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[title]What it is High-end, premium performance men’s underwear by local designer Richard Dayhoff.
Who he is A 20-year veteran of the fashion industry, Dayhoff (an alum of the International Academy of Design) has designed everything from womenswear to fragrances. But earlier this year, he decided to turn his efforts to a collection of premium underwear and T-shirts for men. In addition to the new line, Dayhoff was recently named creative director at Lakeview-based Zeglio Custom Clothiers, which sells hand-tailored suits and shirts.
What he makes Dayhoff started his underwear line because he saw a hole in the men’s market: luxury boxers. “There’s not enough categories for men when it comes to inner layers,” Dayhoff says. “Women have Agent Provocateur and La Perla, [so there should be] a more masculine version of that.” Dayhoff works with a Japanese manufacturing company to create underwear that’s not only sleek in style, but also performance. Dayhoff boasts that the high-tech fabric stretches but never loses shape and is made of non-fading, quick-dry material. “If you’re traveling and you don’t want to take a hundred pairs of underwear with you, you can just rinse these out in the sink and they’ll just dry,” he says. Though the line ($70 for each pair, $120 for T-shirts) is available now, the official launch will take place early next year. In the meantime, Dayhoff is creating buzz by giving away pairs to members of the Cubs and notables such as Fabrice Calmels, lead dancer for the Joffrey Ballet (pictured). But don’t expect to see the line in department stores. “It’s going to be limited in distribution, which is the true definition of luxury,” he says.
Where to find it Syd Jerome (2 N LaSalle St, 312-332-9095) and through Dayhoff’s Facebook page.