Mankind's owner Kristi Viies in front of a rack of Kuyichi jeans. [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
WICKER PARK — A boutique packed with designer European duds just for men opened last week in the former Rudy's Roundup spot along Milwaukee Avenue, just north of Wood Street.
Originally called Needs and owned by Silver Room owner Eric Williams, the store changed its name to Mankind. It is now fully owned by Kristi Viies, who is collaborating with Williams on merchandising.
Viies and Williams traveled to Berlin to hand pick clothes from Dutch, French and British designers to stock the small, light-filled store at 1410 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Viies said Mankind would focus on emerging designers that were not as well known in the United States, such as Henrik Vibskov. The Denmark-based designer is known for his avant-garde style and has boutiques in Copenhagen and New York City.
"Everything here is understated but with great details — well made and simple, minimal. Yet you'd still stand out wearing it," said Viies.
There are jeans by Kuyichi, made of sustainable organic cotton. Also, trousers by German designer Hannibal and Bread & Boxers, a collaboration between NHL Rangers hockey player Henrik Lundqvist and Swedish underwear makers Alexander Palmgren and Henrik Lindhal.
Mankind, 1410 N. Milwaukee Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Ph: 773-270-2025.
A colorful chain stitch white T-shirt by YMC (You Must Create). [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Summer jackets by Henrik Vibskov [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Abstract art by Natasha Kohli on the walls of Mankind {DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Bread & Boxers, jeans by Kuyichi, and Hannibal linen trousers [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
Viies rings up a customer, Shar Afshar, who bought a jacket by designer Blue de Genes on Sunday [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
A bike for sale in the window of Mankind [DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
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