Getting fancy with Fancy Tiger

Matthew Brown, an owner of Fancy Tiger Crafts and Clothing, never thought he’d have a clothing store. Prior to opening this business, he owned a coffee shop. And before that, in 2004, he was in a band called Fancy Tiger, the namesake of his store. In 2006, he started a new clothing store which has grown to become one of the most recognized local fashion stores.

In these six years, the store has moved four times, but has always stayed on the eclectic stretch of South Broadway.

“Clothing is my passion. But I’m not into labels, I’m into a personal style,” Brown said. That’s why Fancy Tiger’s specialty is smaller local, national, and international brands with distinct style. You’ll find classic cuts for both men and women that have a certain edge to them. Brown said that there are lots of criteria for choosing brands for Fancy Tiger. “Bottom line, I don’t buy anything I don’t like, even if it’ll sell,” he said.

Fancy Tiger carries relevant counterculture-inspired clothes that question conventional style, yet only those that won’t go out of style in a year or two. Recently, the store started carrying Fig and Yarrow beauty products. Brown admitted that it wasn’t the goal at first, but these handmade products won him over and perfectly fit into the store’s culture.

This boutique tries to cater to culturally-aware young adults who want to look mature, but not conservative. The prices are affordable, especially considering the quality of the garments. Plus, there is always a sale rack for both men and women, and every February and August they have a storewide sale with up to 75 percent off original prices.

Some upcoming merchandise includes Portland-based company Make It Good, which specializes in high-quality handmade clothes. Another great find coming soon to Fancy Tiger is an upper-level selvage denim that is completely manufactured in the United States.

Moreover, Fancy Tiger not only embodies personal style, but it has its own personality. For all of its six years in the business, the first Friday of every month has seen Civilized Living events that feature local stores and artists. While local musicians and DJs play great music, the visitors of these community celebrations get acquainted with local businesses. Past pop-up stores included a local brewery, moped shop, wallpaper boutique, and of course clothing shops. Fancy Tiger promotes cool local places and attracts business to them as well. In October, Fancy Tiger will start printing a newspaper, Civilized Living.

Fancy Tiger is a unique, classy store that you will love returning to. Quality clothes and alteration services make for one great store. Great music, interesting people, and musicians enhance the shopping experience and make Fancy Tiger a frequent stop for more than a just new garment for your closet. It’s a personality all on its own.