Sergio Paisley Brings Italian Fashion to Mexican War Streets

Dr. Raymond Barclay has been a higher-education consultant, a psychologist, and an off-road motorcyclist, but the one constant is his clothes. With his new Pittsburgh store, Sergio Paisley, Barclay is bringing his interest in “western all’Italiana” fashion to the brick and mortar business he’s always dreamed of having. Sergio Paisley will open at 700 North Taylor Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Mexican War Streets on October 1.

“I’ve always been around design and fashion,” Barclays said. He worked or consulted for major art schools like Maryland College of Art and Design and Parsons School of Design. “But I grew up in Pittsburgh. While we have Larrimor’s and a few places in Lawrenceville, there isn’t really a ‘grown-up’ luxury fashion store for men here,” he said.

His time as a motorcyclist and love of Ducati and BMW influenced his interest in the Italian spaghetti western style—fringe jackets, flare jeans, mid-calf boots, and large sunglasses. He referenced Italian rock band Måneskin, which rose to prominence in the 2021 Eurovision competition, as a contemporary example of the combination of Italian luxury with western movie grit.

“i’ve always loved Western-influenced pieces, but you end up with kind of a rural sensibility, not an urban sensibility. There’s nothing wrong with a pair of wranglers. But there’s more of a rural sensibility to it and it’s lost some of the connection to the rock music of the ‘60s and ‘70s. That western all’Italiana is a little more sophisticated both in terms of cut and in materials,” he said. He sees rock ‘n roll musicians like Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison as examples of where American and Mediterranean fashion intersect.

A New Pittsburgh Store with Old School Vibes

Barclay shared Spanish band Khruangbin’s “Maria Tambien” as an example of the Sergio Paisley zeitgeist. Twangy bass and guitar, vaguely psychedelic colors, and a rustic dreamy feel all come through in the music. It captures the old school, high end but not stodgy feeling of the brand.

Sergio Paisley plans to carry designers like Alessandro Vasini, Barbanera, and Pini Parma. He will also stock all-natural Italian skincare products from Olivella and Antica Barberia Mondial. “I want to appeal not just to people who are interested in European style, but to a diverse range of urban audiences from all walks of life,” he said.

It was for that reason that he chose Mexican War Streets over Shadyside or downtown. He was attracted to its proximity to major cultural institutions like the Andy Warhol Museum, the Mattress Factory, and Stage AE. “Though there’s less foot traffic, I see this as a destination store. I’m in it for the long haul,” he said. He hopes customers see his space as a curated fashion experience and come as consistent clientele.

Barclay decorated the store with black-and-white photographs and is looking for more art pieces to line up with his aesthetic. One photo he found of Robert Redford shows Redford entirely dressed in brands reflecting the aesthetic at Sergio Paisley, including Dohnash sunglasses. Along with the staples, Sergio Paisley doesn’t plan to skimp on accessories. For scarves, Barclays tapped Elizabetta, an Italian brand with an office in Austin, Texas. “You don’t see a lot of men in Pittsburgh wearing scarves, but I’m going to carry them!” He proclaimed. “I think they’re a beautiful accessory.”

Shop Italian Western This Fall

Shoppers will be able to find Sergio Paisley as a pop-up stop on the Mexican War Streets Home & Garden Show on September 15. Then, the soft opening on October 1st will see the storefront open to the public. But Barclay plans to have a party for a full launch opening at the beginning of November. He’s optimistic about bringing a new fashion destination to Pittsburgh. “People tell me I’m taking a risk opening in a mid-sized market like Pittsburgh. But,” he said. “I love Pittsburgh. I’m from here.”

Though Barclay believes in what he’s doing, he knows that for a small business, the proof is in the pudding. “I’m going to hope people align to some of the interests that I’ve curated, but it’s the customers who matter. They’ll vote with their wallets,” he said.

Barclay encourages potential Sergio Paisley customers to mix and match styles for concerts, nightclubs, or a luxurious meal. “At the end of the clothes are about feeling really good about your look, going to have some fun, and getting noticed.”

Story by Emma Riva 

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