One to Watch: Elk Head Clothing

Get to know Elk Head Clothing, a menswear and lifestyle brand (led by two young Atlantans) that is currently refining and perfecting their product/site for launch.

Owners:Garrett Hilgendorf (creative director and curator) and Jonathan Ruane

[Photo Credit: http://fashionwhirled.com/]

Location:
Atlanta. Simply put, proximity and prosperity. My business partner and I have lived in the Atlanta area over 6 years. Although our initial business model is primarily focused on e-commerce, we see the value in opening a brick and mortar store in Atlanta. Atlanta is growing exponentially, according to Forbes Atlanta ranked number 12 on Forbes fastest growing cities. However, we feel that the specialty men’s wear market is still underserved.

Given the success and aesthetic of Jamestown developments (Chelsea Market in NYC and West side Provision in ATL) we see opportunity in being apart of the new Ponce City Market development. Ponce City Market is restoring 1.1 million square feet of the historic Sears building located in Midtown. The completed space will produce 330,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, 475,000 square feet of office space and 259,000 square feet of residential flats.

Founded:
2012

Funded or bootstrapped:
Funded

Price of Services(S):
Prices are dependent upon the quality of our fabrics sourced and cost to manufacture our product. Button-down shirts will range between $100.00-$150.00. Trousers will range from $150.00-$200.00. As we gain traction in the marketplace we will expand our product line to include outerwear, accessories and footwear.

What Customers Get:
Customers will get the quality of a custom haberdashery combined with a modern refined fit that reflects our casual rugged aesthetic. Our clothing is differentiated from the disposable wears of big box retailers through the use of high-end manufacturing, sourcing of the finest fabrics from around the world and modern design at a favorable price point.

How'd You Get The Idea For It:
I grew up an avid outdoorsman/hunter in Michigan, around creative parents who owned two small businesses. My parents owned a hospitality business and specialty painting/interior design company. This environment fostered my artistic lifestyle and my dream for owning my own business. The concept for Elk Head Clothing is an expression of my up bringing – “rugged refined”. Elk Head clothing is men’s wear for the outdoor gentleman.

[Photo Credit: http://static.squarespace.com/static/526c088ce4b0ca28450118b6/t/5298d025e4b0ef97324b5aa0/1385746471610/elkheadlogo.jpg]