The desire to buy and wear high-quality bespoke garments keeps professional clothiers like 30-year-old Stephen Richards, of Richards Bespoke busy.
It wasn’t long ago that many professional occupations required employees to wear formal business attire in the office or when calling on clients and prospects. Banks, law and financial advisory firms, and companies doing business with them usually had verbiage in their employee handbook that referenced “business attire” in some manner.
“The difference between style and fashion is quality.” – Giorgio Armani
A Nashville native, Richards began his career as a custom clothier about four years ago. After graduating from the University of Mississippi, he returned home to work in his family’s office record management company. Once he made the decision to switch careers, Richards admits he didn’t come armed with much market research.
Nashville custom clothier Stephen Richards is taking Music City fashion in a new direction
“I’ve loved fashion and fine clothing all of my life and that’s why I started this business,” Richards told Franklin Lifestyle magazine. “People often misunderstand exactly what the terms ‘custom’ and ‘bespoke’ mean when it comes to clothing. My goal is to bring bespoke clothing to those that need and desire high-quality fabrics that are completely custom made and at a fair price point.”
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While some professional clothing company’s sell their goods and services in a prospect’s office, Richards says both he and his clients prefer selecting fabrics and being measured in his office, which is open by appointment only.
“Selecting the right fabric takes time and focus,” explained Richards. “It’s impossible for me to carry all of my fabric swatches to a client’s office. Plus, nothing replaces touching and feeling a piece of cloth. There’s no way a digital photograph can replicate the human touch. Until that happens, I’ll continue to recommend clients visit my tailor shop.”
Getting fitted for a custom suit takes about one hour. Afterward, he and his staff get busy creating the patterns used to construct the garment, which takes about four to six weeks to complete, depending on the time of the year.
Stephen Richards of Richards Bespoke in Nashville measures a client for a custom jacket
Richards also understands that even though his clients are willing to spend more on their garments, they also want to receive a “bang for their buck.” That’s why he takes the time to recommend how and if a particular garment can be combined with other pieces or accessories to create another outfit. Changing trousers, ties, or pocket squares with a sport coat can create a completely different look.
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“Options are important to my clients and my objective is to maximize their dollar and wardrobe with each purchase.”
Suit prices start at around $1,000, depending on the type and quality of the fabric. The young clothier also emphasizes that whatever the price of the suit or garment, he doesn’t nickel-and-dime clients by creating surcharges for custom touches such as working buttonholes on jackets or unique pocket preferences.
Richards recommends that men or women who want to explore bespoke clothing call and schedule an appointment to come by his shop at 1254 Martin Street in Nashville. “Custom clothing should be a custom experience. A well-made garment should look great and last for years. So should the relationship with your tailor.”