League of Rebels Showcases at "Edgy and Eclectic" Presentation at Austin Fashion Week 2011
We knew it wasn’t going to be your ordinary menswear presentation when the first dapperly-dressed gentleman pedaled down the runway on a vintage bicycle. Men of Austin, you’ve met your match in League of Rebels – where the classic suit design meets the modern man.
After wowing at Austin Fashion Week 2011, League of Rebels (LOR) garnered national attention and landed a spot in Fashionista’s list for The Best of Austin Fashion Week. Now, League of Rebels is laying down some permanent roots in Austin in a new partnership with Edge Boutique.
The downtown men’s boutique will start carrying the LOR label, which specializes in bespoke suits and blazers, and to kick off the collaboration will be hosting a brand introduction party this Thursday.
“Rebellious since 1985″ – a slogan that refers not to the year in which the brand was launched, but the year in which all five League of Rebels founders were born – LOR is a growing international brand quickly expanding through markets in Europe, America, and Africa, conquering the hearts of men in many countries by putting a contemporary spin on traditional men’s fashion. We caught up with Musa Ato, one of the five founders, and chatted about League of Rebels’ new life at Edge.
Q&A With League of Rebels’ Musa Ato
AFW Blog: How did the relationship between League of Rebels and Edge Boutique begin?
Musa: It really began with last summer’s Austin Fashion Week. I met [Austin Fashion Week Founder] Matt Swinney on LinkedIn, and he pitched the idea of participating in AFW to me. He racked up a sponsor for us to do so, and after we showed the collection, I stayed in touch with Matt. He then introduced the brand John Goeth at Edge. They looked us up online, saw what we did at AFW, and contacted us. Matt was the instrumental person in connecting League of Rebels and Edge Boutique.
AFW Blog: What are your impressions of Edge Boutique?
Musa: I love Edge! I love the idea and style that Phillip Soloman has got going. There is a classic feel to the buliding, but the style of the store gives it a modern, edgy look. Edge and League of Rebels represent the same vision. It’s a perfect fit. That’s why we’re so excited.
AFW: So with Edge, it will be the first time that League of Rebels has a retail presence .
Musa: Yes, until Edge we’ve been exclusively online, in order to save overhead costs. We’re still considering opening a flagship store at some point, but we’re putting that on hold so that we can break into the market a little more gradually. . Once we have a few stores – in the US, Nigeria, England, and the Ukraine – we will look to open our own flagship store. But right now, we want to get into retail stores that have the same vision.
AFW: Like Edge!
Musa: Yes! And at Edge, it will be a bit different than online. We’re going to use our League of Rebels standard size charts and have ready-to-wear pieces in the store.
AFW Blog: How did you come up with unique size chart?
Musa: It was the product of lots of research based on American and European size charts. Sergei, a LoR partner is a fashion designer, and he took the lead. There was lots of trial and error with different body styles and measurements, until we had what we believe to be the perfect fit.
AFW Blog: How do you think Austin men will respond to League or Rebels?
Musa: I think they will respond particularly well. From what I know about Austin, it’s very trendy and has a much different vibe from anywhere else in Texas. League of Rebels is the perfect blend of professional to happy hour, and Austin seems like that kind of location. LOR would really complement the style of the trendy Austin guy – he can come in to Edge, get styled, go to work, a happy hour, and then an evening event.
AFW Blog: Will you be at the Take the Edge Off event this coming Thursday?
Musa: I most definitely will be! We just held a “Manly Makeover” contest, looking to find an individual who needs a makeover, and the winner will get styled on Thursday by myself and Phillip. We will change his look from head to toe, put them in a League of Rebels outfit and other items from Edge Boutique. So he will be the perfect LOR and Edge Boutique guy.
Stop on by Edge on Thursday between 6 – 9, sip complimentary cocktails, and get to known League of Rebels.
Edge Boutique
411 Brazos Street Austin, TX 78701
(512) 236-0755
