There are rare moments in life in which we’re privileged to learn about an artisan craftsman who is also a successful businessman…who is also, it seems, a really decent human being.
David, our newly-christened Foreign Correspondent and long-time contributor, found this inspiring and heart-warming video about tailor Martin Greenfield.
Enjoy it HERE.
The video brought back memories, oddly enough.
Years ago, I had friends in Los Angeles who would catch the red-eye to New York City, arriving in the early morning. Fortified with a bag of fresh bagels and a militia of hot coffees, they’d crowd into the back of a town car, munching and slurping, as they made their pilgrimage to Brooklyn. As the sedan rolled to a stop, the bleary-eyed troupe would unfold and shuffle into Mr. Greenfield’s factory. There, they’d select fabrics, get fitted for suits (often adjusting the waistline measurement from the previous visit), and joke with the staff.
By the time the process was finished, lunch bells were ringing. The next pit stop was usually a steakhouse in midtown Manhattan. Locations varied, but prerequisites did not: there would be dark wood paneling, a corner booth, white tablecloths, strong drinks, and waiters who’d worked there forever.
Beating the rush hour traffic back to JFK, the boys would board a same-day flight back to LA, sleeping most of the way home. It was a road trip. It was a ritual. It was a statement: let trend chasers shop Los Angeles for ready-made rags. These young turks would have their suits made in New York, where men are serious about life, and serious about clothes.
It was the 90s. So many things have changed. It’s great to see Mr. Greenfield hasn’t.
Thanks, David.
- BGT
Very nice video. When we lived in New York my husband always dressed impeccably for work. I don’t know where he got all his clothes, and I don’t know how much it contributed to his success, but I’m sure it didn’t hurt.
I’ve always thought that men in Los Angeles dress too casually for serious business. In New York, if a man doesn’t wear a necktie nobody takes him seriously. I think it’s about respect, both for yourself and for others.
Oh, thank you so much for the video as well as the reminiscence. Those trips to NY sound marvelous–what great memories to have. And Mr. Greenfield comes across as a thoroughly delightful person. Thanks for the day brightener.
When I started working in the City everyone would wear suits. I went to a tailor and had 4 suits made with two pairs of trousers for each. Then slowly things started to change. i was told to stop wearing suits. I switched to custom made oxford shirts and trousers from J.Press. This was in 2012 by 2019 when I was let go from my job in the entertainment field (ageism I was in my 50’s), my younger coworkers had on jeans and t-shirts. The last thing I remember was the guy who replaced me thanking me for what I taught him. He was a person in his forties wearing jeans to work and a hoodie that he kept over his head.
Do I wear Jeans? YES. What I did was go to the Levi’s Flagship Store and asked if they had any jeans that were still made in the USA. They did. It cost me but you need something to work in garden in. My pair of jeans are 12 years old and nice and soft.I usually pair it with a cotton grey t-shirt or grey sweatshirt. I would never go to work in this outfit or really even leave my back yard.
With most of us having to stay close to home; my wife gave me three sets of Men’s lounge sets from Orvis. Nice enough to be around the wife and kids as well as walk the dog. If I go to the market then I change. I would never go to work wearing something like this.
Stay Healthy
Good man, Bob. And amen!!! I pray you found an even better job