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Home Meet The Editors IFA Store Locator IFA Suppliers Additional Sources Advertise With Us Contact Us Expo 29 Attendee Information Expo 29 Exhibitor Information Industry Newsletter Archives 2010 Newsletter Archives January 24, 2010 Edition February 8, 2010 Edition February 28, 2010 Edition March 16, 2010 Edition March 31, 2010 Edition April 20, 2010 Edition April 30, 2010 Edition May 18, 2010 Edition May 31, 2010 Edition June 17, 2010 Edition July 5, 2010 Edition July 19, 2010 Newsletter July 31, 2010 Newsletter August 16, 2010 Newsletter 2009 Newsletter Archives January 5, 2009 Edition January 22, 2009 Edition February 5, 2009 Edition February 20, 2009 Edition March 5, 2009 Edition March 24, 2009 Edition April 13, 2009 Edition April 29, 2009 Edition May 20, 2009 Edition June 5, 2009 Edition June 19, 2009 Edition July 9, 2009 Edition July 29, 2009 Edition August 18, 2009 Edition August 31, 2009 Edition Expo 28 Photo Gallery September 18, 2009 Edition September 30, 2009 Edition October 19, 2009 Edition October 31, 2009 Edition November 15, 2009 Edition November 30, 2009 Edition December 21, 2009 Edition December 31, 2009 Edition 2008 Newsletter Archives February 7, 2008 Edition February 20, 2008 Edition March 5, 2008 Edition March 19, 2008 Edition April 4, 2008 Edition April 24, 2008 Edition May 13, 2008 Edition June 2, 2008 Edition June 18, 2008 Edition June 30, 2008 Edition August 15, 2008 Edition August 30, 2008 Edition September 13, 2008 Edition October 6, 2008 Newsletter November 17, 2008 Edition November 30, 2008 Edition December 16, 2008 Edition 2007 Newsletter Archives January 1, 2007 Edition January 16, 2007 Edition January 30, 2007 Edition February 13, 2007 Edition February 27, 2007 Edition March 13, 2007 Edition March 27, 2007 Edition April 10, 2007 Edition April 24, 2007 Edition May 10, 2007 Edition May 23, 2007 Edition June 5, 2007 Edition June 19, 2007 Edition July 3, 2007 Edition July 17, 2007 Edition July 31, 2007 Edition August 14, 2007 Edition August 28, 2007 Edition October 2, 2007 Edition October 17, 2007 Edition October 30, 2007 Edition November 13, 2007 Edition November 27, 2007 Edition December 11, 2007 Edition 2006 Newsletter Archives December 19, 2006 Edition December 5, 2006 Edition November 15, 2006 Edition November 8, 2006 Edition October 25, 2006 Edition September 15, 2006 Edition September 1, 2006 Edition August 15, 2006 Edition August 1, 2006 Edition July 14, 2006 Edition June 30, 2006 Edition June 16, 2006 Edition NEW - ¡Nuevo! Ediciones españolas August 31, 2010 Newsletter
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Where’s Your Passion?
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Ha! I made you look. Right? Passion for what we do in all areas of our life is what keeps things interesting. Passion for this formal wear industry that provides you with the means to make a living is what keeps your livelihood interesting. How many of you remember that old Dunkin Donuts commercial “Time To Make The Donuts”? He continually has to do the job to the point where he is meeting himself coming and going. Do you ever feel that way? Take the orders, pull the orders, sew the orders, finish the orders, hand out the orders, take back the orders, tear down the orders, and then yet you have to start all over again! And then watching your life tick away measured weeks in advance by what order week you are working on makes months fly by. This is our industry and like most jobs it is repetitive, but you should not have to feel less than passionate about what you do.
I had the opportunity to renew my passion for what we do a few weeks back in talking to an owner about his operation. There is nothing like talking about something you love and renewing faith in how you choose to do it. I was able to talk coat style performance, vest colors, store layouts and retail items. How can you measure the knowledge gained by a simple conversation? What was I able to take away from that chance? I walked away with ideas about something as simple as a different way to hang shoes, let alone a renewed interest in what works well for his business that could do well in others. Idea sharing is what makes all of us better. When was the last time you had an opportunity to sit down and ask another operator how products were performing or about off season income possibilities, selling dresses, alterations, invitations, promotions, advertising successes etc etc etc? Your perfect opportunity is fast approaching. Our Expo in Vegas August 21 & 22 will soon be here.
