Hipster is the word crying out to be used here. Today, the new men’s clothing store in the former Project Gallery on Fourth Avenue, is so fearsomely cool that it could itself be an exhibit at that gallery known for its challenging conceptual art installations. To be fair, in late August, not all the merchandise was in yet, giving Today a spare, stage-set look that by now is probably a little more plumped out and tousled.
The owners, Eric Hardin and Kevin Pearson, have worked in the fashion industry for years, Hardin as a designer, Pearson as a sales rep. They’re backed by a third, more silent partner, Rishi Narayan, of Underground Printing.
Pearson, the one with the whole-arm tattoos and the impeccably waxed mustache, affirms that “everything here is new to Ann Arbor.” Hardin, the younger one with tats on upper arms only, says the motivation to start the store was: “We have a vision. We have traveled around big cities, and we enjoy product.”
Peter Roumanis, young chef-owner of the restaurant Vellum, with sharp, European dressing habits, was walking out with a few pairs of socks and a raincoat. If you were to outfit yourself here, you might find yourself wearing a Steven Alan shirt, a Filson “Cruiser” jacket, Tellason jeans, and Unmarked shoes and carrying a Duluth Pack, and spending $1,000 or so.
Today, 215 S. Fourth Ave., 548-8301. Hours not settled at press time. todayclothing.com
