Essentials: Chris Gibbs

Rising out of the need to offer utilitarian apparel with fashion-forward sensibilities, Union opened its first doors back in 1989 in New York, followed shortly after by a Los Angeles location, which now stands as the only remaining store. Finding pride in the fact that it gives customers an option outside of the mainstream, Union has grown to become one of the more influential streetwear brick and mortars having introduced many loyal clients to emerging brands found exclusively overseas. Having spent well over a decade developing Union into the respected brand it is today, owner Chris Gibbs pauses his busy schedule to advance our Essentials series. In portraying an affinity for well-designed, worldly products, Gibbs lays out his current necessities in tote accompanied by a brief description of each. Starting with a KISS money clip for a man who finds wallets bulky and unnecessary, the Canadian highlights his favorite shades reminding him of glasses he used to wear as a kid skiing, his “vintage” MacBook that “just feels better,” and lastly his need to take care of his teeth as they are, day-by-day, “literally falling apart!”

Photography: John Ong/HYPEBEAST