One of the most unique hidden gems in Chelsea is the men’s boutique clothing store “Conquete” owned and operated by the men’s clothing designer Richard Cohen.

(Iconic Men’s Fashion Designer Richard Cohen)

Richard Cohen started designing women’s wear contour “made to measure” for about three years, than he gave it all up and went into the restaurant industry for 15 years, but his love and passion for designing clothes compelled him to return “with a whole new line of men’s wear custom made for club goers, special parties, carnival, and vacations.

(Model: Samir Arboleda)

When I asked Richard why he chose to do men’s wear he said: “because I wanted to wear my own clothes, I don’t wear the women’s clothes that I made, so I do men’s wear. First I was working on consignment for about five or six boutiques and things were not moving fast enough for me, so I realized I had enough inventory to open my own store; I tried to work with other people, but they turned me down so I opened my own store for my men’s clothing line, it was easier to show all my designs in one space.”

Richard first opened a small store on 8th Ave and 22th street back in 1998, he than closed that store in 2000 and opened at his current location in 2001. “I had a show in between the two stores doing designs for private clientele, special orders, shirts, pants, and bathing suits.”

Richard likes items that are “odd and different” and used to sell exclusively only his designs, now he sells his and a mixture of other choice designers that  he deems unique and not produced by others. He specializes in men’s pants, shirts, and swimwear.

Richard’s designs are inspired by the things that he would wear himself and the”touch and feel of the fabric. I don’t follow trends, I don’t even look at magazines” he added.

(Sale Associate/Model: Samir Arboleda)

What really unique about Conquete is that you will always find “special items” that you can’t find anywhere else especially in department stores. “I offer a lot more choices for my customers”. After my interview with Richard he had a young designer by the name of Daniel Merat come in to see him for help with his FIT portfolio. He had to design a jacket and needed some help, so Richard invited me (to my delight) to his work shop downstairs in the basement to watch and learn a little about men’s fashion designing.

(Richard helping young designer Daniel Merat with his design for FIT)

As I watched this master craftsmen work in his studio I was awestruck at the ease and perfect way he designs as well as the fine fabric that he is ever so selective about, only the finest fabrics and stitching will do for Richard.

Richard is most proud of his loyal and long term clients that he has made happy for so many years, “you get something in return when your clients come back and thank you for great custom garments.”

Conquete  is located at 257 West 23rd Street New York, NY (646) 638-2646.(or log on to Conquete.net). If you’re into men’s fine fashion styles, stop by the store and get that favorite man in your life something great, or treat yourself to a fashionable holiday gift.

According to Euromonitor International, “The global market for men’s designer apparel is projected to reach nearly $33 billion in 2020, up 14 percent from $29 billion in 2015.” There has been a growing paradigm shift in men’s fashion wear as many men are now paying more attention to the way they look and also going for comfort in the way they are dressing.

Men’s fashion brands and major publishing houses are now focusing on this new men’s fashion paradigm, and trying to keep up to fill the need for more versatile and stylish menswear geared towards this new tread.

“Expand the broader menswear market by educating consumers and pushing the boundaries of men’s fashion.” (Will Welch GQ Style editor).

Professional men in the workplace are readily abandoning the classic dress codes and business casual protocol of a button down shirt or knit shirt and khakis, opting instead to wear a nice high end dress shirt with jeans and deck shoes or even sneakers; a look that’s spreading like wild-fire in New York City; and other major urban cities. After the downturn guys started to dress up again, but with an emphasis on style and comfort, wanting to look good without the rank and file uniform feel, such as wearing nice jeans with a blazer and a stylish shirt or T-shirt.

Today’s men are being more creative in the way that they think about what they are wearing, paying more attention to style and a more modern and relaxed fit. The style for men in this present period is more creative in sense of smart stylish looks that are very versatile.

Don’t get me wrong, men’s suits are still integrally vital to menswear, it is just how men choose to wear them is changing, (think high end designer suit with a silk screened T-shirt with stylish casual shoes!) Stylish Creativity and relaxed comfort is the new name of the game in menswear, and men’s fashion brands are scrambling to keep up with the growing demand for more versatile stylish apparel in menswear.

One of the fastest growing areas in menswear now is, believe it or not men’s shoes.  As many men now are looking for well made fashion forward footwear that is more stylish, and moving away from the more boring traditional styles, as well as willing to spend more money in this area to find them.  Many men are spending more time and money on the way they look to project a more confident and stylish image. The global growth of the men’s clothing market according to a January 2016 Barclay’s report is expected to be up to $40 billion by 2019.