Marcel Ames is the designer and owner of the bespoke fashion brand 10 of Pentacles, which is celebrated for its tailored clothing and sophisticated accessories. Known for his deep understanding of Southern trade and craftsmanship, Marcel has built a brand that resonates with those who appreciate high-quality, well-made products. His expertise in esoteric practices and his journey through launching a fashion brand from Richmond make him the perfect guest to discuss bespoke fashion in the South.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- The essential pieces every man should start with in their wardrobe

- How discrimination has shaped the experiences of African American designers in the fashion industry

- The significance behind the name "10 of Pentacles" and its connection to tarot readings and personal growth

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
01:05 Guest Introduction: Marcel Ames
02:08 Marcel's Background and Brand Philosophy
19:28 Challenges of Promoting Bespoke Tailoring in Richmond
26:26 Growing Up in Richmond
28:04 Challenges of Being an African American Entrepreneur
28:40 Experiences of Discrimination
34:30 Support from Outside the Community
40:36 Starting the Brand
46:05 Fashion Tips for the Everyday Man
50:11 The Meaning of Always Be Fly
52:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

VISIT X OF PENTACLES:
🌐https://nomanwalksalone.com/collections/x-of-pentacles
📸https://www.instagram.com/nomanwalksalone/

CONNECT WITH REG
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📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

King Sean Royal is a multi-talented creative involved in graphic design, clothing design, shoe manufacturing, and music production. With his own groundbreaking sneaker brand, King Sean has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of custom sneaker culture and collaborating with high-profile figures and brands, making him the perfect person to discuss the evolving landscape of sneaker culture and the art of sneaker design.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- How King Sean transitioned from being a sneaker fan to launching his own successful brand

- The impact of collaboration and influencer marketing in building a sneaker brand

- King Sean's strategies for maintaining creative independence and avoiding legal pitfalls in custom sneaker design

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:53 Meet King Sean Rial
02:36 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture
06:10 Challenges and Opportunities in Sneaker Manufacturing
07:44 The Dunk Silhouette and Its Impact
16:30 Customizer vs. Designer
25:02 The Birth of FWTC
27:14 The Lazarus Sneaker: A Unique Design
28:32 Navigating Nike's Legal Landscape
32:14 The Importance of Independent Design
34:22 Rapid Prototyping and Innovation
38:28 Collaborations and Influencer Marketing
39:51 Expanding the Brand Through Strategic Partnerships
42:56 The Power of Clubhouse and Networking
50:29 Final Thoughts and Fashion Tips

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Daniele Antoniella and Kate Tortland, the guests of this episode, are the creative forces behind Antoniella Apparel. With their extensive experience in fashion design and a unique approach to creating pocket squares, their credibility is marked by their dedication to quality craftsmanship, artistic inspiration, and innovative design. Daniele, with a background in fashion design, and Kate, a talented sketch artist, have combined their skills to create a brand that stands out in the fashion industry for its originality and meticulous attention to detail. They've collaborated with notable industry names like The Rake and have plans to draw inspiration directly from Italy's rich sartorial heritage, making them ideal guides for understanding the art of pocket square design.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- The intricate process behind designing a high-quality pocket square, from hand sketches to digital rendering.

- How Antoniella Apparel's pocket squares encapsulate the essence of unique Italian locations beyond popular tourist spots.

- The challenges and triumphs of running a small, passion-driven fashion brand, especially during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:35 Meet the Guests: Daniele and Kate from Antonella Apparel
02:49 Discussing Pocket Squares
05:00 Unique Designs and Artistic Approach
26:13 Challenges and Future Plans
31:59 The Collaboration That Almost Happened
32:42 Preparing for the Launch
33:21 The Rake Magazine Opportunity
35:18 COVID-19 and Its Impact
38:23 Future Plans and Inspirations
39:20 Travel Plans and Inspirations
46:30 Exploring New Designs
53:10 Fashion Tips and Final Thoughts

VISIT ANTONIELLA APPAREL:
🌐https://www.antoniellaapparel.com/
📸https://www.instagram.com/Antoniella_apparel/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Nick Reynolds is the innovative shoe customizer and former youth pastor behind Shoebaker ATL. Known for his bold Night Fang sneakers and his creative use of custom designs, Nick has managed to build a thriving business from his garage to a potential retail space. His journey from a youth pastor to a renowned shoe designer who collaborates with major influencers demonstrates his capability and drive, making him an exemplary figure in the world of custom sneakers.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- How Nick used the concept of a "baker's dozen" to prevent burnout while maintaining exclusivity in his designs

- The methods Nick employed to build trust and credibility with his customer base through personalized engagement and social media interaction

