What made you decide to make the commitment to be a member of the board?
I wanted to get more involved in the preservation of our industry. I have been here long enough to see some of the great times and some of the hard times, and want to see it make its way back up to those more prosperous times. I think the industry can emerge from this current economic condition stronger than before, but it’s going to take hard work and determination.

What do you hope to see happen during your term as a board member?
I’d like to see an increase in the membership base, and see the IFA expand and grow as I know it can. I remember going to my first IFA convention in Reno, NV long before I started here at Tuxedo Resale, and as I recall, it was a large event. I know the industry has changed through consolidation, mergers and loss of local merchant stores, but I think we can bring this show and its following back to the kind of “Grand Event” status of the past.

Solve able or not what is formalwear's greatest challenge?
I think our greatest challenge today is the public perception of “What Formal Wear is.” What I mean is, that when society sees a celebrity walk the Red Carpet at the Oscars in a 3 Piece Suit, instead of a New Tuxedo, they perceive that as “Current Formal Fashion” and the next thing you know, kids are wearing suits to the Prom instead of Tuxedos. The “Black Tie Event” Status of the past has changed, and we need to find a way to bring it back. I can’t remember the last time I was invited to a “Black Tie” New Year’s party, but I’d sure like to see that trend make its way back to pop culture.

I know that these problems are solvable, but the question is “how?”
Perhaps, before any grand celebrity event, (ie..The Oscars, Academy Awards, Grammy’s, etc.) industry designers could reach out to celebrities with their newest formal line and remind people that Formal Wear is cool. Wearing a tuxedo is kind of like a rite of passage, and attempting to go to a prom in a suit just isn’t going to cut it.

Tell us about what you enjoy away from the industry? Away from the industry, I like spending time with my wife. Maybe going to the beach for some surfing and relaxing. Playing a round of golf with friends, or continuing my Aikido training at the dojo. Now that it’s football season again, I like to spend my Sundays with a tall cold one in front of the TV relaxing.k Your family? I currently have an expanding family. My wife Heather and I are expecting our first child this coming January, and are trying to mentally prepare for life with children. We’ve been married for 5 years, and have been enjoying our time without, but we’re both very excited and truly can’t wait to be parents. A favorite saying or quote Don’t aim for success, just do what you love and believe in and it will come naturally. (David Frost) Can you tie a bow tie Yes I can.

What made you decide to make the commitment to be a member of the board?
I wanted to get more involved in the preservation of our industry. I have been here long enough to see some of the great times and some of the hard times, and want to see it make its way back up to those more prosperous times. I think the industry can emerge from this current economic condition stronger than before, but it’s going to take hard work and determination.

What do you hope to see happen during your term as a board member?
I’d like to see an increase in the membership base, and see the IFA expand and grow as I know it can. I remember going to my first IFA convention in Reno, NV long before I started here at Tuxedo Resale, and as I recall, it was a large event. I know the industry has changed through consolidation, mergers and loss of local merchant stores, but I think we can bring this show and its following back to the kind of “Grand Event” status of the past.

Solve able or not what is formalwear's greatest challenge?
I think our greatest challenge today is the public perception of “What Formal Wear is.” What I mean is, that when society sees a celebrity walk the Red Carpet at the Oscars in a 3 Piece Suit, instead of a New Tuxedo, they perceive that as “Current Formal Fashion” and the next thing you know, kids are wearing suits to the Prom instead of Tuxedos. The “Black Tie Event” Status of the past has changed, and we need to find a way to bring it back. I can’t remember the last time I was invited to a “Black Tie” New Year’s party, but I’d sure like to see that trend make its way back to pop culture.

I know that these problems are solvable, but the question is “how?”
Perhaps, before any grand celebrity event, (ie..The Oscars, Academy Awards, Grammy’s, etc.) industry designers could reach out to celebrities with their newest formal line and remind people that Formal Wear is cool. Wearing a tuxedo is kind of like a rite of passage, and attempting to go to a prom in a suit just isn’t going to cut it.

Tell us about what you enjoy away from the industry? Away from the industry, I like spending time with my wife. Maybe going to the beach for some surfing and relaxing. Playing a round of golf with friends, or continuing my Aikido training at the dojo. Now that it’s football season again, I like to spend my Sundays with a tall cold one in front of the TV relaxing.k Your family? I currently have an expanding family. My wife Heather and I are expecting our first child this coming January, and are trying to mentally prepare for life with children. We’ve been married for 5 years, and have been enjoying our time without, but we’re both very excited and truly can’t wait to be parents. A favorite saying or quote Don’t aim for success, just do what you love and believe in and it will come naturally. (David Frost) Can you tie a bow tie Yes I can.

