I've been in the men's apparel industry now for a little over three years. I stumbled into it pretty much by accident. Up to that point music and the music industry had always been the focus of my life. Even after the demise of my sheet music store, Heritage Music House in Philadelphia, I ended up working full time at Tower Records Classical Annex on South Street. Meanwhile, I kept my fingers in the church music pie as Music Director at various Philadelphia churches. After I quit Tower, however, I decided to take on a part time gig at Lord & Taylor in Centre City, Philadelphia.
I thought it would be interesting to work in something different, and fashion had become a source of interest for me recently. Of course, I can never involve myself halfway in anything: I began researching vendor sources, as in, "Who makes this stuff for all these designers?"
Most designers don't produce much of their stuff themselves; they license out production to any number of vendors, who own the factories. I became more and more intrigued with the idea of not only knowing how the clothes are made (men's suits, even the cheap ones, are amazingly complicated constructs; what is between the outer shell and the lining is a maze of layers and sub- or partial layers). Moreover, I discovered I have a natural talent for putting together a man's outfit, especially a tailored one. I suddenly discovered I had this flair for taking a suit, or blazer and trousers, and combining them with a shirt or two and three to four ties and making them all interchangeable so that a man can, with just a few items, have a fully functional tailored wardrobe. I don't generally like to brag, but I'm really good at this.
Article comments
1 - Brian aka Guppusmaximus
Yup, the politicians dress extremely well while they screw the lower & middle classes. So, I guess it's acceptable to be a douche bag as long as you look fantastic?!
Sorry, I don't agree that the clothes accurately reflect the intelligence or intentions of a society. I do believe that these uniforms present an opportunity to create a layer of deception. To hide in a world of acceptance based on looks and that people who judge others on the clothes that they wear are the problem - NOT the solution.
You can keep your "Suit & Tie Guy" mentality, I'll stick with my T-Shirt & Jeans approach.
2 - fcetier
I've always been a fan of the first version of the book, "Dress for Success". When in business, dress for business. Wear loafers when you're loafing.
When you want to hide in a world of acceptance and be casual, wear your jeans and T-shirt.
I'm no fan of "casual Fridays" either.