Some bartenders embrace the Prohibition-era haberdashery; others just throw on the same liquor brand hoodie they've worn for weeks. Danny Shapiro does neither. You might catch him behind the bar at Logan Square's Slippery Slope or Scofflaw in a bolo tie, or maybe a vintage-printed button-down or a double-take-worthy pair of Nikes. Whatever he's wearing, you can bet he stands out-and looks comfortable doing it. As part of RedEye's November of Dressing Nicely, Shapiro clues us in to his favorite boutiques, the pants he designed with Chicago's Stock Manufacturing and the quirky article of clothing he couldn't live without.
Would you have considered yourself a stylish child?
No, absolutely not. Most of what I wore came from my brother. He was older than me, so most of his hand-me-downs made up the majority of my wardrobe. He happens to be 6'4" nowadays and was pretty much always a good amount taller than I was. So my early dressing days consisted of ill-fitting clothes and baggy attire.
How did you eventually learn what fits?
It's guess and check. If you try something on and it looks good in the store but then you use it in a more practical application and it's constricting, next time I'll go a little bit larger. I don't really get things tailored.
What function do clothes play for you?
Functionality is a significant factor in what I'm choosing to put on my body. Also, they make a statement. They're a way to represent or demonstrate your personality. I do wear silly things, loud patterns, big colors. People don't seem to have any issue approaching me behind the bar or asking questions or being themselves, which I appreciate.
Tell me about your collaboration with Stock Manufacturing.
We did a bartenders' series-Robbie Haynes, Austin Skyles and I-and each of us designed our own piece of clothing [with Stock Manufacturing]. I did pants, Robbie did a shirt and Austin did suspenders. We talked about fabrics, stain resistance, warmth, practicality, a place to put my Sharpies-we have an analog order system so it's important to have a pen on you at all times-then a slot for your towel that isn't going to soak through your pants. There were many ideas that went into the pants themselves.
Is it difficult dressing for work as a bartender?
I think so. When I dress for work at Scofflaw, I have to wear a shirt that I'm OK getting stained or a shirt that a stain won't be so evident on. A lot of my favorite clothes, I don't really wear to work.
What's your favorite piece of clothing?
I guess I like shirts. I seem to have more of them than anything else. It's a strange thing, I'm really into Mandarin collar shirts. I don't really see Mandarin collars often and I think that in all areas of my life, I think it's important to stand out. That's potentially tied to my need for attention, but I just am attracted to things that are different. I'd rather not look exactly like someone else. I know that when I wear a Mandarin collar shirt, I'm pretty much alone. I have some weird ones from the '80s, just bizarre prints. I have a salmon-colored Mandarin collar shirt that I dig.
Where do you shop?
I like to go into Meyvn. This new shop opened called Rocky & Luella on Fullerton just west of Kedzie. I like to go to Penelope's, and then probably as much as anything else I'll go to a lot of Unique [Thrift Stores] and Salvation Armys. That's just a gold mine, especially for shirts.
What's on your wish list for fall?
A dope pair of brown wingtips. I've been looking for over a year. It's either the colors aren't right, the patterns aren't right, the fit isn't right. I'm convinced that I will eventually see them and just know.
Is there any article of clothing you feel really uncomfortable in or dislike?
I try to rock bowties, but it's impossible. I think that a lot of dressing is confidence and if you aren't confident, if you're not comfortable, I think that shows. If I'm in a bowtie, you'll definitely see me look a little off, feeling really self-conscious.
Is there anything you've worn that, looking back, makes you cringe?
I wore a lot of, like, the shirts on bustedtees.com. I wore a brown shirt that said, "Trust Me I'm A Doctor" in red velvet print. I'm pretty sure I was wearing that shirt the day I moved in to college.
You haven't always lived in Chicago, so how do you find Chicago's style overall?
I dig it because the seasons enable you to wear more clothing, different clothing, be more expressive. In L.A., where I'm from, it's the same season all the time. You're not showing off a dope coat or really layering.
Describe your personal style in three words.
Fun, high-contrast, comfortable.
Any parting advice?
Shop local. Spend money at the places you wish to see in the neighborhood.
What Danny is wearing for our photo shoot:
Shoes: Allen Edmonds, from a thrift store in Portland
Pants: Stock Manufacturing
Shirt: Soulland, from Meyvn
Cardigan: Barque, from Rocky & Luella
Belt: Cole Haan
Glasses: RVS, from Labrabbit Optics
kbernot@tribune.com | @redeeyeatdrink