Sacramento Custom Clothier Speaks with Sacramento Chic – A moment for the Groom to shine:

I was really excited to meet Ryan Douglas; let me explain.  A wedding is such a beautiful and exciting event, however as today’s Grooms gets more involved in the affairs of the wedding day, more and more have expressed how they don’t have a say in any of it and that they feel more like another wedding accessory. A friend told me that for his wedding “Vendors seem to cater to the emotional needs of the Bride and the Mother of the Bride and all I got was the lecture of what not to do at the bachelor party and to make sure I showed up on time on the wedding day” this is why I was thrilled to meet Ryan.  R. Douglas is reaching out to the Grooms by giving them a sense of style that commands attention with it’s custom, classic and elegant Mens garments.

• Who is Ryan Douglas Custom Clothier? I initiated R. Douglas Custom Clothier in 2003 with a passion to reintroduce the concept of custom tailoring.
• When did you know you wanted to design Men’s garments? Having a strong interest in fashion and Men’s formal wear throughout high school, I was unable to find tailored off-the-rack clothing that fit to my preference.  Thus began my research in starting my own line of custom-made garments.
• Where did you train for this discipline? I have always studied Men’s fashion out of personal interest, although I did pursue formal education with Academy Art University in San Francisco, CA.
• How long has R. Douglas been in business? I have been in the business of making suits for eight years.  R. Douglas line officially launched in 2003, six years ago.
• What word best describes R. Douglas? Innovative
• Do you have a team and if so tell us about them? My team of elite tailors offer 30 years tailoring experience to deliver hand-made garments with superior quality and workmanship.  The style of tailoring used on R. Douglas garments originated in Shanghai and is the finest form of hand workmanship in Asia.
• What is your favorite thing about being in this business? Men’s fashion is my passion.  I am able to do what I love and call it “work”.  I truly stand by the quality and service of R. Douglas and receive a great sense of accomplishment when clients first try on their garments.
• What would you consider R. Douglas style to be? R. Douglas Custom Clothier is unique in that it allows clients to express their own personal style and individuality on a level not possible with ready-made clothing.  R. Douglas is not the typical haberdashery.  It not only caters to individuals who prefer the timeless elegance of classic styles, but also serves to benefit those who seek trend-setting fashions.
• What biggest “no-no” in Men’s fashion? First, of course, would be an ill-fitting suit.  Second would probably be brown shoes with a navy suit.
• Finish this line, a Man needs a suit like a women needs a? Skirt
• Where do you draw your inspiration from? I have always been inspired by Tom Ford.  Of course other designer labels serve as inspiration: Etro, Dolce & Gabbana, Ermenegildo Zegna.
• What professional in your discipline do you admire? Once again, Tom Ford (Gucci’s creative director for many years and now runs is own clothing line).
• Every Man should own at least one suit, what do you recommend that one suit to be? A dark grey solid is perhaps the most functional suit.  If a Man were limited to only one suit, I would recommend a dark grey.  Works well with any tie, belt, or pair of shoes.  It works great for business or night out.
• What should every Man own besides a good suit? Expensive shoes and, of course, a custom shirt.
• Why a tailored suit and not one off the rack? R. Douglas garments offer many advantages to off-the-rack clothing items:

1. Individuality – with more than 35 garment styling features and an expansive collection of fabrics available, you are able to create the garment that most represents YOU.
2. Perfect Fit – a precise and systematic body measurement process ensures that your garment will fit like no other.
3. Convenience – R. Douglas clients enjoy the luxury of a tailor visiting the home or office.  In many cases, subsequent orders can be carried out with a brief phone conversation.

• What are the fall / winter colors for men in 2009/2010? Every designer label chooses a color scheme for each season.  In Men’s tailored clothing, fall / winter colors commonly include black, dark grey, rust, dark chocolate, and purple.
• Does the Groom always have to go with a dark suit on his wedding day? No.  In fact, many weddings now defy the traditional approach with the use of a black tuxedo, bow tie and cummerbund.  In my opinion, any suit reflective of the groom’s style and personality is appropriate for the wedding day.
• What is your ideal client? Someone who is not satisfied with the fit, selection, or style features of off-the-rack clothing items.
• How far in advance do you recommend a potential client come and see you? Since garment construction is 4-6 weeks, I would recommend a 2-3 month minimum.  For a special event or occasion in which a particular fabric or style is necessary, I would recommend at least 4-5 months prior to event.  This will ensure time for finding accessories and other items after the garment is made.
• What words of wisdom are you willing to bestow upon a young couple ready to make the leap into marriage? Since I was recently married (February 7, 2009), I can say enjoy the engagement, don’t stress over wedding details, and look forward to wedding day.  Being married is amazing!
• Where or how can they find more about Ryan Douglas? Website:  www.rdouglas.net Blog: www.rdouglas.net/blog Phone:  916.524.9274
• If you were a shoe would you be Flats, Boots, Pumps, Sneakers, Thongs or Loafers? None of the above.  I would be a black Prada lace-up, cap-toe oxford.

Photography by www.scottandrewstudio.com