Skip to main content

Head to Elk Head Clothing to Score Some Ruggedly Refined Togs

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
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Christopher is a native New Yorker who lives and works (mostly) in Manhattan. A longtime fashion journalist, he served as…
Christian Louboutin elevates the men’s Chelsea boot with its Devon College
Christian Louboutin upgrades the Chelsea Boot for the winter
model weaing christian louboutin boots

When it comes to luxury and heritage brands, none has the history quite like Christian Louboutin. The iconic red sole brand has certified its position among the most distinguishable of them all. Although Louboutin shoes have historically been associated with women’s footwear, the men’s collection doesn’t hold back either. Recently, the brand unveiled its latest Winter 2025 collection, featuring accessories and footwear for both men and women that elevate timeless silhouettes with iconic signature details from Louboutin. One of the collection’s most versatile and premium designs, the Devon College, highlights the ease of the brand’s creation process by revamping a classic boot design into a modern new shoe option. While the rest of the collection includes a vast amount of options for the winter season, the Devon College is undoubtedly the collection’s most favorable for men this season. 

Christian Louboutin takes on the Chelsea boot with flair

Read more
Christian Rich’s Cactus Flowers and L.G.R. team up again for a luxury limited-edition eyewear drop
A collab four times in the making
A man wearing the LGR for Cactus Flowers emerald sunglasses

The new Christian Rich x L.G.R. capsule just landed, marking the fourth time the producers and the luxury eyewear brand have teamed up since 2014. When a collaboration has this much history, you know the connection between L.G.R founder Luca Gnecchi Ruscone and the Hassan twins (Taiwo and Kehinde) runs deep, built on mutual respect for craftsmanship.

If you aren't familiar with Christian Rich by name, you definitely know their production work with icons like Drake, Childish Gambino, J. Cole, and Pharrell Williams. They bring serious cultural cred, while L.G.R. brings undeniable luxury heritage. (Think of L.G.R. as "if you know, you know" luxury — spotted on figures like Prince William and featured heavily in The White Lotus).

Read more
Prada reintroduces the Toblach, a minimalist icon reborn
Prada brings back the Toblach, an archival favorite
prada toblach loafers

Just as with many luxury designers and houses, Prada’s history is full of archival designs that are ready to be reimagined. Focusing on Prada’s footwear for men, the fashion house has plenty of silhouettes to pick from that could easily become modern favorites. Now, Prada is taking from those archives and delivering to users fan-favorites that have been redone to meet contemporary needs and trends. The first of these archival revivals comes in the form of the Toblach. The Toblach was first introduced during the 1998 fall/winter collection and became one of the first formal sneakers to hit mainstream. A hybrid shoe ahead of its time, this elevated design got its form by taking inspiration from loafers and sailing-ready sneakers. In its newest form, the Toblach collection looks to bring back this hybrid style at a time when the trend seems only to become more popular. 

Prada brings back this archival hybrid design

Read more