One of our members brought this to our attention and we happily pass it along!

Dear friends in the wedding industry,

I wanted to share some information about a very good website regarding wedding statistics and marketing research for the wedding industry called www.theweddingreport.com. We have subscribed to this service for a few years now and find it very helpful. Businesses can subscribe to a free version or a paid version.
They survey brides and grooms periodically and they also send out surveys every quarter to wedding related businesses of all types. If you have the time please complete the survey; as the more participation, the more accurate the results. The survey is located at http://bit.ly/k8oIz. I don’t believe you have to be a member to participate and they do not share individual data.

I think it would be beneficial to all if you could complete these surveys and also pass this on to any other wedding related businesses that you might know.

Maybe the IFA could write a little article in their newsletter encouraging others to participate in the surveys so we can all get important and factual data regarding our industry. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is Power”.

Best of luck,

Robert E. Gafa
President/CEO
Birch Enterprises, Inc.
President Tuxedo
6501 Sims Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
586-264-3400
www.presidenttuxedo.com

One of our members brought this to our attention and we happily pass it along!

Dear friends in the wedding industry,

I wanted to share some information about a very good website regarding wedding statistics and marketing research for the wedding industry called www.theweddingreport.com. We have subscribed to this service for a few years now and find it very helpful. Businesses can subscribe to a free version or a paid version.
They survey brides and grooms periodically and they also send out surveys every quarter to wedding related businesses of all types. If you have the time please complete the survey; as the more participation, the more accurate the results. The survey is located at http://bit.ly/k8oIz. I don’t believe you have to be a member to participate and they do not share individual data.

I think it would be beneficial to all if you could complete these surveys and also pass this on to any other wedding related businesses that you might know.

Maybe the IFA could write a little article in their newsletter encouraging others to participate in the surveys so we can all get important and factual data regarding our industry. As the saying goes, “Knowledge is Power”.

Best of luck,

Robert E. Gafa
President/CEO
Birch Enterprises, Inc.
President Tuxedo
6501 Sims Drive
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
586-264-3400
www.presidenttuxedo.com

The IFA Midwest Show in Chicago was last week. We had equal to only slightly lesser turnout as in the past few years. The Lombard Embassy Suites provided an intimate venue to keep buyers and sellers in constant contact. Something can always be said about these smaller venues in providing the settings for conversations and idea sharing. The IFA room or hotel bar of course is always a catalyst for great dialogue about the industry. What styles do really well for operators discussed in an informal setting can transfer to sales for the vendors.

The Midwest show always finds all of the vendors and specialists sticking around to discuss the industry over a beer or dinner. Chicago area specialists have a unique free trade group among non competing store owners. This unofficial group discusses continuously who owns what in old discontinued styles for back up and buys many of the same lines to support each other. They share inventories and borrow without cost to back each other up. Could this work for your area?

Regional Shows give opportunity to store owners to discuss trends, and manufacturers to find out what the consciences is on new products. Don’t miss your opportunity to share ideas and learn what is selling well across the country at two regional shows coming up. The West coast show is this weekend in Anaheim California. The East Coast Show is in Philadelphia the following weekend. If the trip is feasible don’t miss out on an opportunity to stick around and talk to others in the industry about what ways they are finding to zig when the big boys zag!!

Attention Specialists
West Coast Show is This Sunday and Monday!!!

Announcement is Made of 2 IFA Regional Shows
The International Formal wear Association announces three Regional Shows for the fall. Take advantage of this opportunity to get another look at what is offered for Spring 2010. If you plan to stay over make reservations with information below. All of these hotels include a full breakfast and cocktail hour daily. Hope to see you there!

West Coast
When: October 4 and 5 Sunday and Monday
Where: Embassy Suites Anaheim North 3100 East Frontera Anaheim, CA 92806
Contact: Jessica Meyer
Phone: 714-618-9019 Room Block under Western States Formalwear Collective by the IFA
Rates: $119 King or Double
Please specify if you are a manufacturer for room placement.
Hours open Sunday 10 to 5 and Monday 9 to 5

East Coast
When: October 11 and 12 Sunday and Monday
Where: Embassy Suites 9000 Bartram Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 (Philly airport)
Contact: Andrew Martin
Phone: 215-365-4500 Room block under International Formalwear Association
Rates: $119 King or Double
Please specify if you are a manufacturer for room placement.
Hours open Sunday 10 to 5 and Monday 9 to 5

Member of IFA - no charge nonmembers -$15.00 per person

Becky email: editor@formaltimes.com Diane email: atuxforu2@hotmail.com
Becky phone: 309-236-7940 Diane phone: 309-721-5450

Click here to download IFA Regional Registration Form.

