by Aaron Paley, CicLAvia producer
I visited Evan Greenspan at his eponymous store earlier this year on Tweedy Mile. Evan is the third generation in his family to keep Greenspan's in continuous operation since it started in Watts in 1928 and then moved to its present location in South Gate in 1939. As soon as I crossed the threshold, I knew I was home.
Surrounded by classic men’s clothing with styles from the 1920s to today, the hats, pants, shirts and accessories were calling out to me. I looked at a beautiful plaid Pendleton and remarked that I had a very similar shirt. I asked if this was a vintage item from the 50s or 60s. Evan told me that he had contacted Pendleton a couple of years back and requested that they remake some of their classic designs from past decades - just for Greenspan's - and they did!
There’s an amazing selection of new designs based upon classics, reprinted versions from past decades, and a wide range of other original items that you just won’t find anywhere else. I hadn’t heard of Greenspan’s prior to walking in the door. Since then, I haven’t stopped telling my friends that if they want great clothes for men, there’s one store that’s a must in Southern California - Greenspan's! Just one of the many jewels you’ll find at CicLAvia - Southeast Cities on May 15.
