Sharp Dressed Man
ByGeorge’s Brandon Mahler shares 10 must-haves for living his best life
Brandon Mahler is originally from Houston and loves his hometown, but when he moved to Austin three years ago and started with ByGeorge, it felt completely natural, since he already spent most weekends in town playing shows with his band, Dress Code. The former graphic design student spent five years working for Gucci in Houston, and now you can find him at ByGeorge’s The Men’s Shop, where he is manager and assistant buyer. An art enthusiast, and artist himself, Mahler makes sure to find the nearest James Turrell installation whenever he travels for work. We couldn’t resist asking this man-about-town for all of his seasonal must-haves and forever favorites. Austin men (and women), take note.
1. PIONEER DJ HEADPHONES HDJ-X7:
Music is a big part of my life.I use these headphones when I play and tour with Dress Code. They are perfect for DJing, because they are comfortable, noise-canceling, and adjustable. I DJ at Pool Burger every other Friday and have a variety show on LoFi Radio, where I interview musicians and shoppers and play my favorite jams.
2. BALENCIAGA MARKET BAG AT LAMAR AND SOUTH CONGRESS BYGEORGE:
I always need a tote to carry my camera, headphones, and computer for when I go on buying trips. I chose this bag because it’s big enough to fit everything, stands out, and didn’t look too much like a woman’s purse. Cameron, our ByGeorge VP, has the same one.
3. VIETNAMESE ICED COFFEE FROM ELIZABETH STREET CAFÉ:
Elizabeth Street has my go-to coffee in Austin because it’s kind of sweet and gives me the extra energy I need in the morning. Sometimes I’ll add an everything croissant to my order or grab the new five-spice morning bun if I want an extra treat.
4. VINTAGE CHAMPION SWEATSHIRT:
I have eight different gray ones from different eras. They are the best-fitting sweatshirt. I bought my most recent one from Lo-Fi . I tend to wear them with a good pair of denim and sneakers, and every now and then with a nice tailored trouser. A lot of designers base their sweaters of this style.
5. DRIES VAN NOTEN SWIM TRUNKS AT THE MEN’S SHOP:
I’m most excited for these to come into the store for spring and summer because the designer uses a multipattern throughout the collection, which makes it easy to tie into a complete outfit after the pool. It’s a great piece for men who want to take a risk this summer, yet still feel comfortable.6. JAMES TURRELL: THE COLOR INSIDE:
This is the perfect place for me to unwind and decompress after a long day or week on the road. Go when it’s raining, lie on the floor — but maybe not at the same time. I always try to visit one of his installations whenever I need an outlet.
7. LOEWE MULTI-FABRIC STRIPED SHIRT AT THE MEN’S SHOP:
It’s hard to feel comfortable or unique in button-downs, but I really like this one, because it’s different enough so as not to blend in with all the others. The shirt shows style with blue and white asymmetric stripes in each direction, and it’s light and breezy — ideal for Austin summers.
8. CONTAX T2 POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA:
When I was in school, using my camera and developing the film was my creative outlet. I always carry this camera in my bag. I take photos of my friends, behind-the-scenes styling shoots at ByGeorge, and foreign sites while I’m on tour.
9. 1977 TUDOR BIG ROSE WATCH:
I bought this vintage watch from ByGeorge’s collector, who has trunk shows at the store throughout the year. This one stuck out to me immediately because there is a big rose where the number 12 rests. The body is stainless, and the face is white. It’s the classic everyday watch I was looking for.
10. NIKE COMMES DES GARÇONS 180 PINK SNEAKERS:
I was initially attracted to COMMES des GARÇONS when I was younger. It’s the first designer brand I paid attention to. Seeing these shoes launch made me as excited as I was when I first got into fashion and clothing. Naturally, I bought two pairs. They have a retro silhouette … Nike hadn’t remade the 180 model in a while.
Read more from the Spring Style Issue | April 2018