Skip to main content

Former Izola co-founder Richard Brandt launches his motorcycle-influenced brand IRON & GLORY

Not only does Richard Brandt’s new “bad ass” line of gear and accessories exemplify New York’s rich motorcycle history, it perfectly captures its spirit and essence. Aptly called IRON & GLORY, each of Brandt’s products bears a style and design reminiscent of 1970’s motorcycle culture, but with plenty of modern day flavor. Whether you deem yourself a city-dwelling urbanite, or tackle a weekend like it’s your last, IRON & GLORY’s premium collection promises to have something fit for your lifestyle.

Though before Brandt brought his premium collection to fruition, he spent many a late night obsessing over and perfecting the idea with his partner and co-founder, Marnin Schwartz — known as the “powerhouse of design.” Between nights spent in the back of the Williamsburg bar Lady Jay’s, and brainstorming sessions which saw the sun come up, IRON & GLORY’s creation has seen no lack of hardwork or intense dedication.

IG
Image used with permission by copyright holder

But what good would hardwork and dedication be for IRON & GLORY if it wasn’t located smack dab in the heart of current-day motorcycle culture? Understanding this as an important pillar of his business’ success, Brandt set up shop in the riding capital of New York, Brooklyn. While Brandt acknowledges many considered the borough a wasteland in the ’90s, he knows more and more people have their sights set on Brooklyn now more than ever.  “Brooklyn is a booming creative hub right now,” Brandt says, “it’s become such a good place for art and culture.”

Recommended Videos

IRON & GLORY puts Brooklyn’s art and culture on full display, but aims to take it so much further. Brandt didn’t create the brand just to promote the ‘motorcycle lifestyle,’ he created it to influence and symbolize its way of life. “It’s about more than just the lifestyle we showcase,” Brandt tells The Manual, “IRON & GLORY is inspirational; it embodies the culture.”

After just a few minutes on the store’s website, it’s clear the brand easily accomplishes this. Functional products like the pocket knife-sporting carabiner keychain, or the array of belt buckles and lighters, brim with classic motorcycle flair. To make things better, IRON & GLORY engraves every one of its products and adds unique personal touches to any order. Though unlike the engraving services you might find at your local mall, Brandt takes pride in using a diamond engraving method to give his products even more of a traditional feel.

IG3
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For now, the brand operates strictly online but a brick and mortar location is something Brandt sees going up in late 2015. With IRON & GLORY still in its infancy, his main focuses veer more towards growth, stability, and creating a presence in Brooklyn. “We plan for the future all the time,” Brandt says, “right now it’s the holidays, but next we want to do events, parties, collaborations, everything.”

Every entrepreneur strives to continually build their business, but the ferocity at which Brandt pushes IRON & GLORY is inspiring in itself. He started this venture by encapsulating what makes 1970’s motorcycle culture classic and turned it into a full fledged brand; it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if he doesn’t stop until the culture’s completely brought back to life.

For a look at Richard Brandt’s entire collection, head on over to IRON & GLORY’s website.

Rick Stella
Rick is a staff writer for The Manual, covering everything from men's fashion and accessories, to the best new brands and…
These new cherry Dr. Martens loafers are turning heads this season
Dr. Martens releases a new loafer
man tying cherry red loafers

For UK-based Dr. Martens, creating a timeless shoe that’s both street-style ready and sleek is no foreign task. Among the most recognizable designs in the business, Dr. Martens has certainly left its mark on fashion. Now, the brand is taking its overt coolness to the next level with a new hue for its iconic loafers. While the brand is mainly recognized for its lace-up boots, its loafer lineup doesn’t fall far behind. The Adrian Loafer model is considered their shining star, with plenty of iterations that’ll elevate your regular loafers into a runway-ready pick. And now with a new hue, these Dr. Martens loafers are far from your basic run-of-the-mill footwear choice. 

Conquer the streets with the Adrian Arcadia Leather Tassel Loafer

Read more
The Nike x Levi’s collab just dropped sleek new denim sneakers
Nike and Levi's reveal their newest denim sneakers
nike blue denim sneakers levi's

When Nike and Levi’s join forces, you know you are going to be treated to a flurry of high-quality and highly stylish denim designs, and their newest collaboration is no exception. Along with a matching apparel collection, Nike and Levi’s have officially announced their latest footwear releases that bring the luxury and casualness of denim to your favorite Nike sneaker. While the denim material certainly takes center stage, the overall design of the three new sneakers brings a deconstructed touch to the shoe, making it more modern and edgy than before. Arriving in three new colorways, this sneaker collaboration, previously teased in May, is now set to hit stores. Although denim sneakers are no new trend, this collaborative design is certainly one to keep your eye on this summer season. 

Levi’s and Nike take on the Air Max 95

Read more
Adidas and Mercedes-AMG F1 launch Silver Arrows fanwear collection before British Grand Prix
The Silver Arrow collection is on sale worldwide at select Adidas retailers and the Adidas website.
F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli wearing Mercedes fan wear with a Mercedes-Benz W196 racecar.

Working with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, Adidas launched the Silver Arrow pack, a collection of fanwear inspired by the Mercedes-Benz W196 race car. Current Mercedes F1 drivers George Russell and Kimi Antonelli posed with items from the Silver Arrow collection along with professional models.
Why celebrate the W196?

The W196 wasn't the first Silver Arrow. The first Mercedes to be called a Silver Arrow was the Mercedes W25, which debuted in 1934. However, driver Juan Fangio won the 1954 and 1955 F1 World Championships with the W196, which was among the several models referred to by the group name. The Adidas Silver Arrow collection celebrates the 70th anniversary of the W196's first F1 Championship season.

Read more