Connoisseur: Alex Gushner’s Favorite Things
A peek into the life of the stylish fourth-generation men's buyer at Boyds.
Alex Gusher, Boyds. | Photo: Jauhien Sasnou
The fourth-generation Boyds men’s buyer told us all about the new $10M Boyds renovation, his favorite places to dine and drink, and his scouting trips to Italy. Here, all the stuff he can’t live without:
Favorite Things
On my feet: Nike React Element 87s from UBIQ in Rittenhouse.
Hobby: Cooking. “I like to make Italian food — and a lot of fish. I woke up at 3 a.m. to meet my friend in Jersey to go fishing for the first time a few weeks ago. I caught striped bass and cooked it all in one day. It was fantastic.”
Musicians: Drake, Kanye, Leon Bridges, the Rolling Stones.
Stockpiles: Melinda’s XXXtra Hot sauce from the Head Nut in Reading Terminal.
L: Book of Boyds advertisements from the 1960s. R: Melinda’s XXXtra Hot Sauce. | Photo: Jauhien Sasnou
Prized possession: “A very delicate book created in the 1960s of all old Boyds advertisements from that time period. There’s a certain sense of pride working in a family business. It’s a unique, special thing.”
At Home
Morning ritual: “I work out at the gym, grab a coffee, and read the news or listen to a podcast before work. My current favorite is Dirty John from the L.A. Times.”
Hair salon: Jason Matthew Salon in Rittenhouse. “I get a great cut from Josh. All my friends and I go to him.”
Photo: Jauhien Sasnou
I collect: Gin. “I love the taste of it. I collect different types wherever I go.”
Workout: Playing tennis at Penn. “It’s a wonderful escape. The more you work at it, the harder it becomes.”
Coffee gelato from Gran Caffe L’Aquila in Rittenhouse. | Photo: Jauhien Sasnou
Indulgence: Coffee gelato from Gran Caffe L’Aquila in Rittenhouse. “It’s as good as in Italy.”
Best advice: “My grandfather told me that my mouth will always work but that my ears won’t, so use them while they still do.”
Out and About
Mode of transportation: “My own two feet, though I’d really love a Vespa.”
L: Brunello Cucinelli backpack. R: Boyds display. | Photo: Jauhien Sasnou
Travel essential: Brunello Cucinelli backpack from Boyds. “I can fit my laptop in it, and it’s perfect for a weekend trip. It works with a suit or just casually.”
Local restaurant: Vernick in Rittenhouse. “Big fan of all the people there, the toasts, the turbot, and of course the blueberry pie.”
On my calendar: “Our massive renovation project finally ends this November. I can’t wait for everyone to come see it. We’re also launching Tom Ford at Boyds this January. We’ll be the only private store in the U.S. to stock them.”
Florence, Italy. | Photo: iStock
Next trip: Florence and Milan, Italy. “For me, it’s the best fashion in the world and the best food in the world.”
Published as “Alex Gushner” in the October 2018 issue of Philadelphia magazine.
