Wakile Men Snub Men's Clothing Store

It has been a busy week with celebrities at the Urban Farm's men's clothing store . First RHONJ men Rich and Joseph Wakile, Wayne residents, came in for a photo shoot (weeks after the shops semi-annual magazine had already mailed), then Season 5 Celebrity Rehab personality Michael Lohan arrived with his "friend," Franklin Lakes resident Kim Granatell.  

The Wakile shoot last Friday did not go as planned. First the time was changed at least once (Franklin Lakes Patch was scheduled to make the initial afternoon time, but after it was changed to Friday morning, we were double booked), then the store owners received a lengthy (and not very nice) email message from the Wakile's press person. Here are some highlights:

"We understand that your catalog would been distributed to homes within the Franklin Lakes area and featured in Patch.com as well as your website," the message stated. "Any kind of 'free' press and more exposure is greatly appreciated. However, Richard and Joseph lending themselves to your shop for a photo shoot is definitively much more of a benefit to you than it is to them."

The email further went on to berate store owner Ed Bergen, stating, "Please note that Kathy is allowed to keep the clothes if she so wishes to do so.  Normally, these outfits are over the $2,000 price point...I feel it is totally of bad taste and disrespectful not only to give both Richard and Joseph a limit of two items that they could take from your shop but also not allowed them to take clothes other than your in house brand." 

Seriously? I mean, really, seriously? For those not familiar with Ed Bergen and his business parter and childhood friend Bijan Zamanian, both lifelong Franklin Lakes residents, I have to say I am shocked that anyone would take issue with them over anything. They have been in business a little over a year, have over 4,000 Facebook "likes" and plenty of celebrity supporters, including athletes Phil Simms, NY Giants Shaun O'Hara and former NBA pro Cliff Robinson. Not to mention the Manzo Brothers. 

When asked about the reports, Bergan simply told Patch, "We were dissapointed by that crazy behavior. But we will continue to Conquer Style."

The store will also be hosting a wine and cheese mixer Sept. 10, with Kim G. and Michael Lohan to benefit the children's cancer charity Emmanuel Cancer Foundation of Midland Park. Surprise guests are expected as well!