Where? Blackbird is in Seattle's Ballard neighbourhood. This hip area features bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques and music stores frequented by the sharp and stylish.
Who? The boutique was opened by fashion newbie Nicole Miller in 2004, and moved to its current location in 2006. The American designer wanted to open a store dedicated solely to menswear, thus Blackbird was born.
Fashion finds: the shop boasts a well-edited inventory of both familiar and under-the-radar menswear labels. Look for pieces from the likes of A.P.C., Band of Outsiders, hip Japanese label Comme des Garcons, Rag & Bone, Common Projects, Surface to Air, Nom de Guerre and Steven Alan and denim brands Acne Jeans and Cheap Monday. Lesser known but edgy labels such as Harmon, Coal Considered, Brown Sound, Helmet of the Will and Italian shoemaker Marsell are also available for the savvy customer.
The vibe: the clean space features industrial wrought-iron racks and shelves against white walls and smooth concrete floors. The two-storey space uses wooden columns and finishing to add contrast and give the decor an organic element.
The crowd: sartorial gents with lots of fashion know-how.
Extras: Blackbird offers online shopping via its blog at helloblackbird.blogspot.com.