If a company sells custom-made suits online then why would they need physical stores? I posed that question to Knot Standard co-founder John Ballay at the grand opening of their newest shop in Houston.
Ballay is a University of Texas graduate which is reason enough to check out his company. They combine a high-tech approach to classic tailoring which appeals to me on several levels. I love tech and I live for fashion (or is it the other way around?). Customer measurements are digitized and a 3D image of their measurements are created and stored in their database. Once an order is placed their tailors use lasers to cut pieces directly from the cloth. The process takes 3-4 weeks from order placement to delivery.
Placing an order can be fun as you can customize everything from the jacket lapel style (the Peak Lapel is classy), to the number of buttons, pocket style, and jacket lining. You can even have your name embroidered on the inside jacket pocket in one of 18 thread colors. Blazers start at $375 while suits have a beginning price point at $595. Shirts and slacks can also be ordered in the same manner.
The Houston showroom is located at 2439 Bissonnet and is the company’s third Texas location after Austin and Dallas. Other showroom locations include New York, DC, Chicago and Dubai.
WATCH my interview with Knot Standard co-founder John Ballay: