Stiska: Simple Shirts, Fashionably Complex
The market for casual fashion for guys is crowded. Yet, if casual shirts can be made complex with exotic details, even a man with a complete wardrobe will make room for another shirt, according to designer Michael Stiska. The San Diego–based designer will soon be able to test his theory. The debut collection for his line, Stiska, was distributed to select specialty boutiques in May.
The 16 woven shirts in Stiska’s first collection look deceptively simple from a distance. The shirts are cut with silhouettes influenced by military, Western and workwear themes. But a closer look at Stiska’s shirts also reveals subtle details with an art inspiration.
Stiska’s “Dream Djinni” shirt looks like a military shirt with some Western details. But the shirt’s pointed vampire collar gives the cowboy style a Goth look. The shirt also features front panel stitching that looks like the face section of an ancient Greek helmet.
The label’s “Winger” shirt was inspired by gas station uniforms, but it made a sharp turn from its grease monkey inspiration with its details. They feature faux under-sleeves made out of contrasting colored fabrics. The shirts also offer a hidden “stealth” pocket, waffle-print buttons and lightning-bolt snaps.
T-shirts are available with the debut collection. Stiska manufactures its own T-shirt bodies with slim-cut and contrast stitching. Images are designed with dramatic graphic-novel style by Los Angeles artist Allan Amato.
Eventually, Stiska plans to become a full collection, offering items such as accessories and hats.
Retail price points are $39 for T-shirts and $65 to $100 for woven shirts. Stiska is sold at a handful of specialty boutiques such as Pure in San Diego’s Hillcrest section; ReStyle in Hermosa Beach, Calif.; and IWS in Laguna Beach, Calif. Stiska Brand Manager Ian Robb plans to keep distribution tight as the new label takes its first steps.
The brand can afford to be selective with its retail partners. It is funded by Michael Stiska’s family. His father, John C. Stiska, is a prominent businessman and chairman of San Diego–based venture lending fund Bridge Capital LLC. Robb said he advises the label on financial matters. Yet design purely comes out of the imagination of Michael Stiska.
The line is carried at the Joken Style Showroom, located in suite A514 of the California Market Center. For more information, call (213) 291-8394. —Andrew Asch
