Lisa Kline Launches Men's Line
Los Angeles-based specialty retailer Lisa Kline is going back to her design roots with a new men’s sportswear collection, Lisa Kline Exclusive Private Label.
The California native studied fashion at Syracuse University in New York before moving back to the West Coast in 1992 to become a stylist. Two years later, she opened her own fashion boutique on Robertson Boulevard. She later expanded her retail vision by opening a men’s specialty boutique just a few feet away.
Kline said marketing menswear at her store has been challenging because many labels produce shirts and pants only in sizes SM–XL, which makes many customers feel they are limited in their options.
“Finally, there’s a cool, hip collection for men that comes in extralarge sizes,” she said of her new line.
For Spring, Kline’s line offers vintage-inspired dress shirts in solids and stripes for men, including long- and short-sleeved buttondown shirts made from European cotton blends. Details include contrast stitching, mother-of-pearl buttons, three-barrel cuffs and “Ocean’s Eleven” collars. Additionally, the line features twill trousers and lightweight wale cords, as well as relaxed drawstring cargo pants.
Sizes come in SM–XXL. The line also offers XL–XX for big-and-tall men. Retail price points range from $185 to $220.
The collection’s first shipment has already sold out. Kline expects sales to reach $250,000 by the end of the year.
Kline said she hopes the line will lend a certain cachet to the store’s fashion-forward image.
“[The line] has got a kind of L.A. hipster vibe to it, which my clients love,” said Kline. “You can dress up or just be casual in my clothes.”
Kline is merchandising the line alongside the store’s other collections, such as Paper Denim & Cloth, Earl Jeans and Theory.
Lisa Kline Exclusive Private Label will be sold exclusively at Kline’s boutique, although the retailer said she is not opposed to getting her brand name noticed at other retailers.
“I would love to sell it wholesale if retailers are interested in carrying it in their stores,” said Kline. —Claudia Figueroa
