What Steven Alan is known for
NYC Soho pioneer 1994 — curated menswear and womenswear, reverse-seam signature shirt, first US carrier of Acne and Maison Kitsuné.
Steven Alan opened his namesake store in Manhattan's Soho neighborhood in 1994, becoming known for an exceptional curatorial eye that identified emerging fashion talent. In 1999, Alan launched his first collection, anchored by the 'Reverse Seam Shirt', which became a cult signature piece distinguished by twisted plackets and external seams—details reflecting Alan's obsessive approach to fabric and construction. The brand expanded through a dedicated showroom opened in 1996 and built a loyal following through tailored basics for both men and women grounded in idiosyncratic design choices. Steven Alan was the first US retailer to carry Acne Studios, Maison Kitsuné, Engineered Garments and Mansur Gavriel, establishing the store as a discovery point for refined international design. The company's multi-brand approach and commitment to quality essentials positioned it as a pioneer of the Soho retail scene during the 1990s indie retail expansion.
How ORBIS reads this city
Best for — Refined shirting, casual
USA / Japan
More in New York
- Aedes de Venustas — New York
- Brooks Brothers — New York
- J. Press — New York
- Le Labo — New York
- Proper Cloth — New York
- Tiffany & Co — New York
- Tom Ford Beauty — New York
- Wythe — New York
Where next
- Eternal Wave Surf Shop — United States
- Kulte — Paris
- Rogue Territory — Los Angeles
Hand-curated for ORBIS · no paid placement