FR Style Inventory: Herschel Supply Co. Founders Lyndon And Jamie Cormack
New York City's Fashion Week is underway, so it's time to check in with some stylish citizens to find out who they're wearing, what they're eating and to get a few tips.
Lyndon and Jamie Cormack are brothers and founders of Herschel Supply Co. Started in 2009, the accessories line has exploded in growth, and is now sold in almost 50 countries, including every big-name retailer imaginable, from Barneys to Urban Outfitters to Apple stores. Here, the Cormacks give us a glimpse into their Vancouver and dish on where they like to eat, drink and shop.
What's so great about Vancouver?
Lyndon: The city is at the base of the mountains, borders oceans, has a mild climate and there are hiking and biking trails at your doorstep. Plus, the food. There's also a casual culture here, which lets people celebrate who they really are, as opposed to who they think they need to be.
Jamie: It's the best place in Canada, if not the world!
Let's talk food. Where do you like to eat?
Jamie: I live in Deep Cove, so Arm's Reach Bistro is an everyday spot for me. The food is always perfect, as is the service. And it's across the street from my house, right on the ocean. I've never had a bad meal there. Like the rest of the city, we enjoy hockey. One of our favorite places to stop by before going down to the games is The Union. It's quick, has a cool Asian thing going on and has awesome dumplings and spicy green beans.
Also see: 5 Great Places To Eat/Drink In Vancouver
Lyndon: I love a little new restaurant Bestie in Chinatown. It's a traditional currywurst house that's open for lunch and dinner. It's an extremely well-designed, simplistic place that's already a favorite of a lot of locals.
What if you're trying to impress someone?
Lyndon: Yew at the Four Seasons. We eat there quite a bit. There's valet parking in front –which I love – so I can get in and out quickly. We also both really enjoy Cardero's in Coal Harbor for traditional fish and chips and great West Coast salmon. While the interiors at Bishop's won't wow anyone, the food and culture will. They started the whole natural, organic thing that's reflective of West Coast-style cuisine, and they've been doing it for a really long time.
Where do you guys like to drink?
Jamie: Six Acres for beer.
Lyndon: After work, I'll head to The Diamond, Alibi Room or Chill Winston. They're all within a few blocks from each other in Gastown. I tend to find a spot and chill with a great bottle of wine. Diamond is my number one spot for that, but if it gets hot, I'll go to Chill Winston. They have an amazing patio if you want to be outdoors.
How about coffee?
Jamie: I go to JJ Bean down the street a couple times a day. It's a local chain, and I haven't had a bad coffee from there. It's got great flavor, and the service is always great, too.
What are your favorite local spots for shopping?
Jamie: Roden Grey is my favorite store. It's world-class retail spot that stocks everything from APC to Thom Browne to Aesop, things that are modern classics. Every time I go in there I want to buy something.
Neighbor's is a nice men's shop that carries cool labels like Norse Projects.
Lyndon: Inventory has ridiculously curated menswear and accessories. These guys just get it. They do a magazine in the back and the store in the front. Haven is also carefully edited, with world-class brands like Visvim.
We opened a shop in Deep Cove called Ahoy Goods last July (2013). It's got a West Coast feel, with stuff from Patagonia to Ray Ban to Birkenstock to Vans. We also sell things under the Ahoy label. It's for everyone: kids, ladies, men and dogs. It overlooks the ocean and has a patio.
Jamie: It's fun. We call it a department store, but it's really small, maybe 1,000 square feet. We both love the mix of it.
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