The Pop Up Flea (PUF), hosted by Michael Williams of A Continuous Lean, kicked off in New York last Friday with a lineup full of new-age Americana from relatively small brands in a quaint space with free Yeungling (beer).

I showed up on the opening night, which was great because both Michael Williams and Mordechai Rubenstein (Mr. Mort) were there. As the event organizers, they have a unique insight into what’s going on and why–helpful because I came into it thinking that it would be strictly made in America goods. Not so.

Mordechai and Michael

The goal of the PUF was to put on a show for menswear, particularly the smaller brands out there that are making waves but don’t have the resources for solo shows and big parties. In that sense, it was a pretty good showcase, slightly homogenous in the look and feel of the casual brands, but a few brands really brought some interest to the show.

Billy Kirk table/workbench

Rogues Gallery screen-printing table

Mr. Mort wears the pants

Billy Kirk was hand-making wallets and other goods on site, and Rogues Gallery was hand-screening shirts there as well. Alexander West and Michael Andrews were taking measurements. And, Mr. Mort was wearing fire-engine red pants.

Mr. Mort’s New Era collection

The ACL shoe collection

For Michael, it also doubled as a chance to announce the opening of the A Continuous Lean online store, which contains goods on display at the PUF. He has a neat little collection of zip-up satchels, shoes and bags, which stood in stark contrast to Mr. Mort’s line of New Era caps and “fuck you” ties.

Opinions have differed greatly on the show. Some heralded it as a fantastic showcase of “happening” brands. Others said it was hackneyed and boring.

As the curator of such an event, you really can’t win. Someone’s always going to feel slighted. Having spoken with Michael about both the blog and show, I think it was precisely what he wanted. Unfortunately, there may have been some miscommunication as to what was meant by the word “flea”, since obviously there were mostly new goods being peddled.

Americana for sale.

Some people think cucumbers taste better pickled…

The whole affair was pleasant and jovial. Every brand rep that I spoke with was great, including the two men behind the show. The guys at Billy Kirk and Tellason were especially charming, even as my friends and I discussed politics with the former.

Talking politics

Thanks to Michael and friends for putting it on—I look forward to the west coast version, which I hope will be in San Francisco.

via David Mongan, 25 November 2009 2:07pm | |