article_snippet: (CNN)Through his work in fashion, Erik Schnakenberg was drawn to the classic Americana style that has seen a revival in the past decade.
article_snippet: It's that effortless design that most guys look good wearing, but it wasn't really happening for anyone except at the higher price point,Erik Schnakenberg Erik Schnakenberg said.
article_snippet: To help shrink the gap, Erik Schnakenberg and Erik Schnakenberg Los Angeles neighbor, Sasha Koehn, started a business with a goal of lowering the barrier to "made in USA" fashion.
article_snippet: It's a model that has worked for Adele Berne and Mike Kuhle, who launched the e-commerce arm of their New York storefront, Epaulet, in 2008 with a button-down shirt for men and women made in the city.
article_snippet: From day one, their have sold directly to consumers through their website and store, using social media to build a fan base that enjoys geeking out as much as their do over fabric origins and stitching details.
article_snippet: Since then, their have expanded to accessories and footwear, and their offer custom suiting and shirts.
article_snippet: their partner with esteemed brands including shoemaker Alden and suit maker Southwick on products and offer a handful of other brands for sale.
article_snippet: Through social media, Kuhle says, Epaulet has cultivated a fan base interested in the stories behind the brand, Epaulet creators and Epaulet manufacturing partners.