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Inspired by a number of years living in NYC, Gavin and Marika Ward recently launched online store, the aptly named BleeckerSt.com. Specialising in American menswear with a focus on independent brands and garments not available in Australia, the duo are committed to bringing a little bit of NYC style down under. We spoke to owner Gavin about New York, the motivation behind the store and some of his favourite pieces, some of which appear in the gallery of this post, so make sure you check it out as up until October 15th Bleecker St. is offering all ACCLAIM readers 10% off all new season stock. Just enter ACCLAIM at checkout.

What was the motivation behind creating BleeckerSt.com?

We love that New Yorkers have a style unto themselves. They don’t try to be cool, they just are. After living in New York for a number of years we moved home in 2009 to launch BleeckerSt.com; to share the big city’s brash attitude and offer an alternative to the mass-produced ‘designer’ shit in your neighbourhood.

Who are the brains behind the store?

Behind BleeckerSt.com is myself, Gavin Ward, and my creative advertising background, Marika Ward and her men’s fashion design and buying background and Ace, our French fashionisto Bulldog, possibly the laziest dog on the planet. Together we have more than ten years of experience within the Australian and International advertising and fashion industries.

What kind of things do you look for in terms of the brands you stock?

We like quintessential US designers with attitude, unique products and individual style. We could bore you with fashion jargon, but instead let’s just say it like it is: Our customer wants something different but it’s got to represent who they are.

What are some of your favourite items in the store currently?

There’s a couple: the limited edition ‘Numbered’ Kicks by Stampd’, the Joy Rich ‘College Jacket’, a New York staple, you can do no wrong! The ‘LA Don’t love you’ tee by Kid Dangerous (because it’s true). The Han Cholo ‘Cover Fire Pendant’ because it takes us back to childhood playing with army men and the Taped LIVE ‘Lazy Shirt Tee’ good for all occasions because it is both a tee and a shirt, it’s also our in-house label.

How did you source the brands?

Working in fashion and advertising in New York meant we met most of the people behind the brands prior to our launch. We are lucky to have personal relationships with many of them, and we still spend a few months out of the year there, so we get to work closely with everyone!

How do you think NYC style differs from style in Australia?

I think there are many similarities between NYC and Aussie style. So many of the same subcultures are emerging, supported by the web, access to social media and instant information, we are all often influenced by the same things at the same time.

On the flip side, living in NYC couldn’t be more different from living here, which affects the way we represent ourselves. New Yorkers take style so seriously. They are scratching each other’s eyes out to look different, to stand out of that massive crowd and be noticed as the unique individual they are. Aussie style is more laid back.

www.BleeckerSt.com