What’s In-Store

Story and photos by Sara Norris

Move over (and out of the mall), Tommy Bahama. Macy’s has an edgy new neighbor in Fashion Valley.

U.K. retailer AllSaints set up shop this spring, opening the doors to its first stand- alone location in San Diego. From its raw hardwood floors and exposed brick to display tables made from old school heavy machinery, the London label’s industrial-designed space (not to mention its clothing) is a far cry from Margaritaville.

Founded in 1994, AllSaints sells clothing, accessories and footwear for men and women. Today, store manager Axel Lopez is styling a dude (Christian) to demonstrate how San Diego guys can look sharp in the summer sun while foregoing the beachy, board-shorts-and-flip-flops look.

“We try to incorporate things that a customer isn’t used to, like a boot as opposed to a flip-flop or a plain tennis shoe,” Lopez says. “Once they get into the clothing, they start to think, ‘I could wear this every day.’”

Lopez says layering looser-fitting, breathable t-shirts under ‘50s-style short-sleeve button-ups (which AllSaints stocks in prints ranging from camouflage to vintage- inspired) is all the rage - and that the look can work with shorts or pants.

“Lighter denim, whether it has a distressed or a vintage wash, has been really big for men and women in San Diego,” Lopez says.

Despite the heat, cool summer nights in S.D. still call for light jackets. Lopez recommends using AllSaints’ signature leather jacket, The Conroy, to make a casual, daytime look nighttime-ready.

ALLSAINTS
7007 Friars Rd., Fashion Valley
619.335.9480, allsaints.com