Monthly Archives: January 2021

Maven Menswear

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 28th Apr 2014

Maven Menswear is located in Lafayette, LA, in the heart of Cajun Country. Maven is well-known for carrying unique, trendy fashions, and for providing excellent customer service in a laid back, friendly shopping environment, and we’re proud to share that they carry our wooden bow ties and lapel flowers. We had the opportunity to sit down with Daniel Barbier, co-owner and founder of Maven Menswear.

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What was your vision behind Maven Menswear? (give a brief summary of why you opened this store)

My wife, Christina Barbier, and I began Maven Menswear in 2011. With Christina’s 15+ years of experience in luxury retail and my business management experience, we wanted to create a concept that would give our customers in Lafayette the best of both worlds: a luxury shopping experience in a store with two price points.  One price point is attainable to your average college student and we also offer higher end products for the more established professional.

Our Men’s concept has been extremely successful in the past two and a half years and has helped us to open our women’s version (Maven Womenswear) directly across the street from the men’s store. The women’s store has been open for about a year now and is based on the same values as the men’s store: offering unique fashions and styles and excellent customer service to the people of Lafayette.

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What sets Maven Menswear apart from the other stores around it?

Maven brings a big city style to a small town. We wanted to carry different brands that weren’t available at other stores in Lafayette and some aren’t available in the state of Louisiana. We wanted to have cool, trendier clothes that cater to people of all ages with the same style.

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What’s one item in your store that is your personal favorite?

It’s hard to say since I personally have purchased every item in the store and love them all. The wooden bow ties from Two Guys Bow Ties are definitely one of my top favorites through. They’re a really good conversation piece and will have you thanking people all night long for the compliments! When I first saw them on Uncrate.com, I knew they would be a perfect fit for our store ad I had to have them. I always tell people if a regular bow tie isn’t loud enough for you then the next step are the wooden ones from Two Guys Bow Ties.

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Why do you think our Two Guys Bow Ties wooden bow ties and lapel flowers are a good fit for Maven Menswear?

The bow ties are a perfect fit for Maven. We have a very eclectic style and people who appreciate our style know that when they come into our store they will find fashions that are on trend and cool that will set them apart form the rest of the people they will be around when they are out at night or attending an event. That is exactly what Two Guys Bow Ties is about.

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Any future plans you want to share?

Be on the lookout for more Maven stores to pop up in 2015! We’re still discussing what locations will be the best fit for our stores but expansion is definitely on the agenda for the early part of next year. Feel free to give us a shout if you would like to see the Maven stores in your city.

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Forage Modern Workshop

Posted by Lacey Wilcox on 15th Jun 2014

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Forage Modern Workshop was born out of a love for the Midwest and good design.  The result is a store that celebrates modern craftsmanship and unique designs, textures, and tastes, while still holding to the ruggedness and beauty that makes the Midwest what it is.

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The owners of Forage Modern Workshop had a desire to take the pressure off buying great design.  They wanted to provoke consciousness in purchasing by encouraging people to think twice about what they buy:  who made it, where does it come from, how was it made?  The products in their store reflect this desire for quality products made with a quality purpose.  Each item in the store has been chosen with care, creating a selection of Midwest modern design, rustic gifts, and items made with the highest levels of craftsmanship.

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Forage Modern Workshop believes that the home is a reflection of each person and family’s unique personalities.  Your home is the physical representation of your story: it’s filled with furniture and decor that is old and new, gifts from those you love, and items that required months of saving and waiting.  The pictures around us are reminders of places we have been, people we have loved, and moments we will never forget.  The home is a space for inviting, welcoming, and warming.  It should be beautiful because it reflects our stories, and our stories are beautiful.

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What sets Forage Modern Workshop apart is its combination of old and new merchandise.  Of the new merchandise, 60% is from local Midwest designers and makers, reinforcing the owners’ love for old school craftsmanship, their region, and modern design.  They wanted local artists, craftsman, and designers to have a platform to showcase the quality, modern furniture that comes only from the Midwest.

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But Forage Modern Workshop isn’t just about great furniture.  They see themselves as a lifestyle store, and carry well-designed products for every aspect of your life.  A mutual appreciation for craftsmanship in all things led to Forage carrying Two Guys Bow Ties.  They appreciate the mixed elements found in our ties, an effect that is reflected throughout their store.  We’re told they look really good next to the Eastvold Credenza, a classic piece with a distinct style.

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Above all, the members of Forage Modern Workshop believe that work should be enjoyable, and they like having a good time.  They hope to provide a space that supports young and fresh design and are collaborating with friends and other local businesses to hold galleries, pop-ups, and other fun events.  Their store is a reflection of their passions, risks, and desires to encourage creativity and collaboration.

Photos by Canary Grey Photography