 

Fax info on back of this page to 309-342-5921.

The IFA Midwest Show in Chicago was last week. We had equal to only slightly lesser turnout as in the past few years. The Lombard Embassy Suites provided an intimate venue to keep buyers and sellers in constant contact. Something can always be said about these smaller venues in providing the settings for conversations and idea sharing. The IFA room or hotel bar of course is always a catalyst for great dialogue about the industry. What styles do really well for operators discussed in an informal setting can transfer to sales for the vendors.

The Midwest show always finds all of the vendors and specialists sticking around to discuss the industry over a beer or dinner. Chicago area specialists have a unique free trade group among non competing store owners. This unofficial group discusses continuously who owns what in old discontinued styles for back up and buys many of the same lines to support each other. They share inventories and borrow without cost to back each other up. Could this work for your area?

Regional Shows give opportunity to store owners to discuss trends, and manufacturers to find out what the consciences is on new products. Don’t miss your opportunity to share ideas and learn what is selling well across the country at two regional shows coming up. The West coast show is this weekend in Anaheim California. The East Coast Show is in Philadelphia the following weekend. If the trip is feasible don’t miss out on an opportunity to stick around and talk to others in the industry about what ways they are finding to zig when the big boys zag!!

Attention Specialists
West Coast Show is This Sunday and Monday!!!

Announcement is Made of 2 IFA Regional Shows
The International Formal wear Association announces three Regional Shows for the fall. Take advantage of this opportunity to get another look at what is offered for Spring 2010. If you plan to stay over make reservations with information below. All of these hotels include a full breakfast and cocktail hour daily. Hope to see you there!

West Coast
When: October 4 and 5 Sunday and Monday
Where: Embassy Suites Anaheim North 3100 East Frontera Anaheim, CA 92806
Contact: Jessica Meyer
Phone: 714-618-9019 Room Block under Western States Formalwear Collective by the IFA
Rates: $119 King or Double
Please specify if you are a manufacturer for room placement.
Hours open Sunday 10 to 5 and Monday 9 to 5

East Coast
When: October 11 and 12 Sunday and Monday
Where: Embassy Suites 9000 Bartram Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19153 (Philly airport)
Contact: Andrew Martin
Phone: 215-365-4500 Room block under International Formalwear Association
Rates: $119 King or Double
Please specify if you are a manufacturer for room placement.
Hours open Sunday 10 to 5 and Monday 9 to 5

Member of IFA - no charge nonmembers -$15.00 per person

Becky email: editor@formaltimes.com Diane email: atuxforu2@hotmail.com
Becky phone: 309-236-7940 Diane phone: 309-721-5450

Click here to download IFA Regional Registration Form.

 

Fax info on back of this page to 309-342-5921.

Wanted to Buy:
We need Black Peak Tails in all sizes 100 percent wool and the designer name is not important. They can email me at asbrocca4@aol.com or call anytime at 602 299-1743 or 602 957-0089 and ask for Rose or Angelo

Need Wholesale Backup or Inventory to Purchase
Lord West’s Chaps 3 Button Charcoal Barrington. Looking for wholesale backup or inventory to purchase. Please contact Steve or Cathy at Ducky’s Formal Wear Moline, IL 309-797-9889
Wanted to Buy:
Elly's Formal Wear, Kihei, Maui, HI

PERRY ELLIS AMERICA CHAMPAGNE TUXEDO!!
We are in need of any and all sizes (both mens and boys) of the Perry Ellis America 2 button Notch Champagne Tuxedo. With matching pants and if possible, the tan Perry Ellis square toe shoes. We'd prefer in good condition and no damages. Please email info@ellysformalwear.com or terri@ellysformalwear.com if you have these items. Thank you!

For Sale:
Elly's Formal Wear in Kihei, Maui, HI
We are looking to down size our inventory styles.
We have the OSCAR DE LA RENTA RENAISSANCE I black 2 button Notch tuxedo coats available.
We also have the AFTER SIX 4 BUTTON NOTCH black tuxedo coats.

Please email for inventory sheets or sizes. Special wholesale rates and discounts if you buy all.
Email info@ellysformalwear.com or terri@ellysformalwear.com
Thank you!

