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Idol Radec Exudes Unrefined Sophistication

It's no surprise that these days menswear lines can often seem a bit redundant, frequently failing to venture beyond the mundane mass production of basic T-shirts and boring pantsuits. With the prevalence of all the lackluster brands out there today, it's refreshing to see a label that produces contemporary looks while still remaining classically unrefined. Idol Radec is such a brand.

Based in Orange County, the young and sophisticated menswear label began as a creative vision by three OC natives: Nick Thomas, David Hickman and Scott Barclay. In August 2006, after understudying Hickman's father for several years, the talented trio of entrepreneurs decided it was time to establish a collection of their own, one that reaches out to the modern American male but still has an international appeal.

Inspired by their admiration for motorcars, music and golf, the Idol Radec founders created a label spawned from a mutual desire to produce trendy masculine clothing while maintaining an acute awareness of distinguished engineering. With no target age demographic, the modern yet classically stylish menswear brand is truly geared toward all confident and thoughtful men who strive for perfection and the finer things in life.

Idol Radec caters to a clientele that is more stylish than that of other golfwear labels. Although sport-inspired clothing can typically look and feel bulky and unfitted, Idol Radec fuses fashion with function to create a collection chock full of earth-toned trousers, cardigans, polo shirts and vests, all in a variety of textures and luxurious fabrics. The collection is comprised of designs that are progressive yet timeless, and can be found nationwide in high-end boutiques and department stores such as Fred Segal and Barneys, and even in a number of stores in Japan. With retail prices ranging from $90 to $1,000, the brand caters to a broad scope of fun-loving, male sophisticates.
Thomas feels that remaining true to his OC roots has played a major part in the development of the clothing line's overall image. "[We] continue to operate Idol Radec out of the region," Thomas says. "Glimpses of the Orange County fashion environment can be seen throughout Idol Radec's collections."

The Summer 2008 Collection was primarily inspired by "summer days on the boat in Newport Harbor," Thomas says. The upcoming collection features signature pieces such as the Wade reversible swim short and the Gulfstream barracuda jacket. Still in line with Idol Radec's theme of tastefully unrefined sportswear, the Summer 2008 Collection is highly versatile, allowing men with busy lifestyles to go from day to night in outfits that are interchangeable and simultaneously casual and formal. Wool sweater vests and cardigans, comfy cotton polo and V-neck shirts, crisp khaki shorts and trousers and streetworthy golf jackets are all constituents of the brand's new line, in stores now.
When asked about the possibility of tackling womenswear, Thomas provides an optimistic perspective into the founder's future endeavors. "The womenswear market is very important to Idol Radec," Thomas says. "We have received several requests to mirror what we have done in menswear in womenswear." In addition to the possibility of launching into the field of womenswear, however, Idol Radec will also be participating in a series of summer events throughout New York that will showcase the line in collaboration with various other artists.

Increasing international exposure and expanding itsproduct set are just a few of the company's long-term goals. Also currently in the works are plans to open up a flagship store that will house the entire collection, as well as the creations of other artists and designers, in a culturally-robust lifestyle environment.
Just a little more than a year old and already emerging as a one-to-watch label in the realm of upscale, international men's fashion, Idol Radec is basking in the afterglow of a tremendously successful first year and reaping the rewards of its ongoing efforts to stand tall in the high-end menswear market.

Up the ante in menswear at www.idolradec.com

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