On March 16 th , the Grand Opening of Ivy Men's + Design was held at the new location, 1220 Glenwood Avenue, just two blocks from International Market Square.   The boutique offers men a selection of designs not found anywhere else in the Twin Cities.   The contemporary space has tailored suites, dress suits and a casual line as well as limited edition designs by owner, Ini Iyamba.  

Iyamba incorporates the details that men have been asking for since he began in the fashion business over a decade ago.   Side vents are added to the coats and pants have a slight flare as well as double darts for comfort. Longer arm lengths on the shirts for the perfect fit are among the most sought after.

Couple that with custom designed furniture to relax in while shopping and the perfect environment is born.   As a matter of fact, if you like the space you can take it home with you. Well, not exactly, but Iyamba has joined forces with interior designer Maria Walker to launch another aspect of the lifestyle concept.  

Inyamba has been adding to that idea for over five years starting with theskini.com, theskini parties, Ivy in Calhoun Square and now the Ivy Men's + Design location.   Each one adds a facet to what he believes is a way of life.

TS: What exactly is the idea behind the interior design concept?

II: It is really an idea that was brought to me by my manager, Maria Walker.   We started bringing home furnishings into the women's Ivy store and clients really responded well to it. When the men's store started, we thought it was a nice fit for the neighborhood.

TS: Do you think people see the link between clothing and design?

II:   Well, the thing about it is that you don't really have to get it. The link for us is how the store is designed to fit the pieces.   We custom designed our space to accommodate, showcase and highlight the designs.   Fashion and design are synonymous.   We are not trying to sell furniture we are trying to show how design fits into every aspect of our lives from the clothes we wear to the chair we sit on.   If our clients want us to help with that then we are there for them.

TS:   You seem to understand the male needs in fashion?   Is that why you went into fashion design yourself?

II:   I think calling myself a designer is insulting to all those true designers out there.   I've been blessed with an eye to see beyond the norm, which for this town is both a gift and a curse.   The gift is that I'm able to bring new things to the Twin Cities for my clients to embrace and then move forward with us.   The curse is that a lot of times I'm one to two seasons ahead, and people here like to continue to follow the norm.  

TS: So where is men's fashion heading these days?  

II:   Currently, men's fashion is in transition, and has been for some time really, returning to a more tailored look.   With that in mind I noticed that my peers were having the same problem with their clothes that I have.   That's when I decided it was time to tweak the wheel a little.  

TS:   Is that why your clients come to Ivy Men's + Design?

II:   When you come to Ivy you come to expect the unexpected. With that said, clients who come to us for a suit, dress shirt, or trousers, know that we are not offering the same boring clothes they'd find any place else and they trust our quality.   We found a way to have their dress shirts produced with a more fitted body while giving them longer sleeve length and trousers with a flare for example. We found all American made suits, which are 90% hand made with uncompromising comfort and design.   That is really something unique and our clients know it.

The design aspect of Ivy Men's + Design came to life because my manager, Maria Walker, convinced me to bring in some home furnishing pieces at Ivy, which we sold almost as quickly as we brought them in.   So when it came time to open the men's store we felt that the location coupled with the fact that she's an Interior designer made it the next logical step.   Furniture and fashion go hand in hand.   Whether it be by color, silhouettes, or patterns you can always find a correlation.

TS:   Will you be designing for women too?

II:   I think that I will probably collaborate with a local designer before I try to design for women by myself.   I have some ideas in the works and there is a very talented local designer I would love to collaborate with.  

TS:   What do you see for the future of Minneapolis fashion?

II:   Continuous change and growth.   Already we have more boutiques opening up all the time.   Because of this, I think that the overall culture will change. More and more local designers will benefit from it.   With that said, I would like to challenge the designers who ask if I carry any local work.   Right now I do not but I would love to in the future.   Right now, I feel that the majority of local designers are too concerned with trend when they should focus on the tailoring and craftsmanship of a garment.   I don't care if the collection is all black, if the fit is bananas I will buy the whole collection.

TS:   You always have a new event in the works.   What's next to keep us in theskini with fashion and design?

II:   Of course, this is the third year that we're going to be producing Collage Fall Fashion Show, which will be held on Thursday September 27 th , 2007 at The Nicollet Island Pavilion and the benefactor is Jeremiah Program.  

And theskini.com exclusive is the 2007 party schedule.   For three month's, starting April through June, theskini.com party returns.   On the second and fourth Saturday of each month starting April 14 th with Spring Fever, theskini.com party can be found at Space.   Music is by DJ Aldric and Guest DJ with a $10 admission (see the party page for details).