Photograph by Frank Di Piazza
By Nicole Benoist Edgerton
While attending Mizzou, friends Brian Smith and Michael Pagel joked about one day owning a business together. After graduation, they both found corporate jobs in St. Louis, but soon ditched them to make that college joke a reality. In late 2005 they opened Moris Fashions (34 Maryland Plaza, 314-361-6800, morisfashions.com), a high-end men’s retailer located in the Central West End.
The business partners say that part of the reason Moris came to be was that they just couldn’t find a single store that carried the hip shirts, suits, pants and accessories they themselves were seeking. These days, Moris is the exclusive St. Louis carrier of several brands, including J Fold Wallets and Bags, Stewart/Stand Accessories (which include reversible titanium cuff links), 191 Unlimited and Orthodox Menswear. This spring, the store is presenting new lines from Hugo Boss, Ted Baker, Modern Amusement and the skin-care line Anthony Logistics for Men.
While many Moris shoppers are among the already savvy, the owners say they welcome customers seeking a revamped wardrobe. “We start with the basics,” Smith says, “then figure out what he wears on a daily basis—a suit? Jeans? Polo shirts? By mixing fun shirts, sweaters, jackets and shoes in his favorite colors with the five basics, we can easily transition a man into an entirely new look. Layering is the key to uniqueness.”
The Moris Rules
Michael Pagel lists the 5 items every man should have in his closet
1. The Perfect White Shirt: “A great-fitting white dress shirt is the most versatile shirt a man will own. It’s ideal for all occasions, whether it be with a pair of jeans on the weekend or with a suit for work.”
2. Great-Fitting Dark Jeans: “Relatively simple dark-wash denim in a relaxed fit will last a man for years. By keeping this one pair simple, the jeans will always be in style. And they can be paired up with almost everything.”
3. Fitted White and Black T-Shirts: “Fitted T-shirts in a basic white and black are a timeless classic. They can be worn in the summer with a pair of khaki shorts, in the fall with a pair of jeans or in the winter under a sweater and even a blazer.”
4. Basic Flat-Front Black or Charcoal Trousers: “A pair of dark dress trousers is a must for every man. You would be amazed at how often they will come in handy for work or play. You can even combine two items in one by getting a two-piece suit.”
5. Blazer/Sport Coat: “A simple dark, solid blazer is as versatile as a white dress shirt. It can be worn with jeans or even be paired up with your basic flat-front trousers to create a two-piece suit.”
