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    Suits With Soul

    Suits with soul: New store aims at the fashion-conscious Houston man

    Clifford Pugh
    Dec 30, 2013 | 2:18 pm

    Shopping for men's suits can be intimating. But it doesn't have to be, says Fokke de Jong, the founder and CEO of Suitsupply. The new store in West Ave — the Amsterdam-chain's ninth in the United States — aims to be entertaining while offering a large selection of European-cut suits at reasonable prices.

    "It's a very focused concept; we say we do everything that has a jacket on — (that's) the common denominator. It can be a casual jacket, for Friday, Saturday or Sunday afternoon, or for a more formal occasion or to the office — but everything that goes around the more elegant part of men's fashion," de Jong says.

    At the front of the store is an open space where a tailor does alternations in full view of customers. "That's what we do, so we want to show it off."

    Located above Tootsies on the second floor of the mixed-use center, the store is light and airy, with lots of windows, bright oversized photographs of men in suits, floor-to-ceiling walls displaying shirts and ties, curving rooms with hundreds of suits and comfy sofas and chairs scattered about. High-energy music compiled by de Jong plays throughout the store. "I like to have the dance-on-the-spot kind of music, not too wild, but for a store," he explains.

    A series of mirrored private rooms in the back allow customers to try on clothes, some which can be pre-selected by a spouse or companion on a previous visit and held for the potential client's arrival.

    At the front of the store is an open space where a tailor does alterations in full view of customers. "That's what we do, so we want to show it off," says Suitsupply market maker Nish de Gruiter, who estimates that 60 percent of suits are altered while customers wait. "It's instant gratification."

    Tailoring parties

    De Jong, 39, got in the suit business as a college student when he hosted "tailoring parties" on Friday afternoons for students and employees who worked in the campus offices in the Netherlands. He soon realized that men were eager to buy good-quality suits, and came up with a business plan to manufacture the suits himself instead of buying from a middleman. He noted there were really expensive suits and really cheap suits, but not much in the middle.

    "What you get is a very fine garment that feels like you're wearing pajamas, but you're actually wearing a suit."

    He opened his first Suitsupply store in 2000 and it has since grown to 48 stores worldwide, with major expansion to the United States and Asia. All suits are designed and manufactured in-house, with such details as hand-stitched sleeves, interior linings made of cotton and horse or camel hair, working buttonholes at the wrist, a breast pocket in a bow shape that follows the curve of the body, and a "dinner split" in the back of the pants to allow more room at the waist after a big meal.

    "I have always been in love with all the detailing and nice cuts and tailoring," de Jong says. "And to do that you have to make suits in a very specific way. You can't just make the jacket a little smaller. The suit must have something on the inside to give it structure and form. What you get is a very fine garment that feels like you're wearing pajamas, but you're actually wearing a suit. It's slim-fitted, close to the body. But you also feel comfortable."

    "You can only achieve this from using this kind of craftsmanship. It cost us years and years to set up our own factories. But at the end of the day, we managed to put that soul into our product."

    A large selection of suits, in sizes from 34 regular to 50 long, come in three basic price levels: the Blue collection starts at $399, the Purple collection begins at $469 and the Red collection ranges from $639-$999. Bespoke suits are available for $1,000 up, but the main focus is on ready-to-wear, de Gruiter says.

    Casual jackets start at $399 with a large selection of outerwear starts at $469; a basic tuxedo runs $469.

    The chain doesn't have sales but says it keeps prices down by manufacturing its own product and locating stores away from shopping malls, where rents are more expensive, de Grutier says. "It's all (the same) year-round because prices are lower than average," he explains.

    Houston fans

    When looking to expand, Houston was a natural, de Jong says, because the company already has a loyal Internet fan base here. "We have a good group of customers, which is always a good indicator," he says.

    "Size doesn't matter as long as it fits well. It's all about making sure the proportions are right and there's balance in your look."

    De Gruiter insists there is no target audience — "Everybody wants to look good, especially in Houston," he says — but judging from the opening night party earlier this month, men between the ages of 25-40 are the obvious focus. They are fashion-conscious and the prices fit into their budget.

    The Suitsupply duo say they have noticed that there isn't a lot of difference between how men in Houston view fashion compared to their counterparts in other large cities. Everyone travels so much now and reads the same fashion blogs, so regional differences have lessened. "What we see (in Houston) is people are interested in fashion and are a lot more knowledgeable," de Jong says.

    But aren't Texas men bigger? "Size doesn't matter," de Jong says, "as long as it fits well. It's all about making sure the proportions are right and there's balance in your look."