The exciting opportunity to see all the new lines and learn about advancements in our industry goes beyond tangible product. Just sitting discussing the business with others who share in your trade is one of the most powerful incentives to attend. Networking was the number one response last year when polling attendees in Nashville on the greatest benefit of the show. Funny that when I think about the amount of information shared at the Jack Daniel’s Saloon over a couple of beers it not only makes me laugh it makes me even more eager to talk to all the old friends and make lots of new ones. I hope you have a chance to experience this and find out what a group of people with a common bond can learn from each other. Maybe it’s time to take a vacation FOR your business not away from it. What do you have to add?
Make your convention plans now and join formal wear specialists from all over the world. Room rates at the beautiful Las Vegas Hilton are just $109 per night and can be made right now!
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Expo 27: August 21-22, 2008 - REGISTER TODAY!
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| Join us in the “City that Never Sleeps,” Las Vegas, Nevada, as the International Formalwear Association proudly introduces all of the latest for Spring 2009. Mark your calendars for August 21 – 22 and plan to join us at the beautiful Las Vegas Hilton. We have a jam-packed two day agenda including a complimentary seminar series presented by Bob Barry of John Barry & Associates. |
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(800) 635-7711 Make reservations now with the great rate of $109 per night!
MAGIC Show Following Convention
The world’s largest apparel exhibition will follow our convention starting on the following Monday in the convention center attached to the hotel. The trade show giant is celebrating its 75th year and promises to overwhelm you with clothing options for all ages and walks of life. Not just men’s wear but children’s, women’s, teen, etc… This show is a huge draw especially our international attendees since it affords them the ability to visit our show and stay on a few extra days and visit these global exhibitors. Admittance is free of charge, but you must have a business card and photo ID. Pre register online at www.magiconline.com
The Flood of 2008 Rages On
As the flood waters recede up north on the path of the Mississippi River and its many tributaries the path of destruction is far and wide. The first thing you would notice in one of these areas is the smell! The volume of mud and utter destruction of any and everything in the flood zones are immeasurable. Amazingly one office building in downtown Cedar Rapids had dead fish on the 3rd floor!
The economical impact will be calculated for months to come. The 1300 flooded blocks in Cedar Rapids reportedly has damaged household items waiting to be carted away that could fill 2 football fields 60 feet deep!
At press time the river is wreaking havoc further south in the St Louis area and beyond, it remains to be seen how far it will go.
These two young couples still found time, even if plans had to be changed to get married among all this destruction.
Flood 2008: Flood won't stop soldier's wedding in today in C.J.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Iowa National Guard Spc. Curtis L. White, 28, and Daniele R. Ritter, 29, will be married at 2 p.m. today in Columbus Junction at the viaduct, on the corner of Iowa 92 and Second St.
They were to be married June 18, in Winterset, Iowa, but their plans were washed away by the Flood of 2008.
White, a member of the Iowa National Guard’s 3655th Maintenance Co., has been helping with flood operations in Columbus Junction since June 14.
“Come hell, or high water, we’re getting married,” Ritter told Columbus Junction city officials.
Columbus Junction is providing flowers, punch, a wedding cake, and a local singer for the ceremony, which will be conducted by Capt. Murray Phillips, the 67th Troop Command chaplain.
June 18, 2008
liesel and brian. wedding amid the flood.
Liesel and Brian were married in Iowa City on Saturday despite the crazy flooding situation going on right now. My favorite part of the day was during the wedding ceremony when they were promising to love and support each other, even when things don’t go the way they want. I think they have already proven that they will love each other and support each other through trials and stressful situations. Liesel had to replan her wedding three times from scratch before the actual wedding date due to all the flooding in Iowa, yet her spirits remained high as she and Brian focused on their marriage rather than the details that they had to forgo due to the flooding situation.
We wish them and all who continue to wade through the effects the best!
The Changing Face of Advertising
The choices available to formal wear stores in advertising keeps growing. The impact of web based ads is quickly and constantly changing. Our target customer the “instant gratification generation” wants to know when, where, why, and how much NOW! They spend hours on computers, researching, reading, and just simply surfing when making buying decisions.
