When entering the showroom or studio for the first time, a client will begin discussions with a style consultant, it is the role of the consultant to gather a number of details about the client including the motivation behind the customer.
Some of the details that need to be gathered will be about any events or requirements the client may have. The most common need is usually wedding related (their own or someone else’s), other needs may be to expand an existing wardrobe, updating a wardrobe, or building a new wardrobe.
These details are important because they shape the motivation of the client.
By breaking down the motivations we come to what this author calls the Triumvirate of Fashion. The motivations for walking into my showroom are the following:
- Style
- Purpose
- Individualism
At some point each of these intersect with the other elements or they can stand alone. Someone may choose a suit for style and purpose (such as a tuxedo for a wedding), or purpose alone (such as a conservative suit for formal occasions).
Those first steps for in walking the sartorial path is different to purchasing the 5th suit to complete a wardrobe, and the conversation may take as little as 5 minutes or as long as 20 before moving to the next step.
Early conversations are to make the client feel at ease. There are many reasons why people feel uncomfortable when dressing well, many of these reasons have to do with preconceived notions of ‘class’, or a lack of confidence. These play into the conversation and the consultant should help the customer to the boundary of the comfort zone without stretching the boundary before they are ready (the ‘bridge too far’ syndrome).
Dressing well is a choice to be made by the person, and everyday we choose what we wear. Whether it is to work, the gym, or a day out at the footy, in all cases we choose to dress to our comfort level. To paraphrase Gunnery Sergeant Thomas Highway (from the Clint Eastwood movie Heartbreak Ridge), ‘When one dresses better, they begin to feel better, and then they’ll act better’.
The simplest first steps for many who are starting their journey to dressing better, will be professionally fitted chinos and shirt (usually between $300 to $400 as a set); second step would a pair of shoes (with quality and price being related, a good pair of well fitted shoes may cost from $300 to $600). Then slowly improving the quality of the clothing one piece at a time and within 12 months, a new wardrobe and new look.
Taking those first steps are important, as is moving at a pace that is comfortable to the wearer. A good style consultant is required to understand what stage of the process the customer is at. You may not find one in the first or even second store, and one that seems to work well for your friend may not be the one for you; once found, however, a stylist that will listen and be mindful to your own needs is one that you can return to in confidence.
Building a wardrobe is a journey, not a race. Whether you’re taking your first steps toward dressing well or refining an established style, the key is finding a consultant who understands your needs and helps you progress at your own pace. At Briggins, our expert stylists are here to guide you through every stage, ensuring you feel confident and comfortable in what you wear. Visit us or book a fitting to start your style journey with personalised advice and expert craftsmanship tailored just for you.
