| Economic downturn or not, the men’s fashion | | | | bracelets, plus for the younger and more daring, |
| accessories market is grossly under supplied and | | | | ear decoration, rings and bracelets. |
| below par. | | | | In all, independents have not missed the plot like |
| Fashion houses and high street stores are | | | | some larger department stores. They remain in |
| trimming back on variety to turn the economic | | | | constant contact with customers and deliver in |
| tide, but not without risk, less choice and variety | | | | accordance with demand, without sacrificing |
| may deliver better dividends, but the demand for | | | | variety, choice and quality. |
| difference still grows. And it is growing toward the | | | | When you don’t have to report to a board of |
| independent online and high street stores. | | | | directors or navigate your way through a |
| They have positioned themselves and building on | | | | labyrinth of middle management you are able to |
| customer loyalty. Small enough to cater for real | | | | focus on the more important issues like design, |
| time demand and offering a level of service. | | | | sourcing, manufacture and supply. |
| Department stores are increasingly ill equipped | | | | In spite of the inevitable global control that large |
| to provide the same. | | | | retailers will command, there’s always going |
| Staff loyalty and commitment is as important as | | | | to be a sizable niche that can only be filled by |
| customer loyalty. Look after your staff and they | | | | dedicated independents such as patrick |
| will look after your customers repeatedly. | | | | We don’t have to provide a lot of references |
| However the retail industry relies heavily on part | | | | to back up our argument. The evidence is easy |
| time casuals whose commitments lie elsewhere in | | | | enough to find. Just go on line and see how hard it |
| studies or affording lifestyle. | | | | is to find authentic, current collections by well |
| Plus wages in this industry are comparatively low, | | | | known brands. Then go traipsing around the malls |
| providing little incentive. | | | | and street shops and you will get an indication of |
| Meanwhile the generic flavour of menswear | | | | the generic nature of men’s fashion clothing. |
| stagnates. | | | | Now this is where we make a recommendation |
| The quality suffers as often as designer brands | | | | before concluding with an interesting anecdote. |
| are swallowed up by corporate entities and | | | | Have a look at these designer ties. Remembering |
| manufacturing licences are un-policed. | | | | they are not all the same, one size fits all the |
| More damage is being done to brand names by | | | | better ones are engineered for countless good |
| the volume of counterfeit products available | | | | knottage. |
| online, just spend a little more time researching to | | | | A little History. |
| determine authenticity and, then you are assured | | | | The legendary celebrity tailor Douglas (The Italian |
| of getting full value. | | | | Job) Hayward dies. A new Archive Room at No 1 |
| Vivienne Westwood keeps a very tight rein on | | | | Savile Row is curated by James Sherwood and |
| authorising online and traditional retailers. Its like all | | | | inaugurated in honour of the late Robert Gieve. In |
| commodities, if the market is flooded the value | | | | March 2008 The London Cut exhibition is invited |
| will decrease. | | | | to show at the British Ambassador's Residence in |
| At 60 something Westwood is at her creative | | | | Tokyo. A satellite exhibition then travels to Isetan |
| peak. She is catering to demand from men who | | | | where Savile Row dominates the prestigious |
| seek to differ. | | | | store's windows and exhibition space. A three |
| Customer loyalty and staff loyalty is achieved in | | | | one-hour documentary mapping a year in the life |
| line with constant observation of consumer | | | | of Savile Row is aired on BBC4 while BBC2 follow |
| demands. | | | | The London Cut to Tokyo for a further British |
| The true value lies in the product and, laid out | | | | fashion series to be aired in autumn. |
| include, silk ties, cufflinks, scarves, belts, wallets, | | | | The economic downturn is no excuse to |
| lapel badges, pendants, pocket squares and | | | | undersupply a demanding market. |