FASHION TAKEOVER DECADES IN THE MAKING
Interviewer : Geneva Relf
Geneva: Greetings, thanks for taking the time out for this interview today.
John Carroll : Thank you Geneva, it's a pleasure to speak
with you.
Geneva: Fashion, glamour, and sophistication yet best kept secret. Why do you
think Carroll & Co. clothing has lasted so long?
John Carroll : We've never strayed too far from our
core values over the last 60 years. We provide our customers with classic
gentlemen's clothing of the highest quality in a comfortable environment.
We have a dedicated staff, some who have been with me over 30 years, who really
enjoy what they do and it shows when they are working with a customer.
Styles change, as we do, but we don't get too crazy.
We work with many small family owned companies, usually from Italy,
England and Switzerland. Often times we are their only account in
the United States. They are flexible and can adapt items and models
to our way of thinking. Carroll clothing is timeless, both in
style and in workmanship.
Geneva: Hollywood's top notch men have been spotted in the upscale Carroll &
Co. clothing line. When it comes to a suite what's the key element to
putting it together?
John Carroll : A suit should stand the test of
time. You can't wear a suit today that has wide shoulders, a low button
stance and a coat length that is too long. It' going to look too
2004. Suits have trimmer silhouettes today, lapels have narrowed a bit, buttons
are higher and coats are shorter. Hollywood men usually jump on these
changes and often times they last a season or two. But the new fashion
coat today will be here for a while, so a man shouldn't be afraid to buy a
couple of new suits - the trend will be here.
Choose a high quality suit from a high quality
fabric. Spend the extra few dollars to look extra special. Make
sure it is tailored professionally - no wrinkle under the collar, show just a
touch of shirt cuff at the sleeve and make sure the lapels don't break at the
chest.
The pants should have no pleats and a slight break at
the shoe. We often get asked about cuffs or no cuffs. We still like
a cuff on a suit, but it's certainly in fashion today if he chooses a plain
bottom
Geneva: From movies, magazine covers to the office, what is so powerful about a tailored suite?
John Carroll : A man really can't be overdressed
today wearing a suit. A properly tailored suit on a man makes a statement
- he can go anywhere. A fine suit with a dynamite
tie is proper in the boardroom - take off the tie and
accessorize it with a nifty wool or cashmere polo shirt and you're out to
dinner, a club or a movie.
Geneva: What is the biggest misunderstanding men have about looking
tailored?
John Carroll : Men often think it takes too much
time, effort and money to look tailored. This is a complete
misconception. It takes just as long to put on an old pair of jeans as it
does to put on an elegant wool slack. If you're unsure of how to properly
coordinate, have a professional help you put together outfits and hang them
together in your closet. And I'm a big believer in buying quality - buy
less outfits of better quality. You will be much happier in the long run.
Geneva: However many changes have been made throughout the years in fashion, so
how have you and the clothing line adjusted to fashions
forever fickle mind?
John Carroll : We're not staid, but we're also not
trendy. We're don't want to reinvent anything. Our clothing is classic
in style. You can wear a Carroll suit or jacket or sportswear
outfit for a number of years. We do a lot of clothing for television
shows and many producers appreciate that in re-runs our things can still look
fresh and not out of style.
Geneva: Fashion is always evolving, what has been your method
for continuous success?
John Carroll : It's more than just keeping in line with the
fashion trends. I shop the markets twice a year, I'm in Italy, England, New
York for fashion weeks. I like to see where the trends are going and tailor
them to our Carroll customer. But there is the customer service
aspect, which I strive for excellence with every day. We have seasoned
professionals working with us who love what they do and are the best I
have seen anywhere. Our tailoring department is top notch - two of
our tailors have been with us over 30 years - and know all the elements of a
proper fit. We have a very comfortable environment for people to shop.
Geneva: Where can we find the clothing line, and keep up with the latest the
line has to offer?
John Carroll : Our website is
www.carrollandco.com.
It's best for customers to register their email address there to get our
eblasts and mailings of all the latest Carroll & Co. happenings.
Geneva: What is your personal motto for overall success in any business?
John Carroll : I can't take credit for the quote,
but the saying
"Quality is long remembered after price is
forgotten" goes a long way with me. Also, I truly believe that even
though the consumer in inundated with brands today, your name on the door is
the most important name in your store.
Geneva: Thanks again so much, I appreciate you taking the time out. Is there
anything you would like to add before we go?
John Carroll : Thank you Geneva, this has been fun!
