel Cleaver II and Mayor Sly James were held at Method. “We’re the cosmopolitan for men,” Shomari says. Lloyd adds, “We’re always open to have new designers on our racks and new art on our walls; our gallery space is free.” With this type of commitment to the city, Method is sure to succeed. Follow Method on Twitter @methodkc and check out Method online at www.methodkc.com.
Loading ...