Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Fashion & Style

Head to Elk Head Clothing to Score Some Ruggedly Refined Togs

By

cbost_elkhead_junesh5-5WEB
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Inspired by the taxidermy 12-point head of an elk he shot during a hunting trip, Garrett Hilgendorf launched his men’s clothing line and its physical store Elk Head Clothing in Atlanta’s Ponce City Market in 2015. Offering immensely wearable clothing and accessories that are “rugged yet refined,” Hilgendorf also sells his wares online.

The Michigan native recently shared the story behind his need-to-know collection and shop…

What is the background and history of Elk Head?

Recommended Videos

I started Elk Head as a pursuit of passion. I have always been interested in fashion and style, and I am from Michigan and very much inspired by the outdoors. I decided to create a brand that fit the modern lifestyle and aesthetic…minimalistic and refined, but also with rugged qualities.

What prompted you to open the store?

I felt that being online wasn’t enough and that I needed a physical space to really showcase the brand and what it was all about. Ponce City Market’s aesthetic and feel is modern, yet it has timeless qualities. I felt that opening a store in PCM made sense.

cbost_elkhead_junesh5-8WEB
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What are your current bestselling brands and items?

Our signature elbow patch shirts are customer favorites and so are so our popovers. The leather goods, the wallets and belts are also really popular – they are handcrafted in Pennsylvania.

How would you describe the overall aesthetic of the shop and its selection?

The shop has a modern, minimalistic, aesthetic overall. I’ve used a lot of timeless and sturdy materials like wood and steel when designing the interior.

Who is the customer who shops at Elk Head?

We have a truly diverse customer base, but they all have one thing in common- they like timeless style that is also versatile and made of quality materials.

What sets Elk Head apart from other stores in the area?

The shopping experience. We’ve curated an atmosphere that is laid-back and casual, and very different from big box stores.  We want people to have a good time while they’re shopping.

Elk Head Clothing Store
Image used with permission by copyright holder

How big is your online business versus brick-and -mortar?

We are growing our online business every day, but our brick-and-mortar is currently the heart of our business.

What has been the best part of running the store so far?

By far, the best thing about opening the shop has been meeting customers and getting their feedback. I’ve been blown away by all of the positive responses about our products. Talking to people and hearing what they like about the brand has made my pursuits worthwhile.

What are the future plans for Elk Head?

I’d like to open more stores locally, but also nationwide. Ponce City Market will always be our home. I think there are also other cities that would appreciate our design-centered aesthetic.

Christopher Blomquist
Christopher Blomquist
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
A day at the races: How to dress for the Kentucky Derby
Let your colors and patterns fly at the Kentucky Derby
Men's Derby Fashion with Bowties

Thanks in no small part to social media, The Kentucky Derby has become more than a horse race, becoming a major annual fashion event. Horse races have historically been social events that encouraged spectators to dawn their most spectacular finery going back to Victorian England. That tradition carried over to the States, and three races of the Triple Crown have been fashion events for America's upper class for well over a century. As a social engagement, the greatest of the three big races is The Kentucky Derby, and the greatest part of the race is the Kentucky Derby outfits. Churchill Downs Racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, becomes the fashion capital of the South for one weekend every May.

The rise of social media and "fit" culture have led to a boom in Kentucky Derby parties across the country over the past ten years. An event that used to be a niche interest to horse racing and gambling enthusiasts, along with the few people wealthy enough to attend the event, has become a national fashion event. People who have no interest in horse racing and will probably not even watch the race (there are a number of races happening all day, culminating in the actual headline race) gather together over their shared love of dressing up and partying. It has become an occasion to be seen, both #IRL and on every social media platform.

Read more
Get up to 50% off Oliver Cabell sneakers, loafers, and more today
oliver cabell sneaker sale april 2024 sneakers on feet

There are some fantastic sneaker deals at Oliver Cabell providing you’re fast enough to snap one up. There’s up to 50% off select styles with something for every taste and desire here. To get the discount, just use the promo code LASTCALL. With 150 products available right now, the best thing to do is take a look for yourself by tapping the button below. Otherwise, if you keep reading, we’ll take you through some highlights that we particularly love in the sale.

What to shop for in the Oliver Cabell sneaker sale
If you love to have the best sneakers in your wardrobe, you’ll love what Oliver Cabell has to offer. We instantly love the which is down to $150 from $199. A distressed twist on the brand’s iconic low-top silhouette, it’s handcrafted and coupled with buttery Italian calfskin leather and custom outsoles. No two pairs are alike and the combination of green and white looks great.

Read more
Go bold with yellow watches for men: Our top picks
Our top picks for yellow watches for men
Hublot Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic

Yellow watches for men are not for the faint-hearted, and you'll need some serious confidence if you're going to sport one of these eye-catchers on your wrist. With summer just around the corner, a yellow watch is the perfect accessory to brighten up your look, whether you're taking a stroll along the Italian Riviera or lounging at home with steaks on the grill. These citrus-hued watches, from the TAG Heuer Formula 1 to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Diver, stand out as a ray of sunshine amid the gloom of rainy spring days, making us dream of the warm breeze and blooming flowers in summer.

Yellow watches come in a hue that commands attention, that's for sure, which is why you see them on road signs and neon highlighters at school. With its inherent ability to captivate, either as a matte yellow or a more lustrous gold, the presence of a yellow dial on your watch will certainly draw attention.
Yellow watches for men: Our Top 5 picks

Read more