Matchless London, the heritage British motorcycle and clothing brand, will open its first U.S. outpost today in Los Angeles, within Heroes Motorcycles at 1210 South La Brea Avenue, where its neighbors on the gritty thoroughfare now include art galleries David Kordansky and Kayne Griffin Corcoran. Matchless’ managing director Michele Malenotti, former creative director of Belstaff, will host a dinner Wednesday night with friends Arnold and Patrick Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone, as well as a cadre of actors and models he counts among the brand’s fans.
Operating much like Revolve Clothing’s members-only space, the store and social club is built inside Heroes Motorcycles’ 3,500-square-foot showroom, which houses the largest collection of vintage motorcycles in the country. The full range of Matchless clothing for men and women will be available, alongside a tequila bar, VIP humidor and onsite engraver to personalize the apparel.
The collection includes classic motorcycle jackets as the “Osborne,” the “Notting Hill” and the “Kensington,” which are worn by the likes of Gerard Butler, Daniel Craig, Samuel L. Jackson, Harrison Ford, Kate Moss, Scarlett Johansson and Cara Delevingne. Jacket prices range from $695 for fur-trimmed nylon parkas to $4,000 for a shearling moto styles. The brand also comprises boots, sneakers, belts, bags, scarves and eyewear.
“It’s a very exciting venture to be in the heart of Los Angeles, a city that truly appreciates fine craftsmanship and the timelessness of our products,” said Malenotti, whose family now owns the 117-year-old brand; his father Franco Malenotti, the company’s chairman, was a former superbike champion.