[This blog post is about my experience at Alfargo’s Marketplace during my 2024 NYC trip. Go there if you want to hear more about what I did on that visit!]
If I could find one word to encapsulate what the NYC Menswear Scene is all about, it would be Alfargo’s.
Alfargo’s Marketplace is a pop-up “flea” founded by Stephon (and run by him and familiar pals Elias, Zane, and Nick) that is dedicated to sharing pre-owned contemporary and vintage menswear of all kinds. It is decidedly community-first in how they emphasize passion and inclusivity as they bring together all walks of menswear life, from enthusiasts, vintage sellers, and the occasional industry insider. In that way, Alfargo’s becomes a crossover event, as many keen-eyed lurkers of menswear media will see all of their favorite NYC personalities present at various editions.
This obviously has the potential to be intimidating or at the very least pretentious, but once you peruse Zane’s excellent photography, you’ll see just how welcoming and wholesome this space is. I’ve heard from a few people (IRL and in my DMs) how Alfargo’s was what helped them get further into menswear. Yes, having access to well made, “iconic” menswear pieces at affordable prices is great, but it also helps to have a space to “put that shit on” and be around like minded people. Nothing emboldens you to try on a wide fit DB suit or a beret when a noted menswear Buyer, photographer, or model all encourage you to do so! I don’t have to tell you how important it is to have Community and to just Hang Out! The Alfargo’s guys have clearly internalized that theme; to me, this seems like an open extension of the “Cozy Boyz” moniker that the main boys started a few years ago.
Of course clothing being sold is the other big boon to this. Alfargo’s is heavily focused on classic and vintage menswear, which differentiates it from any community flea I’ve been to. In other words, there is no better place to get affordable tailoring and tailoring adjacent pieces. It’s all here. This is all thanks to its garage sale-meets-curated vintage store feel.
When it was first started, Alfargo’s was mainly about the Cozy Boyz (and friends) selling off pieces that they no longer wore or outgrew; since many of them worked in the industry, the wares they have are quite prized and at the very least made pieces from Drake’s and Ring Jacket much more accessible to other enthusiasts (especially burgeoning ones). As the market evolved (and moved from a village bookstore to the Neuehouse Madison Square), the types of sellers expanded, providing much more variety in both the products and the people in the attendance. Now you can find early Wythe, vintage PRL, 30s ties, Armoury model RJ, Armani and more.
This mix of industry, vintage, and enthusiasts with an emphasis on community truly is the secret sauce of what makes Alfargo’s so beloved. Like I said, I’ve been to many fleas and while they aren’t anything bad, it feels so routine and dialed into the zeitgeist; there’s also a feeling of competition and exclusivity that perhaps is spurred by social media. There is none of that at Alfargo’s. Everyone is excited to see you and have you try on anything that remotely fancies you. Maybe this is because this subset of menswear (a mix of ivy, classic, and vintage) is relatively “niche” compared to the current trends in men’s fashion, even if it seems similar on the surface. There is no need for superiority. We are all obsessed with 3-roll-2 and wide leg pants and want to give anyone the ability to wear it with aplomb. (Though if a vendor has a grail, do expect a bidding war). It’s no surprise that this attitude and approach has helped Aflargo’s become recognized by quite a few menswear publications.
All of this was why Alfargo’s Marketplace was the main reason behind my NYC trip. I’ve seen so many photos, read countless recaps from friends like Dan, and received so many DMs from the Boys that I just had to do what I could to make sure I was in town while it happened. I begged Stephon and Nick to let me know when the October dates were settled so I could make it work. They delivered and I went.
But despite the wholesome stories, I was still a little apprehensive. That’s been a bit of a theme lately, especially as I’ve become much more distant with my menswear posting (focusing on philosophy rather than overt garments) as well as my adamant steps into non-commericaldom and critical eye on social media. In other words, I wanted to make sure my attendance was there for community and not simply to consume; I also have a problem with attending stores and not buying things, much to the sellers’ chagrin. Thankfully, I was proven right.
I was welcomed so warmly on that first Saturday, with many of the Alfargos guys going out of their way to say hi and give me a hug; this was also the first time I got more time with them as the Permanent Style Party was packed and I spent most of my time with Nick and MFAD. They all told me how happy they were that I was finally there. This conga-line continued as I moved through the vendors; I could barely walk five steps before jumping into a conversation with friends and mutuals. And believe me when I say that this happened on both days of Alfargo’s, as each one had slightly different vendors.
It really was a crossover event for the ages. I got to see so many people I had only interacted with online, be they industry people or enthusiasts. None of the conversations were about selling or even buying clothes; like most of my interactions on my trip, this was about life, wants, and needs. The highlight was meeting Gianni and Vero, two theater kid menswear people who were more than willing to riff and make bits with me, as well as do hearty helping of “soy faces” throughout the weekend. I love all my pals in NYC but theater kids are who make me feel at home the most. No surprise there!
In terms of buying, you all should be very proud that I had the best self control. Much of that was due to the fact that I spent most of my money at the Armoury Sample Sale a few days earlier (as well as countless libations and coffees). That doesn’t mean that the Market wasn’t hella temping. Like I said, there were so many vintage pieces (specifically RJ/Armoury and PRL) that I nearly walked away with. But in the end, I only bought one item: a white kimono-parka-field jacket by “Maharishi Pacifist Military Design” that was the perfect blend of rugged Americana and dramatic Safincore. [Shout out to Paul for giving it to me for $65!] I also was able to “trade” my small Cohérence coat for a large thanks to Ben.
Even though I really only bought two things, I stayed at Alfargos until closing. Why? The people of course! I alternated between chatting up and walking around taking my trademarked photojournalist-style photos of as many people as I could. I just couldn’t help it— when people look stylish and are comfortable and having a good time, that’s when I need to capture the image. I did manage to take a few typical “Dramatic Ethan Portraits” of a few people, just so I could immortalize their outfits. The one I’m most proud of was my snap of Dandy Wellington, who I’ve admired ever since I first “discovered” menswear. I’ve been inspired by his portraits by indomitable Rose Callahan for years, so it felt good to add my own humble take. This wholesome moment of snapping an image of a beloved menswear mutual was the theme for the two days of the Market.
I think it’s safe to say that future NYC trips will be based around Alfargo’s, at least as much as possible. After all, it is a great excuse to see literally everyone I enjoy without having to organize a bunch of haphazard coffees, drinks, and dinners. Alfargo’s Marketplace truly is an amazing space made possible by who I truly believe are some of the best and kindest people in menswear. I heavily encourage anyone reading this to check it out for yourself— this is what menswear is all about.
I just hope that my photos help convey all of that!
Recommended Reading
- Inside Hook
- The Second Button’s Recap
- No Chaser
- Feature on Todd Snyder
- Feature by Christopher Fenimore
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget that you can support me (or the podcast) on Patreon to get some extra content and access to our exclusive Discord.
Always a pleasure,
Ethan M. Wong (follow me on IG)
Big thank you to our top tier Patrons (the SaDCast Fanatics), Philip, Shane, Henrik, Alexander, and Mason.
a little bit of rest 
Ethan- trying to get into contact with you. Hope to connect soon.
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