Why would a man give up an executive retail career (Lands’ End, Belk, Kohl’s) to launch a new polo shirt?
“We wanted to dedicate ourselves to something that kids would be proud of,” explains Chris Kolbe, co-founder with Christian Arkins of new eco-luxury brand HyperNatural, which hit top retailers in March. “We wanted to create something that would improve nature while doing the least amount of harm to the planet.”
Kolbe further explains: Laundry. “Natural Performance” with no harmful chemicals, polyesters or plastics. The result is a soft, luxurious, proprietary fabric that is 95% biodegradable, 50% made from recycled waste, and 0% virgin polyester or plastic. “
The comfy, finely crafted, finely detailed polo shirts ($135-$165 MSRP) will be available in top independent stores and Nordstrom in Spring 2023.
“We wanted to keep it simple,” says Kolbe. “Two knits (piqué and jersey), two fits, 29 colors, and he’s four styles in one amazing fabric.” For more information, email chris.kolbe@hypernaturalstyle.com.
Moreover: After two years of research and development at the raw fiber/yarn level, check out our most comfortable and most sustainable polo to date.
The TAP Group is a new retail-focused multi-brand showroom that brings the world’s top designer brands to the North American market. Led by Tony Lucia, Andrew Weisbrot and Paul Buckter (acronym TAP), the three industry veterans are Brioni, Canali, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Escada, Bloomingdale’s, Barney’s, Boyes and Garmany.
Weisbrot explains the concept as follows: As a seasoned retailer, we are not only committed to selling products, but also helping retailers sell to their customers. Our goal is always to increase sell-through and improve profit margins. It’s an improvement. We are involved in all stages of the process, from market research to sales pipeline development, client outreach, sales planning and account management. “
Launching four great brands — Windsor (new affordable luxury Swiss brand with 120 years of history in the US), Benson (casual lifestyle) and Malcolm (luxury brand) trousers), machinique (contemporary sportswear) — TAP wants to take a new take on luxury menswear. “We want the fun back,” he says Weisbrot. “Regaining friendship, partying and glamor for a new generation. I am still seeing too many depressed people since Covid. Retailers are too tired of being the same and Buyers are tired of big brands shoving things down their throats.That’s not what we’re for.We want to create a fun place to hang out, laugh and have fun.We believe in beautiful products. , customer relationships and committed to selling dreams.”
