Shopping: Shops for the Man About Town

Starstruck
A range of hip music—everything from local band The Globes to super-cool Johnny Cash—shuffles through the stereo speakers a few times a day, befitting the casual L.A.-inspired vibe at Asher Anson, last August’s addition to Ballard’s boutique boom. Although co-owners/brothers-in-law Jerry Morris and Matt Lawrence purvey both men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, the mood is decidedly masculine with gray/blue walls and no-fuss fashion. Jeans for both genders include Genetic Denim (less than $220) and Five Four for men (less than $140). Men will also find Altru tees ($35-ish), Zooey polos ($55) and Five Four hoodies ($100–$220). L.A.-hipster rock ’n’ roll style for women includes Shae knits ($100–$150), Zooey tops ($80–$120) and rough-yet-refined jewelry from Rachel Eva ($24–$150). Both sexes can score a Christy’s Crown Series hat, spotted on luminaries like Justin Timberlake. Asher Anson;Ballard; 2038 NW Market St.; 206.789.1687



Lyrical Style
Like the Muddy Waters music that fills the air, Jackstraw Filaments is raw, authentic and masterful. Bare brick and whitewashed wood beams frame a skillfully edited collection of men’s clothing: urbane jackets from Dries Van Noten (around $1,200), Oxford cloth button-downs from Italy’s Danolis ($275) and Ann Demeulemeester’s radically chic vests, shirts and pants. In creating Jackstraw (named after a Grateful Dead tune), which opened in September, co-owners John Richards and Paola Medina pooled their years of retail experience at Butch Blum and Mario’s to pull together clothing and accessories that transcend trend while remaining indisputably modern. Despite its serious style, the haberdashery is not without a sense of humor. Be sure to check out the Beatles-dedicated dressing rooms (each named after a member of the beloved band) and the men’s bathroom tribute to their famous White Album. Jackstraw Filaments; 1117 First Ave.; 206.462.6236



Man-made
There was a time when Michael Cepress’ clothing designs were all about opera. Now, the former Seattle Opera costume maker, who opened his eponymous custom tailor shop last June, creates clothing that’s about his vision and the perfect fit for his customer. In his sidestreet showroom studio, bedecked with vintage sewing supplies, genteel Cepress familiarizes customers with their made-to-measure options: 1) traditional tailored suits, shirts and such, and 2) his own more theatrical collection replete with double collars and ruffles. Cepress works solo, drafting patterns, purchasing fabric, sewing every stitch on his industrial machine or by hand, and conducting the three-plus fittings it takes to achieve perfection. A dress shirt (you pick the collar, cuffs and material) runs upwards of $250; a dramatic wool cape of Cepress’ own design, $728; a handcrafted suit, $1,500. As with all things divine, custom tailoring takes time—allow two to four weeks for delivery. Michael Cepress;Capitol hill; 417 E Loretta Place; 206.334.7602