The Right Fit for Men
“It’s not really about selling shirts, but making friends.”
That’s what Bono Stewart, co-owner of the new men’s clothing store in the Deep Deuce district of Oklahoma City, is letting people know. Slim—Men’s Modern Fashions is located at 1 NE 2nd Street on the ground floor of the Lofts.
The 1,200 square foot store features designer clothes only for men; a concept that Stewart claims has to do with his vision for friendship and community. Their slogan, “Look Good, Feel Good, Be Envied,” is the driving force behind the store, and one that Stewart sees as filling a void in OKC’s current apparel experience.
“Most guys I know just aren’t confident,” says Stewart. “Fashion is all about confidence. Men need something different, style wise, and that’s what we’re bringing.”
With designer clothes from Italy to Montreal, Slim carries a variety of styles appealing to business professionals, a night out on the town, or a romantic date with that special someone. Stewart envisions his store becoming not just a place to shop, but also a space for new friendships and downtime.
“It’s not really just a fashion place,” he says. “It’s a meeting ground for us to be men, have a glass of wine, and enjoy ourselves; talk business and hangout.” Stewart has created the perfect environment for such, designing the store to mimic a walk-in closet, complete with an open floor plan and a large couch in the center.
Stewart doesn’t just want customers; he wants the men who walk into his store to feel comfortable. “I don’t want to be a typical men’s clothing store,” says Stewart. “I want to be able to call my guys and say, ‘hey, I have this new shirt for you; come try it out.’”
Slim also offers a variety of memberships, ranging from $45/month to $110/month. Each membership includes special offers, discounts, free shipping, and other fun freebies. Monthly guys’ nights are also part of the membership, allowing members a chance to network and build relationships.
While Stewart’s store features top-of-the-line designer clothing, he claims his goal is never about following a trend, but helping his customers find their own personality and style, and then wearing it with confidence.
“I think with fashion, there’s no reason to follow a trend,” Stewart says. “Be who you are; if you say, ‘I’m going to rock this’, and you don’t care what people think, you can rock it. That’s what being an icon is.”
Photography by Emily Brashier