Q&A with John Craig: Every Mans Guide to Wedding Season Apparel
When it comes to wedding season, beginning in late spring and continuing through early fall, women enjoy the dress shopping experience finding that perfect dress to wear next to the newlyweds. However, when it comes to men finding the perfect outfit that will be presentable and in style with avoiding being plain, they come at a loss. Brides to be looking for the right color pairing for their color scheme and knowing what will look good on the men next to their bridesmaids also have some trouble when it comes to mapping out men's fashion.
John Craig is the owner of John Craig Clothier, an upscale men's clothing store with a local location here in Winter Park, who just celebrated their 22nd Anniversary on March 2! John Craig Clothier is where men can find the right fit and look that is individualistic in taste, giving men that personalized look, perfect for any wedding event. Which, according to Mr. Craig himself sartorial sophistication is the best way for men to go. I was given the lucky opportunity to interview Mr. Craig on men's fashion when it comes to weddings.
http://johncraigclothier.com/
Q: What goes into the experience you provide for your customers who are dressing for a wedding or formal event?
“We have the ability to provide anything that the Groom needs from a pocket square to footwear and everything in between. We take the time to lay out the options and then pull a full presentation together. All along this is coordinated with the Bride and Bridesmaids dresses.”
Q: How do you continue and make sure to give customers the experience they love through all the locations (Winter Park, Orlando, Downtown Naples, Ponte Vedra beach, St. Petersburg and Naples) that have opened?
“A clear mission of a level of customer service that exceeds expectations and then constant training.”
Q: What is the most common question men seem to ask you when they are shopping for their wedding day look, from groom, to the best men and an attending guest?
“The Groom wants everything to be perfect just as the Bride does. The Groom goes back in forth between a tuxedo and a suit. We like putting the Groom in a tux and the Groomsmen in matching suits. We make the Groom stand out by also wearing a different fabric in the bow tie that compliments the tie worn by the Groomsmen”
Q: What was the inspiration for opening your store?
“I have always been an entrepreneur and had an idea about something that I saw was missing in the marketplace. Plenty of people warned me that it would not work.”
Q: Is there a common misconception that men have about fashion choices for weddings?
“No, not really. Their future Bride has already researched everything for “her” wedding day and has specific ideas on what she wants her man to wear.”
Q: Is it recommended for men to bring color and patterns into their wardrobe, when attending a wedding while still achieving a classic look.
“Change of seasons creates new opportunities to play with color.”
Q: When styling a man for the special, what is the first part you start with?
“We want to determine what the plan is for not only the Groom but for the Groomsmen and even the Bride.”
Q: What is the process you go through when choosing which collections to bring into your store?
“There are so many factors that go into selecting a vendor for John Craig. Brand recognition plays an important part in our selection. Although I do find vendors that are so spectacular we enjoy introducing them to our customers. John Craig loves color and we make that an important aspect of every seasonal buy. From there it becomes a question of fit and price point. Over the years I have had great looking product that just did not fit and fabrics that came in different than they were represented.”
Q: What has been the best part of this whole experience for you?
“I can honestly say the opportunity to put my taste level into the store and see how our clients respond.”
John Craig Clothier is a one-stop paradise for men, making their experience at each store smooth and relaxed. Even if you are not looking for an outfit for a wedding, John Craig Clothier is perfect for all your needs. They also keep their clients up to date on the latest fashions with their magazine that is published regularly, with their most up to date being the spring/ summer 2018