For Sale
Lord West Flat Front Black Wool Trousers. These were purchased in February of 2006; scale from boys 18 waist to men’s 70 waist. Over 300 pair available at $10.00 each. Contact Tim Bakken at Savvi Formalwear in Minneapolis.
Email: tbakken@savviminnesota.com
Phone: 763-315-1820
Tim
Savi
8609 Xylon Ct. N. - Suite 103
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(P) 763-315-1820
(F) 763-315-1825

Wanted to Buy:
Looking for good brown shoes not that soft material also looking for some brown & ivory wing tips -they are discontinued already what has worked well for you?-also need new white Dinero shoes call Sal 504-340-4544 email: tuxsal1@aol.com

Offered For Sale Our complete inventory is for sale.
1 button notch various manufacturers - 169 coats
2 button notch various manufacturers - 150 coats
3 button notch various manufacturers - 136 coats
Black Cannes - 105
Black Appollo - 17
4 Button Glory - 94
Black FUBU Stratus - 119
Claiborne Citiedge - 81
LW Black 3-button suit - 46
2-button Lora Piana - 71
Black Ecko Chalk Stripe - 106
Black Ecko Extreme (short coat)- 42
Black Ecko Extreme - 31
Black Mirage - 89
Perry Ellis Hartford - 85
Perry Ellis Vision - 139
Pinstripe Corleone - 86
LW Savvi 3-button - 91
Perry Ellis Republic Champagne - 19
Chocolate Parisian - 77
Platinum Grey Chaps Barrington - 56
White FUBU Stratus - 70
White Ecko Chalk Stripe - 66
White Ecko Extreme (short coat) - 30
White Ecko Extreme - 20
White Mirage - 57
White Cannes - 51
White Appollo - 41
FWI White 3 button - 76
Ivory Cannes - 45
Ivory Appollo - 17
Ivory Ecko Extreme (short coat)- 18
Ivory Ecko Extreme - 18
FWI Ivory Mystique - 59

Pants, accessories, shirts and shoes available!
Call Jim at 262-705-4756 for price and details

Jim Venturini
URSAVVI Inc.
Dba.:Savvi Formalwear
7645 Pershing Blvd.
Kenosha, WI 53142
office: 262-694-6077
fax: 262-694-6290
cell: 262-705-4256

For sale:
Tuxedos & matching accessories:
Black Starlight Jackets, Tail coats, pants, vests and bow ties
Grey Starlight Jackets, Tail coats, pants, vests and bow ties
Black Double Breasted Jackets (peak & notch)
Navy Morgan Suits, pants & ties
Silver Spirit Jackets, Tail coats, pants, cummerbunds and bow ties

Vest and Tie collections:
Celebrity Paisley full back vest, bow ties, and cravats
Fusion full back vest and bow ties (these are the original Fusion vests with the square pattern, not solid like the current fusion styles)
Double take full back and backless vest and bow ties
Phaze full back vest and bow ties
Silhouette high cut vests and bow ties
Renesance Paisley vests and bow ties
Genesis Paisley low cut vests

Thanks,
Stacey Nelson
Bunny Tuxedos
3956 30th Street SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 538-1760
www.bunnytuxedos.com
customerservice@bunnytuxedos.com

For Sale Tuxedos By Lee
Style # if coats Price Condition
Black mandarin waist 30 coats $400 Good
Black Claiborne citiscape 37” 3 button 45 coats $900 Good
White Claiborne Notch 3 button 50 coats $400 Poor
White Claiborne Notch 5 button 65 coats $900 Good
White Claiborne Notch 36” 5 button 45 coats $600 Ok
White Lord West Notch Tail 30 coats $600 OK
White pants to match above coats 40 pants $400 OK
All above whites are c-itoh material

Have some colors available in the Raffinati shirts. Call for price.
Buyer pays for shipping. Questions or to order contact Lee at Tuxedos by Lee
tuxbylee@comcast.net or 801.916.3077

Wanted to Buy:
We need Black Peak Tails in all sizes 100 percent wool and the designer name is not important. They can email me at asbrocca4@aol.com or call anytime at 602 299-1743 or 602 957-0089 and ask for Rose or Angelo

Need Wholesale Backup or Inventory to Purchase
Lord West’s Chaps 3 Button Charcoal Barrington. Looking for wholesale backup or inventory to purchase. Please contact Steve or Cathy at Ducky’s Formal Wear Moline, IL 309-797-9889
Wanted to Buy:
Elly's Formal Wear, Kihei, Maui, HI

PERRY ELLIS AMERICA CHAMPAGNE TUXEDO!!
We are in need of any and all sizes (both mens and boys) of the Perry Ellis America 2 button Notch Champagne Tuxedo. With matching pants and if possible, the tan Perry Ellis square toe shoes. We'd prefer in good condition and no damages. Please email info@ellysformalwear.com or terri@ellysformalwear.com if you have these items. Thank you!

