Mango Men
The ever-crowded Mango store on Khreshchatyk that has traditionally offered women’s clothing has finally released a men’s line. It’s quite small so far – small enough to fit onto a single stand among the numerous departments for women.
Still, judging from its quality and design, it’s a good start. And, hopefully, the variety will improve as well. Rummaging through warm sporty waistcoats in purple and green lining with fluff (Hr 600), stylish black mid-thigh parkas for Hr 1,000, and brown woollen jackets for Hr 750, I couldn’t stop thinking that men’s clothes often appear to be more stylish than women’s. At least it is always so whenever I look through men’s sections.
The Mango stand displayed jeans starting at Hr 250 up to Hr 400, checkered shirts for Hr 250 and several plain belts. They were not as cool as the rest of the garments from the winter collection, but manufactured from pleasant, unassuming fabric.
Although half of the collection may seem a little unoriginal, it would go down well with those who prefer a classical style. However, the never-ending lines to the fitting rooms at Mango that ladies always occupy may be considered a nuisance by male shoppers.
Mister Stoichyk
The store is the newest addition to the Party Stores chain that feature clothes made by little-known Turkish, Italian, Polish and Ukrainian brands. By now, the list of Party Stores, selling mostly women’s wear, includes Amsterdam on Horkoho, Pushkin on Pushkinska, Nebesa on Mezhyhirska and Sisters on Chervonoarmiyska. The fourth shop, Mister Stoichyk, is 100 percent dedicated to men. Like all Party Stores, it is located in the city center – on 3 Shota Rustaveli Street. There is no sign to direct you, so you can either rely on your intuition to find the arch you need to go through to get to it, or look for a light in the red window that faces Shota Rustaveli Street. You’ll find Mister Stoichyk is in the yard on your left.
The porch is decorated with a big wooden board with a quote from Baron von Munchausen scribbled on it with a marker.
At the entrance, the ever-pleasant and smiling assistants will offer you a cup of tea, coffee or just a candy. Don’t be shy to accept – it’s the network’s little perk. It’s quite normal at any Party Store to leave your bag at the cashier’s to free up your hands for inspecting clothes, or work with your laptop on a couch, or sit down for a chat over a cup of tea.
Another peculiarity that adds to its home-style atmosphere is the original design – carpets, cushions, colorful decor elements and wide mirrors going up to the ceiling – don’t confuse them with an entrance to the next room.
The range is large and includes classic outfits as well as crazy linen blouses (Hr 358) and trousers with embroidery by Ukrainian designer Moksha. Also, you’ll find shirts of all colors for Hr 128, 298, 400 and 500 (with hand-made embroidery), jeans (Hr 300), black warm woollen jackets (Hr 950) and punk leather jackets (Hr 778).
The range of shirts is worth a separate mention – there are delicate shirts that are good for summer and those made of thicker fabric for cold seasons, colorful and calm, urban and rough, as if designed for the countryside. The assortment seems large enough to appeal to any taste. Though the items are not produced in Western Europe, which is always associated with quality, the clothes are pleasant to wear. Assistants said all items are unique and come in four sizes only.
Another bonus of Party Stores in general and Mister Stoichyk in particular is their discount system – if you visit the store on a rainy day anytime this year, you’ll receive a 15 percent discount.
Mango (13 Khreshchatyk, 279-3860);
Mister Stoichyk (3 Shota Rustaveli).
