Just for Men

L.A.'s South Willard rethinks its fashion priorities

August 22, 2007—The best part of breaking up? You finally get a decent amount of space for your clothes. Consider South Willard, the three-year-old L.A. boutique. After splitting up with girlfriend Danielle Kays, Ryan Conder has taken the 1,000-square-foot store men's-only (though Kays is still a co-owner). That means more room for Penhaligon's grooming products, Postalco stationery from Japan, and coffee-table books recommended by his artsy clientele, as well as Stephan Schneider's eponymous line of sportswear. The Belgium-based German's monochromatic approach should work well alongside offerings from fellow Antwerp residents Raf Simons and Veronique Branquinho, as well as clothes from South Willard's ever-expanding house label. The shop's decor—white walls, natural lighting, local art, and vintage furniture salvaged from the L.A. District Court—remains unchanged, with one important exception: "I got rid of the mannequins," Conder says. "I'm not into mannequins, so I'll have contemporary art installations in the window." The one thing he couldn't get rid of? Girls themselves. According to Conder, they're still coming in and buying clothes, just in really small sizes. "They just haven't given up yet," he says, not quite complaining.

South Willard, 8038 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, (323) 653-6153, www.southwillard.com