Kansas City’s Guevel: Where Fashion Meets Personal Touch
Stepping into Guevel is a little like sneaking a peek into the personal wardrobe of its owner, Cameron Niederhauser. The store, nestled in the trendy Crossroads Arts District, boasts an in-house line that combines the essence of vintage favorites from Niederhauser’s own closet with modern style.
The Richards Fit: Made with Love
Niederhauser, who opened Guevel in early 2018, sees his menswear line as a reflection of his journey in fashion. “We make a couple of shirts that are inspired by old, vintage pieces in my own closet,” he explained. The shop’s standout feature, a line of jeans known as the Richard fit, is a personal favorite, crafted around how he believes jeans should fit. “If you wonder why a jean fits the way it does, just look at whoever designed it. They are probably starting with something they like and prefer, and that’s definitely true of our jeans.”
A Nod to the Past, Eye on the Future
Prior to launching Guevel, Niederhauser gathered invaluable experience working with Baldwin, a Kansas City-based denim brand. After taking a brief hiatus from fashion for a corporate role, he realized his heart was still in the industry. “But I just always had the pull,” he said, leading him back to the world of fashion with Guevel, a brand aiming to blend quality with an appealing narrative and a touch of Kansas City charm.
Quality Over Quantity
At Guevel, the mantra is all about quality. “We focus a lot on Japanese denim, which in our world is sort of the cream of the crop, top of the mountain,” Niederhauser shared. His philosophy champions the idea of building a wardrobe with fewer, high-quality items instead of getting caught up in the relentless cycle of fast fashion. “Our whole idea is to maybe spend a little more and have something you’ll appreciate more in the long run,” he stressed.
A Tribute to Identity
Interestingly, the name Guevel carries personal significance: it’s Niederhauser’s mother’s maiden name and has a rich French lineage. This connection to heritage echoes throughout the store, as the in-house line is not only inspired by Niederhauser’s style but also targets fashion enthusiasts looking for a piece of Kansas City with a coastal flair.
Breaking Barriers in Style
Even though Guevel has faced challenges, just like many small businesses in the area—highlighted by a spate of recent break-ins—Niederhauser remains optimistic. “People really appreciate when you take chances here,” he remarked enthusiastically. His vision is clear: to create a name that resonates both locally and beyond with fashion lovers in major cities like New York and Milan.
Stitching Together Community
Recently, Guevel showcased its winter collection on the runway during the Social Couture event, which benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City. The event, highlighting various designers, provided an exciting platform for Guevel to strut its stuff and consisted of intricate collaborations between local creatives and the youth.
The Power of Collaboration
“Social Couture was amazing,” Niederhauser reflected. The opportunity to collaborate with other talented individuals and support a noble cause brought him immense joy. With creative minds like Rich Wiles and Lyndon Wade leading the charge behind the event, the synergy of innovation and community spirit in Kansas City is palpable.
What Lies Ahead for Guevel
As Guevel continues to grow, Niederhauser is excited to solidify the brand’s presence in the menswear industry, both locally and nationally. His journey—from a high school passion for fashion, leading a successful blog, and working with Baldwin—has equipped him with experiences that inform his current endeavors.
In essence, Guevel represents more than just a retail store; it’s a testament to passion, resilience, and crafting a fashion narrative that values quality, community, and heritage. So, if you’re in Kansas City and looking to refresh your wardrobe with something special, Guevel is definitely worth a visit!
