Good Manners-quality in life and suits. This is the motto of the new Belgian based “Good Manners” men’s wear brand to recently hit the market.
Bridal Times has the opportunity to catch up with Tom Loodts, the designer of the “Good Manners” to tell us more about the inspiration and philosophy behind his new brand, and what it means to wear a quality suit.
How did you decide to become a men’s wear designer? Tell us how you got started.
I started with “PASSION”, I have always been passionate about fashion, at the young age of 16 I started working in a prominent men’s store. Weekend’s and Wednesday afternoon. I soon noticed that occasional wear was my favorite department. Styling people for weddings, and “that transformation”. Later on my career I got the opportunity to work for a suit brand, I coworked at factories in Italy, Portugal and Spain. A front row access to learn everything there is to know on design, and on the technical aspect of suits and fabrics. The practice is the best school. My look on fashion was always different from the norm. As head of design, I launched a collection that was younger and more creative than any other suit brand. An instant success. I knew at that moment, that I wanted to start my own brand. So, I did.
What inspired you to launch “Good Manners”. Is there a philosophical meaning behind the name?
During my career, I saw that many brands go for fast money, and thereby push aside norms and values. I chose to produce ethically responsible in Europe and bring sustainable garments. For some, this is marketing but for me, “this is my choice”. So the Name “GOOD MANNERS” was obvious for me. This how I want to do business, with Good Manners and with people, not with companies.
In your opinion, what are key elements that make a good quality suit?
Like with food, it starts with quality ingredients, on the inside and on the outside. The know-how on fabrics and design is also really important. For a suit, the interior is as important as the outside. It shapes the fitting and the comfort you will end up with. I select my fabrics in Italy, with fabric suppliers that have the knowledge. Some of them exist for over 300 years. So, a simplified answer would be quality and knowledge.
Would you say the “Good Manners” suits reflect any kind of particular style?
The suits make you look COOL, they are so wearable and often close to the casual feeling. So you just feel cool, not stiff. You can be yourself in a GOOD MANNERS suit. GOOD MANNERS suits are designed with that nostalgic feeling, and people appreciate that feeling of authentically.
Tell us about some unique highlights from the current collection.
Innovative fabrics, finest wool, linen and cotton blends are definatly unique to this collection. Also, the new fitting that we present is closer to the casual side. And off course the new colors. We even present shorts and waistcoat combinations, or suspenders.
How important are accessories in men’s fashion?
They are important, the wrong type of accessories can ruin your outfit. But I must say that, in my opinion you don’t need to go the whole way. Often it is better to go for that perfectly matching tie or bowtie, and finish of with a suitable pair of matching shoe and belt. Simple, stylish and balanced would be my advice.
Do you often see men still getting the elements of a “perfect suit look” wrong?
Oh yes, I can image that some men are not the type to wear a tie or bowtie. Or you prefer sneakers instead of classic shoes. So be it, some styles allow you to go for that choice, you don’t have to. But when I see a suit without a belt, No, that’s a no-go. If your trousers have loops for a belt, then you need a belt.
With the pandemic changing the way we do business, what kind of options is the brand currently offering for retailers to view the collections?
Well, I’m also selling through video calls but as of course clients don’t get that same feeling when actually touching and feeling the product. So I prefer to travel to clients to show them the collection. Keeping the social distancing and all the rules concerning covid-19, off course. In the end this is also what the clients prefers.
With a brand-new label on the market in unprecedented times, what are your hopes and outlook on the future for men’s occasion wear and fashion?
Whether you are a new brand or an existing brand, these times are the same for us all. They are indeed unprecedented. But as a new fresh brand, we are flexible to overcome obstacles, and to face the challenges. Brands have the responsibility to produce smarter, for GOOD MANNERS this means less finished garments on stock, but shorter lead times in production. But also an online made to measure and reorder site, that we will launch later on the year. In general, i hope that these times, will lead to less overproductions in fashion.
We would like to thank Mr. Loodts for this interview.
For further information on the collection, visit Good Manners