Any Experience at Alan Flusser in NYC?

[Chow Chow]

I've commissioned 8 or 9 items from Flusser since 1989. The custom business was originally in a separate townhouse, then went into Saks after the business encountered troubles with, I think, a separate ready-to-wear business. Flusser and Saks parted company, following which Mark Rykken and a partner (Broderick) led the effort to revive the stand-alone business. I'm not sure how much of the business Flusser actually owns now, if any, though he is clearly involved and probably as a percent of sales. Mark had operated the only other Alan Flusser store under license in DC earlier, and later managed the Paul Stuart in Chicago before joining Flusser.

Quality of execution has always been the main issue, because Flusser is not a tailor. The issue with that seems to be that tailors have a better command of detail and how to adapt ideas to real bodies, whereas, no matter how experienced or educated in clothing, designers' views seem based either on an idealized vision or what looks good on them.

The shop did not always do a great job of translating the Flusser ideas into garments. In a recent post Will shows of picture of himself in a Flusser suit that says looks too boxy, and he is right. That would be an example of the past issues.

The early tailoring was run by Raphael, now on his own. Domenico Spano (Mimmo, now at Saks) ran the shop, or at least was the most prominent customers' man. I'm not sure who replaced Raphael, but later John Tudor took over. Another Mark, originally from Ukraine, is the head tailor now. He's done a wonderful job for me and has a great attitude. He will work with you to get what you want and shows great pride in his work.

The two Marks have brought the business discipline, consistency, and customer attention that people may have found lacking before. They are the ones responsible for execution and I feel more confident of what I get from them than ever in my prior experience, which was by no means unsatisfactory. It is mainly on their account that I recommend the shop.

I note there is a lot of negative sentiment about Flusser. What are the issues?

 

[GiltEdge]

I would like to bring back this thread. Yesterday I wrote Mark an email asking about the possibility of Alan speaking to me, giving me some advice and guidance, as I am attending his alma mater and would like to work for a business similar to his.

 

[GoldenTribe]

Originally Posted by Lafont

What kind of "partner" is this Mark?

God forbid there should be a homosexual in the clothing industry.

 

[GiltEdge]

Just had a 40 minute chat with Mark on the phone, he personally gave me advice on education and career in the tailoring industry. He invited me to come by the store anytime, and that if Alan was there he'd most likely want to me and talk to me. He could not make an appointment to let me meet Alan because Mark is the actual business owner, and operates the store. Alan is basically the creative director or maybe the poobah of the place.

 

[OffTheRack]

Originally Posted by PaoloM

Just had a 40 minute chat with Mark on the phone, he personally gave me advice on education and career in the tailoring industry. He invited me to come by the store anytime, and that if Alan was there he'd most likely want to me and talk to me. He could not make an appointment to let me meet Alan because Mark is the actual business owner, and operates the store. Alan is basically the creative director or maybe the poobah of the place.

Mind giving a quick recap of what he suggested as far as education and getting into the industry? I'm curious too.

 

[LennonMcCartney]

resurrecting this from the dead, going to NYC this week.

 

[KObalto]

Is the store still open?