Steven Alan (born Steven Alan Grossman) is an American fashion designer from New York City.[1] His eponymous brand is sold online and in physical retail stores in New York, Japan and South Korea. As a multi-brand retailer, Steven Alan was the first U.S. retailer to carry Acne Studios, Maison Kitsuné, Engineered Garments and Mansur Gavriel.

History

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Opening his first New York City retail store and showroom in 1994, the company produced and sold men’s and women’s wear.[2] The company also operated its own multi-brand retail stores, where it sold the works of other designers such as handbag designer Gregory Herman and others.[citation needed]

By 1999, Alan launched his own line of ready-to-wear standards, including his now-signature "Reverse Seam" button-down, chinos, and cotton dresses in colorful plaids, stripes and chambray.[3]

Having expanded to six eponymous New York locations, in 2008 the brand opened three shops in Southern California. On November 11, 2011, its first San Francisco, CA boutique opened in Hayes Valley.[4] Alan has also designed collections for Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo, Keds, and a collection of khakis and sportswear for Dockers.[5][6][7]

On April 29, 2011, Women's Wear Daily reported that Steven Alan had sold a minority share in his company to Fossil, Inc. and Shinola Detroit founder Tom Kartsotis.[8] Kartsotis and a group of investors are acquiring American-made fashion brands under the name Bedrock Manufacturing Corp.[9] In 2016, Steven Alan split from Bedrock.

In 2017, the brand had closed all but 3 New York City stores, and focused on its online presence.[10] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the brand did not have any physical stores.

In 2024, Steven Alan opened a new store on West 20th Street in Chelsea, Manhattan.[11]

Reception

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Alan's designs and collections have gained critical attention from British Vogue,[12] Teen Vogue,[13] Nylon,[14] New York magazine,[15] the New York Times,[16] Los Angeles Times,[17] and others. The fashion-industry trade journal Women's Wear Daily reported "Steven Alan has become a household name for hip consumers, including actresses Mary-Kate Olsen and Natalie Portman."[18]

Awards and honors

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In 2008 Alan was nominated for the GQ/CFDA menswear designer of the year award.[19]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Berlinger, Max (2016-10-03). "Steven Alan's Goals: Subtlety and Quality". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
  2. ^ Palmieri, Jean E. (2018-04-25). "Steven Alan Downsizing: Exits Wholesale, Closing Stores". WWD. Retrieved 2022-12-22.
  3. ^ Kendall Herbst, Steven Alan, New York Magazine
  4. ^ Katie Hintz-Zambrano, refinery29, November 10, 2011, First Look: Steven Alan's First-Ever S.F. Shop!
  5. ^ Naomi Nevitt, March 18, 2009, Ready, Set, Style! Uniqlo Launches Steven Alan and Opening Ceremony Designer Collections Tomorrow
  6. ^ Nick Grant, July 26, 2011, Steven Alan x Keds "Anchor" Collection Complex magazine
  7. ^ Eric Wilson, September 1, 2010, Fast Forward for Strides in Khaki New York Times
  8. ^ David Lipke, April 29, 2011, Steven Alan Sells Minority Stake, Women's Wear Daily
  9. ^ "The Real History of America's Most Authentic Fake Brand". Inc.com. 2017-03-31. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  10. ^ Steven Alan Downsizing: Exits Wholesale, Closing Stores Women’s Wear Daily, Jean E. Palmieri, April 25, 2018
  11. ^ Berlinger, Max (September 26, 2024). "A King of Cool Casual's Next Act". New York Times.
  12. ^ "Steven Alan Spring/Summer 2012". British Vogue. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  13. ^ Baume, Gloria (10 February 2011). "editors' pick: steven alan's seventies trip". Teen Vogue. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  14. ^ Davis, Rebecca Willa. "spring preview: steven alan". Nylon. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  15. ^ Kendall Herbst, Steven Alan
  16. ^ Eric Wilson, September 2, 2010, "Fast Forward for Strides in Khaki
  17. ^ Magsaysay, Melissa (18 November 2009). "Steven Alan's take on the perfect travel bag". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  18. ^ Otey, Anne-Marie. "Retail Profile: Steven Alan". review. Women's Wear Daily. Retrieved December 23, 2011.
  19. ^ About
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