CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN

You are someone with impeccable style. Where does that come from?

In the beginning of my career, I always wanted to follow people whose style I admired, but very quickly I learned you can't copy someone's style. Style comes from your personality. It's a reflection of your professionalism, it’s an attention to detail and it shows the respect you have for yourself and others. I started having clothes custom-made which gave me an opportunity to style my clothes the way I wanted and that boosted my confidence in myself plus it helped me stand out from the crowd.

How long have you been in the apparel business and what do you love most about it?

I have been in the business since 1992 and I love the art of selling and seeing customers enjoy their new clothes. It has afforded me the opportunity to meet some amazing people.

What would you say are some misconceptions people have about Made to Measure?

Well, first of all made to measure is not the same as bespoke. Bespoke is largely hand-stitched and requires several fittings. Made to Measure utilizes as precise measurements as we can get and that is translated to a block pattern then cut and sewn to those details in one of the two or three factories we decide to use, based on the garment type. The quality is always significantly higher than ready to wear but adding an endless number of features to the garments doesn't always mean it will be costly. For what the customer ultimately receives, it really is a wonderful experience and value. 

What are some of the challenges you have helped customers overcome by fitting them properly?

When it comes to clothing, achieving the perfect fit can pose a challenge for many individuals. No two body types are the same. But Custom-made garments are not exclusively for those with larger proportions; they can also significantly benefit people with varying posture types, such as high or sloped shoulders.

My goal is always to boost a customer’s confidence in themselves and understanding their expectation in the end. It’s a challenge I love.

While menswear styling is much more stable than womenswear, what changes, if any,  have you seen in men's styling over the last few years?

There appears to be an evolution of men's styling with a general trend toward more casual attire in business settings. Businessmen such as Elon Musk and  Mark Cuban have played a role in normalizing casual wear in professional environments. Despite the shift, we see a growing demand for custom clothing. Men are becoming more adventurous with colors, particularly in tailored and essential wardrobe pieces. A more modern style pant with a single forward pleat and the reemergence of double-breasted jackets are a few of the latest trends. Something else I see in luxury clothing right now is the emergence of "quiet luxury", which focuses on high-quality, relaxed fit with classic yet refined tailoring. 

Walk us through the process a customer would go through when they make an appointment with you.

It's all about providing the ultimate experience when customers make appointments. Clients will receive 100% attention making it a one-on-one experience. Prior to the actual appointment, I conduct a comprehensive questionnaire with my clients to anticipate a potential need for additional fabrication or garments. My goal is to empower you to become an informed consumer in the realm of suits, trousers, or shirts. On that day, you are not just a customer but also a designer. Just like an architect, I meticulously pay attention to client requirements and measure for a specific garment to meet those needs.

After that, the fun part starts. We go through our numerous ‘best of the best’ books of the fabrics, buttons, and lining to turn the clients desired styling into reality. Clients Experience the highest level of excellence with John Craig Made to Measure.

Tell us a little about your fabric selections for the fall/winter season and do you see any significant trends?

It's all about light weight and year round fabrics especially the climate we live in. Our Made-to-Measure garments are crafted from the world's finest mills such as Loro Piana, Dormeuit, Vitale Barberis Canonico, and Carlo Barbera. Living in Florida, clients always look for lightweight fabrics and bright colors for their wardrobes. 

What are men choosing as their wedding outfit?

Whether you're walking the aisle yourself or are a booked guest for wedding season, It can be hard knowing what to wear. Our made-to-measure service gives you the freedom to create your own look with personal details and finishes at an exceptional value. At John Craig, our stylists ensure your special day is extra memorable with custom suiting and unique details.

Other than tailored clothing, do you offer other custom-made products to your customers?

Yes, we do offer custom-made belts from L.E.N (Lifestyle Essential Now). L.E.N is a bespoke luxury leather goods company known for high-quality belts.

How many suits and sport jackets are currently in your closets?

Way too many!!