Your website has to be one of your first lines of communication with these computer savvy buyers. Keeping all information current and up to date is imperative. What do you have new? Why should they choose you? What are your hours of operation? I even had a customer argue with me the other day on our holiday hours for the 4th. She asked what hours we would be open and when provided with the information I was met with a quick “that is not what your website says!” She had researched online before even choosing to call our store. You do not have to be one of the “big guys” in order to have an informative and inviting site.
One of the stronger targeted advertising opportunities is community based online bridal sites. These local websites give the bride a chance to describe ALL of the details of her wedding with other brides right in your area. Every bride loves to talk about “her” wedding and these sites give her that opportunity long after the ceremony is over. Vendor experiences are openly discussed and many of the talk forums have girls who strongly recommend different vendors. Since these sites are based in each community you have the ability to easily reach your target market.
Email based direct marketing continues to grow in value. Many sites out there like Constant Contact as an example provide you with the tools to quickly produce a professional piece to send out to your entire email list. Keeping the message short and concise is the greatest recommendation from all of these sites. Even the subject line of your email should be no more than 3-5 words.
Setting up a reliable email list can be done through purchasing names from list companies or even more simply by making sure to collect an email address from every bride and groom at bridal shows when they stop in your booth to sign up to win your show giveaway. Email lists need constant attention to remain current. Deleting booked and past couples from your “selling” list and moving past ones to a “referral” list helps to utilize your best advertising which is always word of mouth. An email sent thanking a past customer could easily lead to further business when they recommend you to their friends. And, as always, the best way to find new clients is to offer great service to the customers that you already have.
The days of simple yellow page ad decisions are gone. Researching your local market and utilizing area opportunities will always provide you with the best rate of return. Please share with others what works well for you in your area at editor@formaltimes.com
Management Practices of Industry Leaders
Part III
By Bob Barry
Building Creativity and Passion Among Employees:
Formalwear operators around the world are evaluating so they can differentiate themselves from the competitors. They are looking creatively at marketing, display and employee development to build a better mousetrap. Take a hard look at your own attitude and look at your key employees attitudes. Would you say they have a passion for the company and for the customer? This is a tough evaluation, but can often identify wonderful opportunity for growth through proactive management, education and employee support programs.
The Communicator:
The top Fortune 500 companies are realizing their top management team must communicate with their employees. They must communicate effectively with customers, vendors and allied firms. Within formalwear operators which are looking to grow, we are seeing more focus on education, communication and developing a supportive atmosphere within the store, service center and the office environments. We can all improve our communication skills and look to become effective listeners and communicators.
Implement Changes, Fast:
In our travels, working with Fortune 500 companies as well as formalwear operators, we see top performers are becoming better at increasing their new programs at a much faster pace. This requires a team focus and a true communication between the leader and the team members. Many operators are evaluating the speed of change and are working on new prioritization and new time management systems.
Incentives Work:
Throughout the service, manufacturing and financial industries leaders find incentives work. Define incentives to focus on the behavior which is required and to make an incentive which is challenging but attainable. We must also look at incentive design to support and protect the home base. Many use multi-level incentives and breakthrough incentives to ensure you are only paying incentives for top performers.
Creditability:
It is important for all leaders to realize that a new employee is sizing up the creditability of their leaders within their first few days on the job. People are sensitive to creditability, integrity and to the direction of their leader. Top Fortune 500 companies and top formalwear operators look to develop creditability within their service center, office and other management team members. We find when an operator gets together with their managers around a table for a meeting they are forced within their mind to evaluate the level of effectiveness among the mangers in a comparative nature, and also can quickly identify the creditability, ethics and the feel that each manager has. It often becomes apparent that a person does not fit within the level of performance and effectiveness which the other members hold. This issue of creditability is critical to the success of your business.
Something Old Something New
50 year comparison on 1958 and 2008. Fun facts to read.

(800) 635-7711 Make reservations now with the great rate of $109 per night!
MAGIC Show Following Convention
The world’s largest apparel exhibition will follow our convention starting on the following Monday in the convention center attached to the hotel. The trade show giant is celebrating its 75th year and promises to overwhelm you with clothing options for all ages and walks of life. Not just men’s wear but children’s, women’s, teen, etc… This show is a huge draw especially our international attendees since it affords them the ability to visit our show and stay on a few extra days and visit these global exhibitors. Admittance is free of charge, but you must have a business card and photo ID. Pre register online at www.magiconline.com
The Flood of 2008 Rages On
As the flood waters recede up north on the path of the Mississippi River and its many tributaries the path of destruction is far and wide. The first thing you would notice in one of these areas is the smell! The volume of mud and utter destruction of any and everything in the flood zones are immeasurable. Amazingly one office building in downtown Cedar Rapids had dead fish on the 3rd floor!
