To all of our supporters out there who have helped put Carson Street on the proverbial map (get it?!), we hope you can come down and enjoy our first ever Memorial Day Weekend sale. (Which, coincidentally, is our first ever sale of any kind.)

Thank you!

ryansphotojournal:

Photo by Ryan Kibler

Wings + Horns hoodie available at CSC. Big up to Young Top Knot aka Ryan Kibler for the pull.

10 Questions: Alfonso Felipe

Meet native New Yorker and Carson Street’s Made-to-Measure Specialist, Alfonso Felipe. Felipe fits the Carson Street Team perfectly (pun entirely intended), seeing that he too chose his profession whilst unhappily trudging away in a career that did not accurately reflect his own skills and lifestyle. We sat down with Felipe and asked him a few questions about his personal style, how he found himself in the world of custom suiting and where he goes to find inspiration.

Carson Street Clothiers: So, what brought you into the world of made-to-measure tailoring? 

Alfonso Felipe: I wanted to create my own culture, be my own boss, travel, and dress interesting people. While working on Wall Street I did some personal shopping for a few of my bosses. At the time, I wasn’t yet making my own suits, but I was assisting them in their suiting. I was introduced to textiles and tailoring as a result. I had a relationship with a tailor, I had some samples made to fit me that featured a more European look, slimmer legs, higher arm holes, different linings. I wanted to be my own boss, and work with clients on their image, creating a wardrobe for a person that reflected not only who he was, but where he spends his weekends.I knew that I could provide a better service if I focused on building relationships.

CSC: Before you joined Carson Street, how did you operate your business?

AF: I operated my business purely by referral. People would reach out whether in London, LA, Chicago, Florida, Paris I’d book a trip to see them, fly out with my fabrics, and return in 6 weeks to deliver. Relationships are everything, and you are as good as your introduction. I was fortunate to have some great contacts who believed in me and my product.

CSC: What’s your favorite piece of tailored clothing you ever made for one of your clients or maybe even yourself?

AF: These days I don’t really feel dressed up unless I’m wearing a tuxedo.  I like dressing weddings the most, everyone is excited, there’s a ton of pressure to make everyone look perfect and make the groom standout subtly. I dressed a wedding at the Trump in Chicago a few years ago and it was perfect. Four groomsmen in notched lapel tuxedos, for the groom we made a one-button shawl collar tuxedo. Part of the wedding party was in Vietnam so I wasn’t able to fit them myself, I had to work off of a local tailors measurements. Extremely hectic, but we made it happen.

CSC: Spring has sprung—any recommendations, color- or fabric-wise, for the perfect addition to a man’s spring tailored wardrobe?

AF:  I think the first step is to be comfortable with yourself and your attire.  Dress your mood, if its raining and you’d like to wear sweats with your wool/linen blend blazer do it, but you have to own it when you wear it. I’m loving pastels at the moment.I really do believe there should be a timelessness to a wardrobe, a man needs to have an outfit for every occasion. 

CSC: Any subtle pointers for how a man can stand out this spring without crossing over into the absurd? 

AF: Socks to match trousers is always fun. Suspenders instead of belts for a change.I really like the idea of wearing a double breasted vest with a single breasted jacket. Buttoned up shirts without ties. Cuff links are very much a conversation starter. Harem pants.  

CSC: When you’re not suited up, how would you define your personal style? 

AF: Dressed for the occasion.

CSC: How do you find inspiration in both your professional and personal life? 

AF: I love to travel.  I think being a creative will force you to listen to not only your voice, but your surroundings, I try to put myself outside of my comfort zone as much as possible.  I want to be someone who is ready to handle whatever life throws at me. Traveling is a big thing for me, to be 2500 miles away from home and find commonalities with strangers, those kinds of things make me feel good.

CSC: What’s the first thing you do when you get up in the morning?

AF: 100 pushups—got to start the day right! 

CSC: Where is your favorite brunch spot in Manhattan?

AF: Too many to name. Restaurant selections depend on my mood and what I’m craving. I frequent Cafe Cluny, Extra Virgin, Chez Sardine, Joseph Leonard, Back Forty, Clinton Street Bakery, and Cafe Orlin. Put pancake month at Clinton Street Bakery on your calendar ASAP. 

CSC: And nights—how have you been enjoying your nights these days?

AF: As many dinner parties as possible, both my friends and I enjoy hosting people. Food, wine, good conversation, maybe a movie in the background is all I need.

Samples for hangs tags and button pouches came in today. Need to be letter pressed but otherwise everything’s a go.