BEALE STREET BEGINNINGS, 1946

Son, here’s the world. Now go and get it.

Bernard Lansky’s father gave him advice on his 18th birthday telling him that he could conquer anything as long as he worked hard. Bernard’s work ethic was inherited from his father and with this his entrepreneurial spirit was born. Bernard started his business by sensing that there was a void in the Memphis market and his willingness to adapt and change over the years is part of Lansky Bros. storied success. From an army surplus store to high fashion clothing where noted Memphis musicians honed their style, Bernard Lansky paved the way and that’s how Lansky Bros. earned credibility in the fashion industry across the world.

Fashion that shaped history.

In the beginning, the offerings at Lansky Bros. contrasted starkly to the clean cut and traditional styles popular with midcentury Americans. Lansky Bros. featured colorful window displays with bright colors and flashy designs that were intended to pop onstage. This, of course, was precisely what would catch the attention of a young Elvis Presley in 1952. However, it wasn’t just Elvis Presley who was mesmerized by the glitz and glamour of Lansky Bros.’ stage clothing. Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis were all shopping at Lansky Bros. in the fifties and sixties.

LANSKY BROS OPENs

Lansky Bros. opens as an army surplus and uniform store at 126 Beale Street. The uniform business only lasted for a short time and when the surplus clothing ran out by the early 1950s, they decided to focus on high-fashion men’s clothing.

1946

1950S HIGH FASHION

By the early 1950s, the store was focused on high fashion, offering far-out clothes in the latest styles, including California Peggers, roomy pants that tapered to the cuff; Ivy League-Style clothing such as single-breasted blazers with natural shoulders and narrow lapels; and Levi's Jeans, made popular by Hollywood actors such as James Dean and Marlon Brando.

1950

Celebrity Sightings at Lansky

Since the ‘50s, Lansky Bros. has been a magnet for celebrities looking for new additions to their wardrobe. From musicians, movie stars, athletes, politicians, and even local celebrities, Lansky Bros. never knows who is going to walk through their doors. And when someone famous walks in, Lansky Bros. does their best to make sure they are styled to stand out.

JOHN RICH

John Rich, country musician of duo Big & Rich, shops Lansky at the Peabody while in Memphis to give St. Jude Children's Research Hospital his check from winning The Apprentice.

ROBERT PLANT

We love our good friend, Robert Plant, who so generously spends time with us at the shop anytime he visits Memphis.

DAVID BRYAN

Bon Jovi keyboardist, David Bryan, shops with Hal Lansky in Lansky at the Peabody. David Bryan wrote the score for the award-winning musical, Memphis.

CARLOS SANTANA

Carlos Santana does a quick browse of Lansky at the Peabody while in town on March 14, 2015. Carlos Santana poses with Hal Lansky in this great picture.

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