The economical impact will be calculated for months to come. The 1300 flooded blocks in Cedar Rapids reportedly has damaged household items waiting to be carted away that could fill 2 football fields 60 feet deep!
At press time the river is wreaking havoc further south in the St Louis area and beyond, it remains to be seen how far it will go.
These two young couples still found time, even if plans had to be changed to get married among all this destruction.
Flood 2008: Flood won't stop soldier's wedding in today in C.J.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION, Iowa — Iowa National Guard Spc. Curtis L. White, 28, and Daniele R. Ritter, 29, will be married at 2 p.m. today in Columbus Junction at the viaduct, on the corner of Iowa 92 and Second St.
They were to be married June 18, in Winterset, Iowa, but their plans were washed away by the Flood of 2008.
White, a member of the Iowa National Guard’s 3655th Maintenance Co., has been helping with flood operations in Columbus Junction since June 14.
“Come hell, or high water, we’re getting married,” Ritter told Columbus Junction city officials.
Columbus Junction is providing flowers, punch, a wedding cake, and a local singer for the ceremony, which will be conducted by Capt. Murray Phillips, the 67th Troop Command chaplain.
June 18, 2008
liesel and brian. wedding amid the flood.
Liesel and Brian were married in Iowa City on Saturday despite the crazy flooding situation going on right now. My favorite part of the day was during the wedding ceremony when they were promising to love and support each other, even when things don’t go the way they want. I think they have already proven that they will love each other and support each other through trials and stressful situations. Liesel had to replan her wedding three times from scratch before the actual wedding date due to all the flooding in Iowa, yet her spirits remained high as she and Brian focused on their marriage rather than the details that they had to forgo due to the flooding situation.
We wish them and all who continue to wade through the effects the best!
The Changing Face of Advertising
The choices available to formal wear stores in advertising keeps growing. The impact of web based ads is quickly and constantly changing. Our target customer the “instant gratification generation” wants to know when, where, why, and how much NOW! They spend hours on computers, researching, reading, and just simply surfing when making buying decisions.
Your website has to be one of your first lines of communication with these computer savvy buyers. Keeping all information current and up to date is imperative. What do you have new? Why should they choose you? What are your hours of operation? I even had a customer argue with me the other day on our holiday hours for the 4th. She asked what hours we would be open and when provided with the information I was met with a quick “that is not what your website says!” She had researched online before even choosing to call our store. You do not have to be one of the “big guys” in order to have an informative and inviting site.
One of the stronger targeted advertising opportunities is community based online bridal sites. These local websites give the bride a chance to describe ALL of the details of her wedding with other brides right in your area. Every bride loves to talk about “her” wedding and these sites give her that opportunity long after the ceremony is over. Vendor experiences are openly discussed and many of the talk forums have girls who strongly recommend different vendors. Since these sites are based in each community you have the ability to easily reach your target market.
Email based direct marketing continues to grow in value. Many sites out there like Constant Contact as an example provide you with the tools to quickly produce a professional piece to send out to your entire email list. Keeping the message short and concise is the greatest recommendation from all of these sites. Even the subject line of your email should be no more than 3-5 words.
Setting up a reliable email list can be done through purchasing names from list companies or even more simply by making sure to collect an email address from every bride and groom at bridal shows when they stop in your booth to sign up to win your show giveaway. Email lists need constant attention to remain current. Deleting booked and past couples from your “selling” list and moving past ones to a “referral” list helps to utilize your best advertising which is always word of mouth. An email sent thanking a past customer could easily lead to further business when they recommend you to their friends. And, as always, the best way to find new clients is to offer great service to the customers that you already have.
The days of simple yellow page ad decisions are gone. Researching your local market and utilizing area opportunities will always provide you with the best rate of return. Please share with others what works well for you in your area at editor@formaltimes.com
Management Practices of Industry Leaders
Part III
By Bob Barry
Building Creativity and Passion Among Employees:
Formalwear operators around the world are evaluating so they can differentiate themselves from the competitors. They are looking creatively at marketing, display and employee development to build a better mousetrap. Take a hard look at your own attitude and look at your key employees attitudes. Would you say they have a passion for the company and for the customer? This is a tough evaluation, but can often identify wonderful opportunity for growth through proactive management, education and employee support programs.
