fig. Has Opened, And Park Slope Men Are Going To Look Stylin’
Sorry gents, you have no more excuses. It’s time to up your fashion game.
The good news is you don’t have to travel out of the neighborhood. Owner and designer Christine Alcalay opened fig. (121 7th Avenue between President and Carroll Streets) on Saturday, October 10. It’s a boutique store that is completely dedicated to men’s clothing and accessories.
You’re most likely familiar with KIWI (119 7th Avenue), Alcalay’s women’s boutique that has been open next door for 13 years.
First, let’s get clear on the name of the new store. The reference to “fig.” is not connected to that edible fruit — rather it’s an abbreviation for the word figure. You’ll see “fig.” used in illustrations and sketches in many design genres.
While fig. is certainly a store, Alcalay keeps her workshop in the back where she’ll be sketching and designing her own clothing line. The boutique mixes a creative design energy with Alcalay’s well-curated men’s selection.
“Clothing was the way we put rice on the table,” says Alcalay, describing her family history. Her family’s relationship with clothing and design goes back to their arrival in the U.S. as Vietnamese boat people refugees. Her mother began as a seamstress, and clothing was “the language that I learned,” explains Alcalay. “This is who I am. This is what I know.”
When the space became available, Alcalay felt it was a “once in a lifetime experience” to open fig. there. The previous store — Lisa Polansky — was a clothing and shoe store that had been open for about 40 years. “This could be the number one regret if I didn’t do this,” explains Alcalay.
In addition to the opportunity to open a “brother” store next door to KIWI, Alcalay explains that she is very excited by what is happening in men’s fashion and style right now. “Men’s clothing is very inspiring. I love how simple it is. Something has been going on in the last few years. You can see it during Men’s Fashion Week.”
One of the other goals of fig. is to speak specifically to the needs of men in Park Slope. “I really enjoy getting to the customer and learning about them,” says Alcalay. “I am a mom of three. I want to go into a store that is completely curated. And since I have been in this neighborhood for a long time, I know that finding something for a husband or boyfriend locally is really impossible.”
She also knows that men shop differently than women. “They don’t come in often, but when they do, they want a store where they can get a lot of different items.”
And Alcalay really does know the neighborhood. She lived in Park Slope for a very long time, but moved to Ditmas Park not too long ago. “I love Park Slope. I feel so much part of the neighborhood.”
Of course, that means Alcalay has her local favorites. “al di la [248 5th Avenue at Carroll Street] is one of my places,” she says. “Talde [369 7th Avenue at 11th Street], Bricolage [162 5th Avenue, between Douglass and Degraw Streets] as well. I buy a lot of my wine at Shawn’s [141 7th Avenue, between Carroll Street and Garfield Place].”
Based on Alcalay’s thorough knowledge of the neighborhood, as well as her design eye and business acumen, fig. looks sharp. And gents, get over there so you can look sharp, too.
fig. is open Monday-Friday, 11am-7pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm; and Sunday, 12pm-6pm. You can reach them at 718-622-5550.
