A year and a half in the making, Brooke and Jared Zaugg are pleased to announce the launch of their pride and passion, Bench & Loom, an online shop that sells uncommon pedigree apparel brands from workshops around the world.

With craftsmanship as the cornerstone, the clothes are masculine and trend-resistant, inspired by male archetypes like Hemingway, Newman and McQueen, quintessential “men” of style and substance. The site is curated with clothing that is influenced by heritage and made for today. Some of the brands are centuries old while others are legends in the making, but each has a story to tell.

The site sells leather jackets from the 179-year old French tannery, Chapal, and quadruple-ply worsted wool sweaters from the almost century-old Portland, Oregon, atelier Dehen. The Junghans ‘Max Bill’ Chronoscope timepiece is a work of art from the Bauhaus-educated Swissman. The strap tank boots were designed by General Patton for his tank operators during World War II. The Stevenson Overall Co. trousers are made to exacting standards in Japan using cloth woven on vintage looms.

In an effort to tell a story, engage men and invite them to participate, the couple created some unique features to their shop, including:

The Specialty Shop: A rotating subject-specific section with carefully selected items in limited quantities. To start, the Specialty Shop focuses on motoring. The section features a stunning carbon fiber and lambskin motorcycle helmet, goggles handmade by the same family since 1880, art by Briton Conrad Leach, and even a $250,000 Brough Superior motorcycle.

Phoenix Project: We’ve all watched a classic film and seen clothing we want but can’t find today. The Phoenix Project features a selection of “lost classics” and invites customers to vote on the item that they like most. The winning item will be reproduced in a limited edition for Bench & Loom customers.

Workshops: Each brand carried has a story to tell. Workshops will include a monthly feature about the company we keep.

Men of Character: A special section featuring men worthy of aspiring to – explorers, artists, athletes. Bench & Loom starts with Hemingway, a man who lived with daring and purpose and flaws, accomplishing great things. Quotes, photos, video footage and a limited selection of items he would have used fishing in Idaho or to run with the bulls in Spain, are available for purchase.

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