Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Luis Nico Morales Helps Emerging Designers Reach Their Audience Through The Ensign

For this week’s Worn Out Wednesday, we hear from Luis Nico Morales, founder of The Ensign, the one-stop-shop for all things menswear. Morales gives us the scoop on his background, career, and personal style. 

I’m a California boy through and through. I grew up in Southern California, and attended college in Northern California. I spent my twenties in San Francisco and Los Angeles pursuing various creative endeavors and being in the center of cultural movements. I studied cinema, wrote scripts and plays, DJ’d parties and events, and started a band all in my twenties. At that time, my focus was mainly on pursuing my passions, which also happened to include working in fashion for a few brands in LA.

In 2010, I decided to shift focus and relocated to New York to hone in on my career and future. After six years working on menswear at Ralph Lauren, my business partner Jason Wagg and I began to lay the initial foundation for THE ENSIGN. Initially, we were focused on starting a modern menswear brand, but quickly realized there wasn’t really a platform that focused specifically on US emerging menswear designers or luxury products made in the US. We realized there was a gap in the market and that there was an opportunity to target guys who were interested in investing in the narrative and success of emerging designers and innovative product.

Luis Niko-Morales
Image used with permission by copyright holder

As far as my own person style is concerned, being a retailer really helps with keeping the closet full. Here are a few of my favorites.

Jeans: I am partial to AGOLDE jeans, particularly from the new ASAP Ferg collaboration. The fits, fabrics, and washes are just premium. Plus we’re just fans of Jerome Dahan in general, both as a businessman and designer. The man knows denim.

Shirts: I’m still an absolute sucker for Thom Browne button ups. They have already reached iconic status, and a truly luxury item made in the US.

Pants: I absolutely love Garciavelez Nomad Pants. They have all the elements of a trouser but the cuff bottoms give it a slight edge.

Suits: I’m not really a suit guy anymore, but I’ve got a lot of love for David Hart suits. The fit is modern, colors and patterns are bold, and they are designed and produced in the US.

Shoes: Definitely the New Balance 1978 editions. They are great for either a casual or a dressier look (with our Nomad pants).

Accessories: Title of Work is a new favorite of mine for men’s accessories. They create beautiful and inventive ties, rings, necklaces, etc in their studio in New York. The tie adorned in emerald beetle wings is worth the price of admission alone.

Outerwear: Deveaux New York has been making some beautiful outerwear as of late. Their jackets are stylish and luxurious. I want all of their leathers and suedes.

Favorite cologne: Tobacco by CB I Hate Perfume. The fragrances are designed by award-winning olfactory artist, Christopher Brosius and available at his gallery/store in Brooklyn.

Favorite app: Headspace for a bit of a break from the daily demands. For work, Slack, more out of necessity than anything.

Favorite piece of technology: It’s still my iPhone, but hey at least it’s an iPhone 7.

Next style/gear purchase: A Leather Flight Jacket from Deveaux New York. This thing gives me the mouth drool emoji effect.

Cator Sparks
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…
Rolex quietly revealed a new Day-Date 40 in Everose gold
Rolex just added a new Day Date to their collection without any fanfare
Rolex Day Date Everose 40 Academy Awards

Amid the splendor and prestige of the 96th Academy Awards, hosted at the iconic Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, a new watch was discreetly added to the Rolex Day Date collection. The Oscars, renowned for their grandeur, never fail to deliver a spectacle of epic proportions, and this year was no different, with a lineup of films that captivated audiences worldwide (Oppenheimer, anyone?) as well as a slew of high-end watches.
A new Rolex Day Date just dropped...quietly

Hidden within the exclusive confines of the Rolex Greenroom, reserved for the privileged winners of Academy Awards, lies a solitary showcase set side just for Rolex watches. Tucked away at the far end of the spacious chamber, embedded within the rear wall, this display holds the only Rolex timepiece in the entire lounge.

Read more
Swatch, Tate partner for watch collection that literally puts art on your wrist
Swatch x Tate Gallery collaboration inspired by paintings
Swatch x Tate collaboration watches

Swatch, renowned for its quirky designs and commitment to self-expression, has joined forces with the prestigious Tate galleries to create an extraordinary collection of Swatch watches that blur the lines between art and utility. The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection isn't simply a collaboration but a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the appeal of wearable art.

Each Swatch watch is dedicated to the artwork of its respective artist. From Turner's Scarlet Sunset to Bourgeois's Spirals, every watch tells a unique story. Whether you're drawn to the whimsical charm of Marc Chagall or the bold simplicity of Fernand Léger, there's a watch in this collection to suit every taste and personality. This partnership further cements Swatch's position as a brand that bridges the gap between art and simple timekeeping with bold designs and vibrant colors.
The Swatch x Tate Gallery Collection: Wearable art

Read more
78 pairs of Gucci sneakers just had their prices slashed
A man wearing the Ace tennis sneakers.

The spring and summer months are the perfect time to upgrade your sneaker collection. With fresh styles and lightweight materials, sneakers are the best shoes for the warmer months for everyday wear, traveling or simply hanging out at a bar. Sneakers are now more popular than ever with men wearing them in both casual and formal situations. Here is a definitive guide to wearing a suit with sneakers if you want to combine a luxury look with a fresh new pair of kicks.

Right now, you can shop more than 70 pairs of Gucci sneakers on sale at Gilt. You can get up to $275 dollars off casual and fashion sneakers from this coveted brand in a mix of colors, styles and materials. Click the button below to start browsing these designer sneakers before time runs out.

Read more