We’ve shared city guides featuring some of NYC’s most stylish women’s destinations, and now we’ve tapped our men’s experts to do the same with guys in mind. Men’s Luxury Managers Dustin Zuber and Martin Ambrose gave us a tour of their go-to spots for shopping, grooming and food and drink, including lots of cozy wintertime locales around the city. Read on for their picks and expert tips on everything from tailoring to apps to men’s consignment trends.
Luxury Manager Dustin Zuber
Favorite men’s shop? DZ: So many brick and mortar stores have come and gone in the last few years (so sad to recently see the menswear shop Behaviour close its doors). Hands down the coolest new store in Manhattan is Totokaelo. They carry a well-curated selection of many of-the-moment designers, and their customer service and ambiance is phenomenal. I also love IF, Opening Ceremony, and Idol in Williamsburg.
What’s your favorite RealReal score?
DZ: I got the best deal on a Cartier Tank watch and a Marni silk floral top.
Best menswear-focused consignment tip? DZ: Dry cleaning is your best friend! Stained collars or underarms on shirts are the number one reasons many men’s items don’t get accepted. Take good care of your designer items because you never know when you’ll want to sell something, and if it isn’t in great condition, we won’t be able to accept it. Also, keep leather shoes in a shoe tree and polish them often.
Best place to get a suit tailored? DZ: My favorite tailor no longer accepts new clients, so I have been referring people to Runway Garment Care to see German, or Soho Cleaners on Elizabeth Street.
Favorite NYC wintertime spot? DZ: I love the coziness of The Bowery Hotel and il Buco in winter. The Bowery always has a fire going, and the atmosphere is super luxe and warm. Il Buco’s Italian comfort food can warm even the coldest heart! I also love going to Indochine when it’s freezing outside because the banana leaf wallpaper transports me to a tropical island far, far away.
Favorite apps? DZ: Vogue Collections for catching up with all the Runway shows, Urban Daddy for spontaneous restaurant recommendations, and UBER saves my life daily.
What are the hottest men’s items and designers to consign right now? DZ: Saint Laurent leather goods and outerwear sell very well! Anything Tom Ford, Hermès or Chanel (especially bags) holds a great deal of value and gets the best return on investment.
What trends are you seeing in men’s consignment? DZ: Menswear in general is always several steps behind womenswear. I think men are gravitating toward the notion that they can ditch their Tom Ford suits from two seasons ago and make money to go and buy new. Many of the men I know and work with always donated their clothes when they were done using them. Clothing today is so expensive! Why not leverage your luxury purchases and make disposable income from doing so?
Luxury Manager Martin Ambrose
What were some of your favorite shows from men’s fashion week?
MA: Saint Laurent. Back to the classics and I could see Bowie in the early ‘80s wearing a lot of the pieces. A lot of nostalgia there!
Favorite men’s shop?
MA: I often frequent Rag & Bone. They have a lot of great basics with some edge and I know it has resale value!
Best men’s grooming destination?
MA: Harry’s downtown! It’s important for men to groom. I love my hair and I’m classic with my flip but it’s so necessary to stayed polished. It symbolizes a man’s style, so the finishing touches are so important!
Favorite city app or menswear-related app?
MA: Mr Porter — obviously besides The RealReal’s app!
Most important men’s consignment tip?
MA: I always tell my men’s consignors to keep the classics — if they fit well and they don’t have an abundance in one category, keep some of the traditional pieces. I always say to sell and replenish patterns. You can only wear them so many times!
Favorite NYC wintertime spot?
MA: J.G. Melon. It’s a favorite for daytime fun or a good nighttime comfort meal. So many characters pass through the doors of the uptown and downtown locations. Plus, during the winter I can afford to eat burgers.
What are the hottest men’s items and designers to consign right now?
MA: I would say designer sneakers — Christian Louboutin, Lanvin and Saint Laurent sneakers come and go very quickly. Anything Tom Ford is really hot right now, and probably will be for a long time!
What’s your favorite RealReal score?
MA: A Calvin Klein Collection patterned blazer. It’s a really great fit, beyond amazing price and even better pattern. Sadly, sticking to my own consignment rules, I’ll have to consign it soon!
What trends are you seeing in men’s consignment? MA: I think more men are consigning because they tend to be practical. They see women happy with the process and it seems very logical to them. Men are less emotional about the money spent on an item and the memories involved with certain pieces. Usually if it doesn’t fit, they hand it right over!