- Tips on navigating challenges in the sneaker customization industry, from legal issues to production hurdles, and how Nick turned these challenges into opportunities for further growth.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:32 Meet Nick Reynolds: The Shoe Baker
01:35 Nick's Journey into Shoe Customization
02:17 The Birth of Shoe Baker
03:42 Marketing and Scaling the Business
07:05 Challenges and Innovations
14:23 Thermoforming and Product Development
19:39 Customer Engagement and Feedback
28:02 Customer Questions and Product Evolution
29:04 Dapper Dan's Influence and Personal Style
31:41 The Sneaker Culture Shift
34:52 Custom Shoe Creations and Marketing Strategies
43:01 Legalities and Business Practices
48:43 Challenges and Future Plans
52:47 Conclusion and Personal Philosophy

VISIT SHOEBAKER ATL:
🌐https://shoebaker.com/

CONNECT WITH NICK:
📸https://www.instagram.com/shoebaker_atl/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Kevin Wohlman is the founder and CEO of Southern Scholar, a menswear accessories brand reengineering dress socks for maximum comfort and durability. Dissatisfied with the sock options on the market, Kevin's expertise in fabric blends and customer-centric design has earned him a reputation for producing stylish and robust socks that stay up and resist wear and tear, making him the ideal guest to discuss elevating your sock game.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- The unique fabric blend that makes Southern Scholar socks soft, durable, and elastic

- How Southern Scholar successfully scaled its marketing efforts during the pandemic

- Practical tips for coordinating clothing patterns and colors for a cohesive business casual look

👔 GET MY FREE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DRESS BETTER

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:33 Meet Kevin Wollman of Southern Scholar
02:01 Impact of COVID-19 on Business
04:02 Marketing Strategies During the Pandemic
07:07 Creative Process and Advertising
09:43 The Science Behind Synthetic Socks
17:20 Customer Feedback and Product Durability
19:40 Challenges and Innovations in Sock Design
27:13 Quality Control and Customer Satisfaction
28:17 Durability and Customer Stories
29:30 Market Needs and Business Insights
31:42 Body Types and Sock Fit
33:27 Customer Reviews and Product Range
36:38 Fashion and Style Etiquette
41:59 Signature Style Card
52:42 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

VISIT SOUTHERN SCHOLAR:
🌐https://southernscholar.com/
📸https://www.instagram.com/thesouthernscholar/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Tim Liu is an online fitness and nutrition coach who has been transforming lives since 2012. With a successful transition to online training, Tim's expertise lies in creating personalized, engaging, and effective fitness programs that cater to a global clientele. His balanced approach to exercise and diet, coupled with his extensive experience, makes him the ideal guest to guide us through maintaining fitness and a stylish wardrobe simultaneously.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- How to balance your fitness goals with a well-fitted wardrobe in the men's wear field

- The significance of incorporating non-exercise activity (NEAT) and maintaining a high metabolism

- Effective techniques for staying motivated and accountable while working out at home

👔 GET MY FREE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DRESS BETTER

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:33 Guest Introduction: Tim Liu of Tim Liu Fitness
01:30 Impact of COVID-19 on Fitness Routines
02:28 Tim Liu's Online Fitness Coaching
03:19 Challenges of Working Out Alone
05:05 Tim Liu's Business Growth During COVID-19
07:29 Online Training Process Explained
19:49 Importance of Daily Steps and Movement
24:57 Balancing Push and Pull Exercises
26:12 Exploring TRX Cables
27:43 The Importance of Versatile Training Tools
28:24 The Ab Wheel and Fitness Gadgets
30:15 Fitness and Menswear: Finding the Balance
33:08 The Journey into Menswear
40:54 Hydration and Its Benefits
44:33 Outdoor Gyms and Adaptations
47:24 Always Be Fly: The Importance of Appearance

VISIT TIM LIOU FITNESS:
🌐https://www.timliufitness.com/
📸https://www.instagram.com/timliufitness/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Trevor Jones is a writer for Ivy Style and a seller of classic menswear with an insightful perspective on fashion. With his extensive knowledge of traditional menswear and his dedicated Instagram page showcasing unique clothing items, Trevor has built a reputation for celebrating and expanding style influences, making him the perfect guest to discuss James Baldwin's impact as a fashion hero and the broader cultural influences on style.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- How James Baldwin's upbringing and the Harlem Renaissance shaped his distinctive style

- The significance of personal experiences and cultural backgrounds in defining individual style

- The ways in which traditional Ivy style clothing is given a personal twist, inspired by icons like Steve McQueen and Miles Davis

👔 GET MY FREE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DRESS BETTER

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:34 Guest Introduction: Trevor Jones
00:59 Discussing James Baldwin's Influence
01:43 Trevor's Background and Style
02:47 Challenges of Selling on eBay
05:53 James Baldwin's Unique Style
08:21 Influences and Personal Style
12:46 Harlem Renaissance and Baldwin's Upbringing
20:32 Miles Davis' Unique Style Evolution
20:55 Defining African American Style
24:09 The Influence of Personal Backgrounds
26:34 The Role of Details in Fashion
28:44 James Baldwin's Iconic Style
36:27 The Impact of Dr. Cornel West