The Communicator:
The top Fortune 500 companies are realizing their top management team must communicate with their employees. They must communicate effectively with customers, vendors and allied firms. Within formalwear operators which are looking to grow, we are seeing more focus on education, communication and developing a supportive atmosphere within the store, service center and the office environments. We can all improve our communication skills and look to become effective listeners and communicators.
Implement Changes, Fast:
In our travels, working with Fortune 500 companies as well as formalwear operators, we see top performers are becoming better at increasing their new programs at a much faster pace. This requires a team focus and a true communication between the leader and the team members. Many operators are evaluating the speed of change and are working on new prioritization and new time management systems.
Incentives Work:
Throughout the service, manufacturing and financial industries leaders find incentives work. Define incentives to focus on the behavior which is required and to make an incentive which is challenging but attainable. We must also look at incentive design to support and protect the home base. Many use multi-level incentives and breakthrough incentives to ensure you are only paying incentives for top performers.
Creditability:
It is important for all leaders to realize that a new employee is sizing up the creditability of their leaders within their first few days on the job. People are sensitive to creditability, integrity and to the direction of their leader. Top Fortune 500 companies and top formalwear operators look to develop creditability within their service center, office and other management team members. We find when an operator gets together with their managers around a table for a meeting they are forced within their mind to evaluate the level of effectiveness among the mangers in a comparative nature, and also can quickly identify the creditability, ethics and the feel that each manager has. It often becomes apparent that a person does not fit within the level of performance and effectiveness which the other members hold. This issue of creditability is critical to the success of your business.
Something Old Something New
50 year comparison on 1958 and 2008. Fun facts to read.
|
|
|

Bobby Lucarelli
After Six announced last issue they had named a new Key Accounts Sales Manager Bobby Lucarelli. We thought you might like an opportunity to get to know another one of our industry veterans and some of his thoughts on this industry past and present along with what he sees ahead for After Six.
“I began in 1973 with my brother in a Jeans business in Toluca Lake Ca, called 2 Luca-rellis. I started with Mr Bennett, (then Raffinati), in 1978 as his west coast clothing rep. I became the first F/W rep for Raffinati starting in 1983 with the Robert Wagner Collection by Raffinati. I watched and experienced many changes in our industry throughout the years. The tuxedo that put us on the map was the Silver Shadow. It went from a San Diego account throwing it across the table in my face during a presentation, to turning out to be the largest sold tuxedo in our history.
I also experienced the 100 year anniversary of the Tuxedo which was celebrated in New York at an IfA. I remember that Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leach, filming a segment about Robert Wagner. It was there that I met, and am still close friends with Ed Honeycutt of Mr Formal Portland. It will always be something I will cherish. And then there was the dinner that Raffinati hosted in the 80’s for the entire industry at Spago’s in Hollywood California. It was complete with movie stars, and sports celebrities. That is something that I, and many of us will always remember. To top it off we were fortunate enough to acquire the After Six label in the nineties. It’s been a super ride that I’m very thankful for.
Bob Bennett was not only my mentor but an inspiration for life in general. To work with people with extraordinary talent like John Galante, Larry Darnell, and Kathleen Peskens has been life altering. My wife of 28 years, Daria, and my children Macy 22, and Dariann 23, have made the climb worth it.
Too many names. Pat, Ramon, Rosa, Jim, Chris, Jeff, Gary, Allan, Greg, Sarah ,Stacey, Ed, Mike, Ron, Rich, Bill, Nancy, Dave, Bob, Jack, Gene...... - not enough space to include you all.......... THANK YOU!
Until the new changes with After Six came along, I was seriously thinking of retiring. After meeting with our new COO Eric Plott, I realized this guy was going to take me for another exciting ride and wow has he stepped up! The changes we are making at After Six will have an impact on our Market for years to come and I get to be part of that. The longer I’m here, the more friends I have. Wow! How lucky I am.