For Sale:
Elly's Formal Wear in Kihei, Maui, HI
We are looking to down size our inventory styles.
We have the OSCAR DE LA RENTA RENAISSANCE I black 2 button Notch tuxedo coats available.
We also have the AFTER SIX 4 BUTTON NOTCH black tuxedo coats.

Please email for inventory sheets or sizes. Special wholesale rates and discounts if you buy all.
Email info@ellysformalwear.com or terri@ellysformalwear.com
Thank you!

For Sale
Lord West Flat Front Black Wool Trousers. These were purchased in February of 2006; scale from boys 18 waist to men’s 70 waist. Over 300 pair available at $10.00 each. Contact Tim Bakken at Savvi Formalwear in Minneapolis.
Email: tbakken@savviminnesota.com
Phone: 763-315-1820
Tim
Savi
8609 Xylon Ct. N. - Suite 103
Brooklyn Park, MN 55445
(P) 763-315-1820
(F) 763-315-1825

Wanted to Buy:
Looking for good brown shoes not that soft material also looking for some brown & ivory wing tips -they are discontinued already what has worked well for you?-also need new white Dinero shoes call Sal 504-340-4544 email: tuxsal1@aol.com

Offered For Sale Our complete inventory is for sale.
1 button notch various manufacturers - 169 coats
2 button notch various manufacturers - 150 coats
3 button notch various manufacturers - 136 coats
Black Cannes - 105
Black Appollo - 17
4 Button Glory - 94
Black FUBU Stratus - 119
Claiborne Citiedge - 81
LW Black 3-button suit - 46
2-button Lora Piana - 71
Black Ecko Chalk Stripe - 106
Black Ecko Extreme (short coat)- 42
Black Ecko Extreme - 31
Black Mirage - 89
Perry Ellis Hartford - 85
Perry Ellis Vision - 139
Pinstripe Corleone - 86
LW Savvi 3-button - 91
Perry Ellis Republic Champagne - 19
Chocolate Parisian - 77
Platinum Grey Chaps Barrington - 56
White FUBU Stratus - 70
White Ecko Chalk Stripe - 66
White Ecko Extreme (short coat) - 30
White Ecko Extreme - 20
White Mirage - 57
White Cannes - 51
White Appollo - 41
FWI White 3 button - 76
Ivory Cannes - 45
Ivory Appollo - 17
Ivory Ecko Extreme (short coat)- 18
Ivory Ecko Extreme - 18
FWI Ivory Mystique - 59

Pants, accessories, shirts and shoes available!
Call Jim at 262-705-4756 for price and details

Jim Venturini
URSAVVI Inc.
Dba.:Savvi Formalwear
7645 Pershing Blvd.
Kenosha, WI 53142
office: 262-694-6077
fax: 262-694-6290
cell: 262-705-4256

For sale:
Tuxedos & matching accessories:
Black Starlight Jackets, Tail coats, pants, vests and bow ties
Grey Starlight Jackets, Tail coats, pants, vests and bow ties
Black Double Breasted Jackets (peak & notch)
Navy Morgan Suits, pants & ties
Silver Spirit Jackets, Tail coats, pants, cummerbunds and bow ties

Vest and Tie collections:
Celebrity Paisley full back vest, bow ties, and cravats
Fusion full back vest and bow ties (these are the original Fusion vests with the square pattern, not solid like the current fusion styles)
Double take full back and backless vest and bow ties
Phaze full back vest and bow ties
Silhouette high cut vests and bow ties
Renesance Paisley vests and bow ties
Genesis Paisley low cut vests

Thanks,
Stacey Nelson
Bunny Tuxedos
3956 30th Street SW
Grandville, MI 49418
(616) 538-1760
www.bunnytuxedos.com
customerservice@bunnytuxedos.com

For Sale Tuxedos By Lee
Style # if coats Price Condition
Black mandarin waist 30 coats $400 Good
Black Claiborne citiscape 37” 3 button 45 coats $900 Good
White Claiborne Notch 3 button 50 coats $400 Poor
White Claiborne Notch 5 button 65 coats $900 Good
White Claiborne Notch 36” 5 button 45 coats $600 Ok
White Lord West Notch Tail 30 coats $600 OK
White pants to match above coats 40 pants $400 OK
All above whites are c-itoh material

Have some colors available in the Raffinati shirts. Call for price.
Buyer pays for shipping. Questions or to order contact Lee at Tuxedos by Lee
tuxbylee@comcast.net or 801.916.3077

A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching.

If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all!

A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching.

If a task is once begun,
Never leave it till it’s done.
Be the labor great or small,
Do it well or not at all!

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 her or 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 her or his content.