Store

With perhaps the most forward-thinking selection of urban streetwear in town, Ian reminds you that growing up doesn't necessarily mean surrendering that youthful drive and style. Though you'll still find homemade-looking T-shirts sporting "Chronic" emblems and "Disco Sucks" logos inside lockers on the wall, Ian's heavy nod to light industrial and proletariat chic leaves music video silliness and Top-40 pop-star fashion far behind.

The store resembles a gallery with its whitewashed walls, overhead spotlights and a loft ceiling, and as you browse to beats from artists like Mark Farina, you get the feeling that many of Ian's handpicked pieces are indeed limited works, soon to be snatched up by others if you wait to add them to your collection.

Designers like G-star, Nice Collective and Copenhagen's hand-printed, militia-themed Punk Royal anchor the men's lines, while Fever, Paper Denim and Miss Sixty offer head-turning looks for women.

Staffed by the owners and a small group of friendly, informed and anti-pushy salespeople, Ian's assortment of clothing and accessories sits uncluttered on racks and tables above the occasional faux-fur rug. Ian takes aim on casual and club-wise 20-40-year-old men and women downtown, while keeping a male-only focus on the Hill. With affordable options and others well worth saving for, Ian's ability to ambush breaking styles scores a direct hit.

Justin Paul
Special to NWsource