Last weekend, we took a little time out of our Sunday afternoon to visit a very special pop-up market held by bloggers extraordinaire, Free/Man. Darian and company are at the forefront of men’s style publications online and creating a brick and mortar event must have felt like the best natural step in expanding their reach. Free/Man took to Vancouver’s blossoming Main Street to put together Gentlemen’s Reserve, a 2-day flea market featuring some great wares and brand representatives.
Here’s one of the spreads by Archival Clothing, showcasing some good looking rucksacks and field bags.
BELOW: A bunch of their Columbiaknit products.
4 Horsemen, out of Victoria, BC had a great set-up in the back corner with bits and pieces from their actual store back on the island. Timex original watches, Two Steps Ahead flecked wool socks, some S.N.S. Herning tops, and their latest and most coveted beast of a shoe, the 4HS Viberg Saddle Oxford.
4H stacking these Penfield shorts all summer long. And for the right price.
Adjacent to 4Horsemen, one of Oregon’s emerging brands set-up shop, Bridge and Burn. Free/Man has been pushing this Portland brand to us online for a while now, so it was great to have an up close look at things.
ABOVE AND BELOW: Maak Soap Lab is yet another great company from Portland that’s redeveloping handmade soap with their own plant based, chemical free concoctions.
Sturdy made stylish. There’s been enough said about Viberg and their attention to feet. They even displayed a cross section, cut straight down the middle of one of their boots.
An unmanned table was also set for Gastown Vancouver’s latest gem, Neighbour. Saager, owner and operator of his shop a few blocks north, laid out some house brand items for the Pop-Up Market.
Stacks upon stacks of messengers, totes and duffles from original sailmaking company, WM J Mills & Co. Stitched and detailed to a tee. Hand-carries made by experts & built to last.
Right across from the old-timers stood, Tellason, with piles of their North Carolinian-bred, San Franciscan-cut, denim. Making a great pair is likely one of the most difficult areas in men’s clothing to be successful at and these guys are a really young brand making great waves in a tough market.
ABOVE and BELOW: Barret Alley was a really nice surprise when stepping into the shop. They put out a great spread at the entrance of the market, equipped with leathers galore and some beautiful wrist wear. All handmade in Texas.
After getting a chance to politick with Darian for a while, he showed us these. Viberg brought out some complimentary leather cut-outs for the Gentlemen’s Reserve patrons, they easily fold into wallets/card carriers. Kick yourself in the ass if you missed out on these.
Interesting that i didn’t have a chance to meet you guys at the pop-up. i was doing photography for the event, so i might have actually snapped a shot or two of you. anyway, love the site, keep up the great work. cheers
Thanks Eric! Checked out your website, amazing photos and commentary. We’d definitely love to connect with another member of the Free/Man squad, hopefully in the future.