Vancouver Fashion eZine - Online Magazine | Vancouver Retail

"Whoa, this store is built for me" is the response Illustrated Example has been hearing since its doors opened in the fall of 2006.

The unpretentious, minimalist-chic store is simply for the "confident person who cares about what he wears," explains Garry Bone, co-mastermind behind the Gastown store.

People who shop at big-chain stores unintentionally become walking billboards. At Illustrated Example, customers are introduced to clean, sharp, casual wear. In other words, big logos are a big no-no. "Eventually, you want your clothes to fit really proper. It's about feeling good about your clothes," says Bone.

An accessory and skincare line have also been included in this men's only store.

"We don't just want to do clothing. It's a one-stop shop for men. Everything from accessories, skincare to clothing," explains Jon Coleman, manager of Illustrated Example.

The exclusivity of the store's brands is what separates it from shops that carry big mainstream labels. Each individual brand is worked on so it can be represented well within the Vancouver community. Some of the hard-to-find labels Illustrated Example carries, are Rittenhouse, Corpus and Maiden Noir.

Since opening, the shop has seen a range of people flock to their store.

"Customers from our sneaker store, Livestock, will come over and check it out. We also have young professionals in the neighbourhood, or even an older crowd. Gastown is still a tourist destination, so we still get the tourist coming through," says Coleman.

Gastown was the perfect place to set up shop. Livestock was nearby, and according to Coleman, historic Gastown was still in the early stages of turning into a neighbourhood, and Illustrated Example wanted to be apart of that foundation.

Sadly, a women's collection won't be available.

"Women in the city or in every city have so many options already. Girls will shop around more, and guys will just buy on the spot," exclaims Coleman. "Guys are more brand loyal, because they don't like to shop. Guys are easier to keep as a loyal customer."

There may be a debate on Vancouver men not possessing any style, but Bone is quick to point out that men were never given options like women, and by "default, a guy has no other choice" but to look like a skateboarder, a clubber or a nature lover. "I think Vancouver wants to have style, but they've never been offered it."

Information on Illustrated Example and the lines they carry is available at www.illustratedexample.ca.