Rules of a Creator's Life

 

via Will Yan, et al.

Style Q&A: Bespoke

I've been hearing the term "bespoke" tossed around on style blogs and brands lately. At the risk of sounding out of touch, what exactly is "bespoke"?

This is a totally fair question that I think a lot of people secretly wonder and google search.

Once upon a time, people wore clothes that fit.  Some people went to the tailor, got measured, and had all of their clothes made to the measurements of their own bodies because buying off the rack wasn't an option. This is bespoke at its purest: completely custom, perfectly cut, and properly constructed. It was clothing that wasn't created until the request was made (bespoken... get it). In short, it was clothing that was built to last for the individual.

In the past handful of decades, we've seen a lot of trends come and go, and the availability of more disposable clothing options making it expensive and not so necessary to put a lot of thought, time, or consideration into developing a wardrobe, as you can just replace it next season.

I probably don't have to tell you this, but there are tons of brands these days that talk in great detail now about the history and process of their products, discussing handmade goods, and local artisan production that makes you feel like that product was made by a person who you can relate to.

In recent years, a lot of consumers have been interested in the idea of build-your-own or co-creation in product and experience, alike.  Everything from customized chocolate bars to stuffed teddy bears to sneakers- it's all falls under this now more umbrella term for made to order product and service that we now refer to as "bespoke".

I'm a believer in this whole idea of having products made to order. The time and anticipation are worth it when you are able to wear something that is made the way you want it, and by another person's hands. It's kind of magical like that.

Field Trip: Optimo Chicago

Remember when I shared the video of Optimo Chicago? You know, the hand crafted artisan hats from their workshop on the south side?  Well, I finally visited.

Long-haired beaver felt. No, seriously.

And the hats were unbelievable.

They start with felt base shapes of hats, the work them into the precisely shaped and deliberately crafted goods that are made to order.

When I spoke to one of the people in the shop, she mentioned that it takes about 1 month to received a hat upon ordering. After watching them in action, it's definitely worth the wait to have something made special and just for you.

Classic production, done the old-fashion way. There are signs of quality in goods like this that you just can't find when you buy off the rack. While the price is steep, you definitely can't buy the experience.

I've got my eyes on a new hat, and hopefully it'll be an Optimo.

A Discussion on Co-Creation

It's high time we've had a discussion on co-creation and mass customization.  If you're hip to nerdy things like retail research trends, stats, and blogs, you've seen a good amount of chatter already about this emerging form of retailing.  If you've seen the promo video for The Style Cooperative, you'll know that we are thoroughly in the thick of this concept.

The basic idea behind co-creation and mass customization is that retailers (anything from apparel to chocolate) allowing buyers to customize their products in such a way that they are able to help design/create something that is unique to individual taste and style.  Unlike just going to a tailor and building something from the ground up, you are guided through a structured and defined process, so it's not too intense for the typical user and for the company to keep up with.  Long story short: you get what you want.

There are a handful of companies like Blank Label (mens dress shirting), 1154 Lill (Chicago-made handbags), Chocri (chocolate), and the upcoming Open Runway (shoes) that all operate under a similar model.  The list seems to be growing daily!

So here's my point: I'm developing The Style Cooperative because of my really strong beliefs in the idea of personal style and building contemporary wear that you actually want.  We are all about lifestyle and substance, so when I speak about building something that is going to change the way people think about shopping, buying, and even wearing clothes- I mean it. 

Clothes should make you feel good, and say what you want and need to say (cue the John Mayer hook).  The Style Cooperative is the brand that I've been dreaming into existence for a couple years now, and I want it to be special for you too.  The new site with full customization is literally right around the corner.

So let's get to the co-creating and let me know what you want to see next from us! Now we're cooperating... stylishly.