What’s on-trend this summer? The answer is different in a desert town where the temperature frequently spikes above 110. It’s an especially tough season for professional men whose work look doesn’t include shorts and sleeveless tops. But the message from Ricci Lopez-Hammargren, vice president of sales at Stitched, is to keep the tailoring in a more relaxed approach.
He knows something about tailoring, as Stitched designs its own XXXX Black Label collection with fabrics from Italy and England and makes custom suits for men and women. That’s in addition to carrying 45 other brands in a space with the feel of a decades-old haberdashery with a modern hotel built around it — the Cosmopolitan.
“Most retailers’ tailor shops are hidden; we kept ours exposed,” Lopez-Hammargren says. As a result, everyone can see the deconstructed garments, the steam in the air, and hear vintage-industrial machines tap-tap-tapping away. “When you come to Stitched, your stylist is educating you, and a master tailor is pinning you, and all of the machines are going. It’s quite an experience.”
Custom or off the rack, these pieces are what Lopez-Hammargren recommends for breezy, work-appropriate summer style.
The Bespoke Lounge
• Linen shirt: Lopez-Hammargren says linen has made a huge comeback. “We’re educating clients about new linen blends, since 100 percent linen will wrinkle. But a beautiful, supple linen blend with the cutaway collar … you can throw a tie on that and you’re still looking professional while feeling comfortable.”
If you go
At the Bespoke Lounge inside Stitched, clients can have business meetings or socialize in lush environs. VIPs even get a piece of the real estate. “There are 72 lockers on this wall, given by us as gifts, and filled with a bottle or two of spirits. Friends, clients, movers and shakers, a who’s who of Las Vegas … all of the people who really appreciate what we do can come here and have a drink before they even check in, and spend hours with us. It’s like ‘Cheers.’ ”
• Luxe T-shirt: Dress up something casual. “Wear a luxury T-shirt underneath a sport coat with a pocket square and it’s a whole ensemble.”
• Performance-fabric dress shirt: Try something you can wash, hang and wear in 10 to 15 minutes. “A brand like Mizzen + Main is the Lululemon of dress shirts: Moisture-wicking, sweat-absorbing cloth that can be worn with or without a tie. The maintenance is incredible — no dry-cleaning necessary.”
• Convertible-cuff dress shirt: Modern and clean. The sleeve adjusts easily to accommodate built-in buttons or cuff links. “A gentleman has options.”
• Non-denim “denim”: Try pants that fit like jeans but aren’t made out of denim. “Something like a five-pocket style, stretch fabric, fitted and tailored … as long as it’s styled correctly, it’s smart and can be used for business.”
• Ath-leisure blazer: Unfussy, soft cotton makes a blazer a serious piece of clothing that doesn’t take itself too seriously. “Comfort, structure, impeccable quality — you could go to a meeting in this. It works particularly well in Vegas.”
• Structured leisure pieces: Not your ordinary hoodie. “A piece from The Kooples has all the elements that we appreciate about design — details like zippers, panels and luxe fabric. Anyone can wear sweatpants, but you’re not seeing the detail you see here.”
• Accessories: This is where you elevate a look that might feel too casual. It’s also where Stitched shines, with cufflinks, lapel flowers, lapel pins with feathers and skulls, colored shoelaces, silk knots that can be used as cufflinks or threaded through your lapel, ethically sourced stone bracelets and on and on. “We won’t let our clients leave the store without a pocket square,” Lopez-Hammargren jokes. “And look at all of these wild socks.”
• BONUS — Upgrade your pool ensemble: “Men look the best in a mid-thigh cut. So trunks like this, plus a short-sleeved linen woven are a great combination. Then, to make it even better — waterproof loafers! Instead of wearing flip-flops, wear these right into the water, and look like a gentleman at the pool.”
Ricci’s rules for keeping looks coherent
1. A narrow lapel calls for a narrow tie.
2. Lapel flower or pocket square. Not both.
3. No necktie? Then do something with your lapel accessory — go bigger or bolder.
4. Play with color harmony and experiment. “Some people don’t understand pairing blue and black, but it’s a brilliant combination. Play around and find combos you like.”
5. Brown belts call for brown shoes, unless you adjust the harmony elsewhere (for example, wearing a red belt with yellow shoes, yellow shirt and red lapel flower).
6. Have fun and experiment. “Our ethos is ‘gentlemanly sophistication with hints of irreverence.’ ”
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