The new California brand Riviera Club came together as three friends – Joe Sadler, Derek Buse and Greg Ullery – combined their individual strengths to create something new. The launch collection (which is seen in the images below) is inspired by the real life adventures of surfer and wayward rich-kid Bunker Spreckels and the company’s home base of Santa Barbara, California.
I first met Joe, Derek and Greg a few months ago and was impressed by the clothing – not to mention the people. While the guys were in NYC we ended up hanging out, having a few beers and talking about how everything started and how the line is coming along. It all goes back to something I have said before, good people making good things. Since my first opportunity to see the line I have been telling people it is one of the best new brands I have seen in a long time. The line is wearable, made from great fabrics, has good detailing and smart fits. The kicker is, all of it is made in California. As far as prices go, the shirting retails for $155; outerwear from $175 – $195; shorts range from $115 – $155.
Since the focus of ACL can drift to seasons far away, I decided to wait to do a post about Riviera Club until it was actually hitting stores – even if that meant seeing it on some other blogs. I really like the clothes, as well as the gentlemen involved and hope they do well with their new endeavor. You can check out Riviera Club at Saturdays in NYC, Blackbird in Seattle and Ron Herman in sunny L.A.
Looks good from where I’m sitting. Love the laid back, Cali vibe.
I spent a year in Santa Barbara at Brooks Institute of Photography. One of the most memorable times in my life. I found myself only wearing canvas deck shoes, jeans, buttondowns and canvas jackets. A truly inspiring city, as is evidenced here with Riviera Club.
Classic. Pink sweatshirt is awesome, and so is the button detail on the tennis tail of the polo.
killer large/small red gingham check shirt…
Love this line. I think they should do a ladies collection! yes please
Come on people! This is a way overpriced generic clothing. Nothing special here. I don’t see one look here you couldn’t pull together from other less expensive lines.
i hate to say that i agree with bateman on this one. granted all are great looks, but its been done. i have about 10 gingham shirts in my closet now.
Looks pretty much like…well, J Crew to me…
light up another fattie, you can have santa barbara state of mind pricing.
Nice clothes. Do I detect a softening of attitude towards Los Angeles lately? (Still love your bLAh baseball cap though, even as a resident expat from NYC.)
Yeah, I’m leaning more towards Bateman’s side. I’ll forgive the pricing since it’s domestically produced, but the styling is pretty generic California. It looks nice, but no great leap forward from what we have already seen.
the first pic is the only good one. it has a nice atmosphere. the rest are generic shots, generic look. some are ruined by faux paint. so what if it’s made in los angeles?
“Good people making Good things.” what a perfect description of this brand!
What happened to this guy’s ass? I mean, he does not have one. I am not a fan of skinny boys modeling men’s clothes. That said, not much is better than gingham and denim.
DUDE – THAT WINOEK T IS THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN
Love that red gingham
Saw this at Ron Herman today. Amazing… I bought the chino. Incredible vintage zipper detail. Really soft, perfect fit… Stoked.
We at Blackbird bought the line totally dark (as usual). This is just a fraction of what they created. What I love is that every piece is soft and cozy. Washes on the fleece is equal to RRL. Unreal.
Went to Ron Herman last night to check out the stuff. I enjoyed the spring line and will be sold if i they do a great Fall line. BTW not that expensive compared to other lines in that store… Shorts were 111?? i am down for that. esp if made in the US of A
In response to ‘wade word,’ i agree about the ass, but he does have nice calves. No??
Did someone just comment on their own hype?
these guys couldn’t be more behind and a total rip-off.
what the hell has happened to men’s fashion or whatever the hell you call this?
has anyone ever heard of a brand trovata?……exactly, I think it was 2003 the yr that punk broke…..geez!
Love the controversy on this line. Any stores in Vegas?
This is all so trovata/hollister/j crew. Sorry, but yawn-nothing new. Points for being made in the USA.
Great to see crew necks poppin’ up, so sick of hoodies.
i’m not terribly moved by this collection. but if you don’t like it, don’t buy it. no one company should ever own a single market. let’s just hope more manufacturing in the u.s. will help bring down the prices on well-made domestic goods.
Bunker Spreckels wouldn’t caught dead in clothes like these. I don’t know how these guys can say their collection is “inspired” by Bunker’s life???? He dressed more like pimp from Oakland. Ridicules, looks like just another jcrew style.
i agree with karl…
that dude just looked like a bizarre oliver stone directed teenage surf punk ghoul sitting in detention
Why didn’t they just call the line Bunker Spreckels?
After years of knowing traveling and photographing Bunker. I must say he would of never worn any of the clothing your showing here! nice try but no cigar. You missed the mark by 3 miles this is more BS…….art
Way to take everything super literally Art.
My pleasure , what else would you like more poor judgment..the clothes are misinterpreted, reality ?
Oh to be white, blond and Californian. This spread is very 1982 at best. Or 1979, but without any edge.
I can’t believe we are still seeing so much plaid in men’s clothes.
I expect we’ll see these clothes on Gilt pretty soon.
Wow, if you really are Art Brewer you would know Sir.
kooks