Post-Cloak

I usually dislike the prefix "post." It always seems like a cop out - a poor substitute used for lack of definition. But, maybe it's Ok to use it in this entry - as Robert Geller, the co-founder of Cloak (he left the label in 2004), may fill the void left in the heart of hipsters, and, well, just people who appreciate good design. The ground is still not clear as to whether it was Plokhov or Geller who was the heart of the label. Regardless, Ploklhov closing shop after this season leaves a void in contemporary designer menswear. Cloak got it right by applying good tailoring to such basic expressions of modern man's wardrobe like rock'n'roll and the military. But, that's all gone now. Enter Robert Geller's brand new menswear collection, available in stores next fall. Of course it is too early to shout Le Roi est mort. Vive le Roi!, but it looks like Geller is picking up Cloak elements (after all, he's a co-author), and putting his twist on them.

For now the list of stores is unimpressive - Odin is a trendy hipster hangout - but who knows what will transpire next? Rumor has it that some major stores are enamoured with the line. The final test will be to see this in person. All I know for now is that the clothes are made in Japan (always a plus), and that price points will be fair (think Cloak FW04 and earlier). The online lookbook looks good, and although I understand Mr. Geller's desire to put his own stamp on his designs, the best looks are still the more Cloakish ones. In any case, I wish Mr. Geller best of luck in the menswear wasteland.

http://www.robertgeller-ny.com