If there's an award for most improved neighborhood storefront, Moris Fashions would win hands down. Brian Smith, the proprietor, moved the shop three weeks ago from a sleek 2500 s.f. storefront on Maryland Plaza he occupied for 7 years to an 850 s.f. space around the corner, the site of a former pizza restaurant. Those of us who tried to peer in as the renovation was taking place wondered how the space at 226 N. Euclid could ever be transformed from the tired-looking pizza restaurant it was to the men's haberdashery it would become.
Brian and his friends did the actual wrecking and clean-up, and interior design team Temple & Hentz took it from there. The designers, Sara & Wendy, magically transformed the location into an intimate "men's-club" space with antique furniture, stacks of books, vintage luggage, and touches such as a framed photo of a graduating class from the former Country Day School (now MICDS). A velvet couch invites customers to sit and visit while sipping a cocktail and perhaps sifting through sample books for special order shirts from Ike Behar, $59.50 to $235.
The shop windows are a delight to study with old sports gear, bits of this and that, and casual men's attire on view. PF Flyers hang in the window, $50 & up. The shop also carries shoes from John Varvatos, $188 & up.
Brian's boyhood sports' trophies line the shelf of an antique sideboard under an American flag.
Along with the new look there is a new fashion focus too. The clientele has shifted its taste toward "business casual," so the store is stocking more work-wear (weekend wear). A customer can still order a custom suit for $595, less than purchasing one off the rack, but you won't find many suits in the new location.
The Ted Baker London line with its full complement of menswear including t-shirts, socks, etc. has been a favorite at Moris. The Ted Baker sport coat/blazer photographed above is $425, the raspberry-colored shirt, also available in three other colors, is $145. Ted Baker ties shown above are $27 to $95.
Moris carries Anthony Logistics for Men lotions, $7 for lip balm up to $35 for razor-burn repair. 10% of sales of the products made in the U.S. go to prostate cancer research.
A large selection of jeans and shirts are also available at Moris Fashions. Stop in and say hello, you'll be glad you did.
Moris Fashions, 226 N. Euclid, 11 to 7 Monday through Saturday, Noon to 5 Sunday, (314) 361-6800.
Finally. A real man’s clothing store.
I am excited to see Moris in a new location, but am disappointed one more affordable restaurant option has left the neighborhood.