    Double-breasted striped suit from the Suitsupply spring summer 2014 collection.

    Suitsupply December 2013 Look 12
      
    Photo courtesy of Suitsupply
    Double-breasted striped suit from the Suitsupply spring summer 2014 collection.
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    Summer Staples

    Houston fashion expert spotlights top fashion trends for summer 2025

    Gabi De la Rosa
    May 9, 2025 | 12:00 pm
    Inclan Studio
    Photo courtesy of Inclan Studio/Facebook
    The RealReal's head of fashion dishes on the top trends for summer style.

    Summer may still be over a month away, but Houstonians already feel a seasonal shift in both temperatures and new styles. Layered sweatshirts and cute booties are being tucked away and replaced by lightweight fabrics, sandals, and a softer, breezier color palette.

    One of the Houston stores staying on trend for warmer weather is The RealReal, a marketplace for authenticated, resale luxury goods. The brand quietly opened its first Houston location in the Montrose Collective mixed-use development late last year, and Noelle Sciacca, head of fashion at The RealReal, offers a peek into the top trends to watch. Sciacca has a unique perspective of what's heating up in fashion because she has insider access to what customers are searching for and actually buying.

    Although it is always nice to add a couple of new pieces to our wardrobes each season, Sciacca also firmly believes in maintaining personal style.

    "In the age of TikTok, the rapid turnover of trends can feel overwhelming. While it's exciting to anticipate what's new and next, I'm a strong believer in the power of personal style — and the value of re-wearing pieces that make you feel confident, regardless of current trends."

    CultureMap (CM): What are the top three trends you're seeing emerge for Summer 2025?

    Noelle Sciacca (NS): The modern bohemian aesthetic experienced a major resurgence last year — and all signs indicate that the trend is here to stay for Summer 2025. Key pieces that channel vintage inspiration while feeling fresh and current include the peasant blouse, which has seen a 78 percent year-over-year increase in searches on The RealReal. Tassel and fringe details are also making a strong comeback, with searches up 69 percent, while leather cord necklaces — evocative of laid-back '70s style — have surged by an impressive 193 percent since last year.

    Inclan Studio peasant blouseHouston-based Inclán Studio offers several types of peasant blouses and summer styles.Photo courtesy of Inclán Studio.

    CM: We've noticed shorts are getting a bit longer this season. What silhouettes or styles are you seeing trending in that space?

    NS: While micro-mini shorts have made frequent appearances on runways in recent seasons, they're often less practical for everyday wear. In response, we're seeing a growing interest in longer, tailored shorts that transition seamlessly into office settings and wider, knee-length denim styles that offer comfort and ease for running errands. These more versatile silhouettes strike a balance between trend and functionality, making them a smart addition to any summer wardrobe.

    SloanHall jorts Find longer short silhouettes, including this style from Lutz Huelle, at Autry Park's Sloan/Hall. Photo courtesy of Sloan/Hall/Instagram

    CM: Layered looks dominated the runways this season, even for summer. How can people embrace the trend while staying cool and comfortable in a city like Houston, where the heat can be intense?

    NS: This summer, whether staying in Houston or escaping to a tropical destination, layering remains practical and effortlessly stylish. The key to staying cool — both in temperature and appearance — is choosing loose-fitting silhouettes crafted from lightweight fabrics. Embrace the modern bohemian trend, which continues to dominate both runway collections and street style, by pairing sheer peasant blouses with minimalist bra tops and low-slung wide-leg pants. Layer delicate lace-cropped jackets over flowing maxi dresses for an elevated touch.

    Christy Lynn sheer blouse with denim Houston designer Christy Lynn offers several barely there silk tops and a new denim line perfect for warm weather.Photo courtesy of Christy Lynn

    CM: Is there an "It bag" for Summer 2025?

    NS: Originally released in 2005, the Chloé Paddington quickly achieved It-Bag status, frequently spotted on the arms of early-2000s style icons such as Paris and Nicky Hilton, Jennifer Lopez, and Sienna Miller. Recently reintroduced on the brand's Spring/Summer 2025 runway, the Paddington has sparked a renewed surge in demand. Miu Miu has emerged as a powerhouse in the handbag space, producing styles that have quickly developed cult followings. On The RealReal, sales of Miu Miu bags have increased by 60 percent year over year, with searches for the Arcadie style alone soaring by 365%.

    MiuMiu Arcadie bagOne of Miu Miu's most iconic styles, the Arcadie, is available at Saks Fifth Avenue in The Galleria.Photo courtesy of Miu Miu.

    houston fashion trends 2025houston summer fashionthe realreal houstonsummer 2025 fashion trends
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