Michael Ferrera needs no introduction. As the owner and designer of Michael Ferrera Custom Clothing, the 6’ 5” custom clothier makes a statement all his own. Although he counts celebrities and athletes among his clientele, he’s sworn to privacy. I asked him what every man should know about dressing in order to bring his ‘classy’ back. I’m a believer; ‘clothes do make the man’.
Sonic Eclectic: Your name sounds like a fashion house! How did you get into designing menswear?
Michael Ferrera: Thank you. My family is from Belize by way of Italy and Spain. I’m blessed that Ferrera is my real name. It makes for a great brand name too! Although my height was a factor I began by actually designing and making clothes for myself because I didn’t want to buy the same [dress] clothes that everyone else could too. Once I started making custom clothes for others, designing became even more personal.
SE: How did you decide to make that leap to start your own business?
MF: After I graduated with my BA in economics I worked as a financial planning advisor. My colleagues were naturally my first clothing clients. After 3 – 4 years I had saved up enough seed money to move on and start my company. A lot of those first clients are still my clients.
SE: What category do your clothes fall under?
MF: Business attire and dresswear. I design a full line of men’s business suits, dress shirts, golf pants, blazers and men’s accessories with a focus in high quality men’s neckwear made with some of the best materials from around the globe. I’m getting into denim (jeans) also. I don’t do t-shirts or polos. They can be bought in stores.
SE: What is the advantage of having a custom clothier?
MF: The advantages of investing in custom clothing are numerous but most importantly they look better, feel better and last longer. The options and features for style are endless which you cannot find in off-the-rack menswear. For sourcing I work with all of the major mills in Europe.
SE: Ok the powder blue suit worn on prom night is long gone. What age should a guy start thinking about dress attire?
MF: It will be more helpful if it is done early. Things like mastering tying a tie can be learned at a young age like 13.
SE: With the preeminence of California casual and pervasiveness of the hip hop culture when do guys even need to dress-up outside of a formal or office setting?
MF: Good question. Every guy NEEDS one suit; at the minimum. Really the key is to match and mirror your environment.
SE: How does a guy bring out his inner GQ?
MF: 1) Never compromise your style but be appropriate.
2) There is no such thing as always and never in fashion, especially in today’s time.
3) Pay attention to detail. Like keeping your dress shoes shined.
4) Investment in custom clothing is a personal reward.
5) Pay attention to what works for you; not trends.
6) Pay attention to accessories; watches, business card holder, etc. They complete your outfit and
wardrobe.
SE: What are your plans for future?
MF: To build a full empire and have others (custom clothiers) join my team and service their clients. I may explore ready-to-wear. But I will always stay true to custom.
Clearly for Michael Ferrera the sky’s the limit!