My main gig will be to travel around the country to all the major accounts to enthusiastically help all the other salesmen continue to bring After Six to the table.. I’ve been really successful in the West and hope to bring that energy across the country. It is a new challenge, but I am looking forward to doing nationally, what I have been doing regionally for the past 30 years +.With the future looking exciting and bright, and my new position as Key Accounts National Sales Manager, Mr. Toads wild ride will seem like a stroll in the park compared to what I hope to accomplish in the next few years. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you very soon as another new chapter for After Six will be written!

The picture is of my wife and I (my partner in life and business),
who surprised me with my closest and dearest friends for my
60th birthday. If the future years ahead of me are anything
like the past 60, hold on to your hats!
Formal Wear Specialist Position Available
Terri Ewbank
We are on Maui, and we're looking for a formalwear specialist. Could you please help?
Phone : 808-879-7010
info@ellysformalwear.com
Wants and Offerings
Elegant Penguin has the following items for sale.
Black Citi-Edge Coats (80)
Striped Newport Suit Coats (12)
Black Tracy (35)
Perry Ellis Vail Vests & Ties (15) Colors
Perry Ellis Black Vail II Coats (115)
Perry Ellis Black Vail IV Coats (60)
After Six Black San Dominico VII Coats (95)
After Six Striped Mystique Coats (65)
Lord West Black Stroller Coats (70)
For information please call
Chris Brown
Elegant Penguin
363 Meridian Ave.
San Jose, Ca 95126
408-294-3355
President Tuxedo has for Sale:
• Marcozzi – Carlo 5 button – black
• After Six – black / white Celebration notch
• Andrew Fezza – Red Monaco 2 button – Red
• Raffinati Double Breasted Shawl – Black
• Raffinati Double Breasted Peak – Black
• Oscar DeLa Renta Dimensions 1 button shawl – Black
• Oscar De La Renta Dimensions Double Breasted Shawl – Black
• Pierre Cardin – 4 Silver Button Notch – Black
• Ralph Lauren – 2 Button Peak – Black
• Marcozzi – Retro Lapel 4 Button – Black
• Marcozzi – Fly Front Lapel- Black
SHIRTS
Devin Michaels White Banded Collar Shirts – Poly Cotton- All Sizes.
Devin Michaels Ivory Banded Collar Shirts –Poly Cotton - All Sizes.
Vest & Ties
• Bill Blass Legends Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest , ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available . Contact for quantities.
• Desmond Chateau Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Desmond Collection - All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Atlantis Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Mel Howard International Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Euro Ties. All Sizes available. Contact for quantities.
• Tallia Cumber Vest Collection – All Colors – Ones size fits all Cumber Vest with matching bow ties. Like NEW!
BEST OFFER!!!!
Please Contact
Jen Porter – President Tuxedo
586-264-3400 Ext. 206
Thoughts for the Week Ahead!

Hope shows its face in many forms. Watch for it!
"Once you've won yourself, you no longer have to try to win, control or dominate others, for you have already won, everything. Now you are free to enjoy the ride! ~anonymous~

Bobby Lucarelli
After Six announced last issue they had named a new Key Accounts Sales Manager Bobby Lucarelli. We thought you might like an opportunity to get to know another one of our industry veterans and some of his thoughts on this industry past and present along with what he sees ahead for After Six.
“I began in 1973 with my brother in a Jeans business in Toluca Lake Ca, called 2 Luca-rellis. I started with Mr Bennett, (then Raffinati), in 1978 as his west coast clothing rep. I became the first F/W rep for Raffinati starting in 1983 with the Robert Wagner Collection by Raffinati. I watched and experienced many changes in our industry throughout the years. The tuxedo that put us on the map was the Silver Shadow. It went from a San Diego account throwing it across the table in my face during a presentation, to turning out to be the largest sold tuxedo in our history.
I also experienced the 100 year anniversary of the Tuxedo which was celebrated in New York at an IfA. I remember that Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous with Robin Leach, filming a segment about Robert Wagner. It was there that I met, and am still close friends with Ed Honeycutt of Mr Formal Portland. It will always be something I will cherish. And then there was the dinner that Raffinati hosted in the 80’s for the entire industry at Spago’s in Hollywood California. It was complete with movie stars, and sports celebrities. That is something that I, and many of us will always remember. To top it off we were fortunate enough to acquire the After Six label in the nineties. It’s been a super ride that I’m very thankful for.
Bob Bennett was not only my mentor but an inspiration for life in general. To work with people with extraordinary talent like John Galante, Larry Darnell, and Kathleen Peskens has been life altering. My wife of 28 years, Daria, and my children Macy 22, and Dariann 23, have made the climb worth it.
