PILSEN — Cufflinks, bomber jackets, bow ties, fur vests and a giant painting of the founding fathers sitting around a card table playing blackjack.
These are just some of the raw manly items Pilsen Vintage and Thrift owner Paul Gazar hopes will appeal to neighborhood men.
“Just this morning somebody brought in a bunch of great stuff. And I finally found a hat that fits my head,” Gazar said.
Walls were knocked down, fuchsia paint was thrown up and an old American flag has been hung to mark the official debut of the men’s lounge at the P-VAT for 2nd Fridays art walk.
Gazar, who’s worked on the space since February, said he’s pulled more than a few all-nighters, all worth it for the final product.
“It’s gonna be a photo finish. Be careful when you pull that picture off the wall. You can buy that picture after we close the hole behind it,” Gazar said, laughing.
The inventory was pulled from Michigan, the depths of the western suburbs, and even some handpicked items from the closet of Chicago tailor Sherman Brown.
Show up to Pilsen Vintage and Thrift from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and you’ll find booze, menswear, dresses, discounted winter items and a DJ.
“It’s been exciting shopping for stuff. We’re confident with the inventory we have, but we know it’s only gonna get better,” Gazar said.