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Justin Trewitt is a skilled woodworker and artisan behind the brand Dapper Woodworks. With a deep-rooted passion for menswear and woodworking, Justin has carved out a niche for creating exquisite storage solutions and accessories for men. His credibility is showcased by his successful development of a cult following on Instagram, his intricate craftsmanship with wood and resin, and his ability to double his business revenue during the challenging COVID period. As a family man juggling Dapper Woodworks alongside a day job, Justin embodies dedication and artistry, making him the perfect person to discuss the art of men's accessory storage and business succession planning.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- The intricate process Justin uses to create his unique wood and resin lapel pins

- How developing a cult following on Instagram can benefit your business

- The ins and outs of succession planning for a small business

👔 GET MY FREE GUIDE TO HELP YOU DRESS BETTER

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:31 Meet Justin Trewhitt of Dapper Woodworks
02:13 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business
03:38 The Journey to Shopify
05:06 Family Life and Business Balance
06:52 The Lapel Pin Craze
08:31 The Art of Making Lapel Pins
15:28 Exploring Unique Materials
25:43 Woodworking Origins and Skills
27:24 Introduction to Woodworking Journey
27:29 First Experience with Hardwoods
28:33 Sourcing Quality Lumber
30:21 Expanding Product Line
30:43 Pocket Square Organizer
32:00 Challenges with Product Design
35:36 Custom Tie Racks
40:48 Handcrafted Quality and Manufacturing
47:56 Future Product Ideas
51:32 Always Be Fly

VISIT DAPPER WOODWORKS:
🌐https://www.dapperwoodworks.com/
📸https://www.instagram.com/dapperwoodworks/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

Oscar Torres is a master tailor and the founder of Los Torres Tailors, known for his exceptional skill in creating bespoke suits. Starting his tailoring journey at the age of 14 under the mentorship of a seasoned tailor named Cleveland, Oscar has honed his craft to perfection. Now, with offices in New York, Madison Avenue, and Philadelphia, and collaborations across stores in East Brunswick, Montclair, and Connecticut, Oscar has established himself as a trusted name in the world of custom clothing.

In this episode, you'll learn,

- The philosophy behind "always be fly" and how it transcends fashion to incorporate mindset and behavior.

- The detailed process of creating a bespoke suit, from initial consultations and fabric selection to final adjustments.

- How Oscar Torres turned personal challenges into opportunities, revamping his business during the COVID-19 pandemic and securing key collaborations for future growth.

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings
00:31 Meet Oscar Torres: The Tailor's Journey
01:06 The Art of Custom Tailoring
02:15 Building a Brand: Los Torres Tailors
03:20 Navigating Business During COVID
06:08 Early Inspirations and Humble Beginnings
10:49 Apprenticeship and Learning the Craft
12:09 Starting a Business: Challenges and Triumphs
21:51 Creating a Family Atmosphere for Clients
25:00 The Transactional Nature of Custom Tailoring
25:34 Personalized Customer Experience
26:30 Listening to Customers' Needs
28:41 The Bespoke Tailoring Process
33:55 Defining the House Style
37:41 Turnaround Time and True Bespoke
42:19 Expanding the Business
51:09 Always Be Fly: A Philosophy

VISIT LOS TORRES TAILORS:
🌐https://lostorrestailors.com/
📸https://www.instagram.com/lostorrestailors/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here

John Wojcik is an esteemed professional working for the UN in Southeast Asia with a deep-rooted passion for classic menswear. Alongside his partner Christopher Siakkas, who works in the financial sector in London, they have co-founded Silk Exchange, a platform dedicated to the sustainable resale of high-end classic menswear. Their combined expertise and fervor for sartorial excellence make them the perfect duo to delve into the nuances of classic menswear and its impact on sustainability and personal style.

In this episode, you'll learn:

- How classic menswear can serve as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion

- The emotional and environmental benefits of investing in quality menswear

- Practical tips on finding high-quality menswear items at reduced prices

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:29 Meet John and Christopher
03:20 Discussing the Menswear Resale Market
04:56 The Sustainability of Classic Menswear
06:57 Building Silk Exchange
13:10 Creating a Community
21:44 The Origin of Silk Exchange
27:58 The Essence of Silk Exchange
28:33 Navigating the Platform
30:58 Community and Quality Assurance
33:27 Team and Global Presence
35:23 Staff Picks and Favorite Items
37:29 Building a Supplier Network
40:23 Unique Selling Points
45:05 Personal Style and Inspiration
52:18 The Meaning of Always Be Fly

VISIT SILKXCHANGE:
📸https://www.instagram.com/silkxchange/

CONNECT WITH REG
🌐www.nyfashiongeek.com
📸https://www.instagram.com/newyorkfashiongeek/?hl=en
💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/reginald-ferguson?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F
🎵 https://www.tiktok.com/@newyorkfashiongeek

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Full Show Notes, Timestamps, Transcript & Guest Links Here