Arlo Mott, a sportswear brand founded by Alex and Karen Drexler and Susan Woo, is experiencing rapid growth in the contemporary market, with its wholesale business more than doubling from the previous fall to this spring. The brand's debut in the fall of 2025 saw it secure 15 wholesale accounts, and by the spring of 2026, this number had expanded to 40 specialty stores, including notable names like Capitol, Tootsies, Kirna Zabête, TNT boutiques in Canada, and Max in Colorado. The company is currently showcasing its fall collection to retailers this week. Alex Drexler, who also runs the classic sportswear brand Alex Mill, is joined by Karen Drexler, a former buyer at TNT and Alex Mill's previous employer, and Susan Woo, who previously worked at Derek Lam and Chanel before launching her own eponymous line in 2009. The trio's combined expertise in design, product development, merchandising, sales, and business acumen led to the creation of Arlo Mott in February. The brand's name is a nod to a name the Drexlers initially considered for their daughter, with 'Mott' paying homage to Mott Street, a place known for discovering new brands. Karen Drexler and Susan Woo, who became friends through their children, work out of the Drexlers' apartment in TriBeCa. Despite the challenges of starting a company, Woo expressed gratitude for the trio's collaboration, stating, 'It’s the three of us. I’m so thankful there are three of us because it’s so much to start a company. Nobody does it as a hobby.' The brand's collection, designed by Woo and Karen Drexler, is described as contemporary with a refined aesthetic, offering timeless pieces that are both versatile and comfortable. Karen Drexler emphasizes the brand's focus on creating garments that can be dressed up or down, with a particular emphasis on crisp, well-made poplin shirts that can be layered or worn on their own. The brand sources European fabrics and produces most of its garments in New York, with the exception of its knits, which are made in China. For the initial fall season, Arlo Mott prioritized a limited distribution to specialty stores, and Karen Drexler noted the positive sell-throughs, highlighting the benefits of working with specialty stores for immediate feedback. Beth Buccini, the founder of Kirna Zabête, praised the brand's spring collection, describing it as an elevated take on uniform dressing with sophisticated essentials that feel fresh, modern, and effortless. The best-selling items in the first season were the poplin shirts, named after streets in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the knitwear. The brand's e-commerce business is also thriving, alongside its wholesale operations. Arlo Mott's executives showcase the collection at their apartment, allowing buyers to experience the fabrics and engage in meaningful conversations. Despite the challenges of launching during a period of tariff chaos, the brand remains adaptable and flexible, ensuring a fair approach to both its company and customers.