Too many names. Pat, Ramon, Rosa, Jim, Chris, Jeff, Gary, Allan, Greg, Sarah ,Stacey, Ed, Mike, Ron, Rich, Bill, Nancy, Dave, Bob, Jack, Gene...... - not enough space to include you all.......... THANK YOU!
Until the new changes with After Six came along, I was seriously thinking of retiring. After meeting with our new COO Eric Plott, I realized this guy was going to take me for another exciting ride and wow has he stepped up! The changes we are making at After Six will have an impact on our Market for years to come and I get to be part of that. The longer I’m here, the more friends I have. Wow! How lucky I am.
My main gig will be to travel around the country to all the major accounts to enthusiastically help all the other salesmen continue to bring After Six to the table.. I’ve been really successful in the West and hope to bring that energy across the country. It is a new challenge, but I am looking forward to doing nationally, what I have been doing regionally for the past 30 years +.With the future looking exciting and bright, and my new position as Key Accounts National Sales Manager, Mr. Toads wild ride will seem like a stroll in the park compared to what I hope to accomplish in the next few years. I’m looking forward to seeing all of you very soon as another new chapter for After Six will be written!

The picture is of my wife and I (my partner in life and business),
who surprised me with my closest and dearest friends for my
60th birthday. If the future years ahead of me are anything
like the past 60, hold on to your hats!
Formal Wear Specialist Position Available
Terri Ewbank
We are on Maui, and we're looking for a formalwear specialist. Could you please help?
Phone : 808-879-7010
info@ellysformalwear.com
Wants and Offerings
Elegant Penguin has the following items for sale.
Black Citi-Edge Coats (80)
Striped Newport Suit Coats (12)
Black Tracy (35)
Perry Ellis Vail Vests & Ties (15) Colors
Perry Ellis Black Vail II Coats (115)
Perry Ellis Black Vail IV Coats (60)
After Six Black San Dominico VII Coats (95)
After Six Striped Mystique Coats (65)
Lord West Black Stroller Coats (70)
For information please call
Chris Brown
Elegant Penguin
363 Meridian Ave.
San Jose, Ca 95126
408-294-3355
President Tuxedo has for Sale:
• Marcozzi – Carlo 5 button – black
• After Six – black / white Celebration notch
• Andrew Fezza – Red Monaco 2 button – Red
• Raffinati Double Breasted Shawl – Black
• Raffinati Double Breasted Peak – Black
• Oscar DeLa Renta Dimensions 1 button shawl – Black
• Oscar De La Renta Dimensions Double Breasted Shawl – Black
• Pierre Cardin – 4 Silver Button Notch – Black
• Ralph Lauren – 2 Button Peak – Black
• Marcozzi – Retro Lapel 4 Button – Black
• Marcozzi – Fly Front Lapel- Black
SHIRTS
Devin Michaels White Banded Collar Shirts – Poly Cotton- All Sizes.
Devin Michaels Ivory Banded Collar Shirts –Poly Cotton - All Sizes.
Vest & Ties
• Bill Blass Legends Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest , ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available . Contact for quantities.
• Desmond Chateau Collection – All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Desmond Collection - All colors – Full Back Vest, ½ Back Vest, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Atlantis Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Windsor Ties. All Sizes Available. Contact for quantities.
• Mel Howard International Collection – All Colors – ½ Back Vests, Bow Ties and Euro Ties. All Sizes available. Contact for quantities.
• Tallia Cumber Vest Collection – All Colors – Ones size fits all Cumber Vest with matching bow ties. Like NEW!
BEST OFFER!!!!
Please Contact
Jen Porter – President Tuxedo
586-264-3400 Ext. 206
Thoughts for the Week Ahead!

Hope shows its face in many forms. Watch for it!
"Once you've won yourself, you no longer have to try to win, control or dominate others, for you have already won, everything. Now you are free to enjoy the ride! ~anonymous~
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Please direct all the questions to (309) 721-5450.
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The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of his content.

The opinions expressed by the authors do not reflect necessarily of the Association of International Formalwear, its officials, directors or personnel. Each author is the unique person in charge of his content.
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You are here: Industry Newsletter Archives :: 2008 Newsletter Archives :: June 30, 2008 Edition
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