Nicolas Gabard on Tailoring, Fashion, and Building Husbands

The Evolution of Menswear and Husbands

• 💡 Nicolas Gabard founded Husbands 13 years ago, aiming to revive classic menswear when it was perceived as "for losers."
• 🎯 He emphasizes the need for pedagogical information and new journalism to re-educate consumers in a market saturated with streetwear and sportswear.
• 🔑 Gabard notes that in the 70s, dressing was easier due to clear style influences, unlike today's complex fashion landscape.

The Husbands Aesthetic and Philosophy

• 🚀 The Husbands brand draws inspiration from various eras, including the 30s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, with a particular focus on the 70s as the "last day of tailoring."
• ✨ Gabard believes in recontextualizing classic pieces, like pairing a double-breasted suit with Chelsea boots to create a modern, desirable look.
• 🧠 The brand's design process involves understanding a product's historical meaning and making it relevant for a new era, rather than simply copying the past.
• 📌 Gabard highlights the importance of fit and proportion, emphasizing high-waisted trousers and longer jackets to elongate the silhouette and create a transformative effect.

Retail Experience and Brand Values

• ❤️ Gabard stresses that retail is about love and desire, focusing on creating a welcoming and confident experience for customers.
• 💬 He believes in selling the truth and engaging in a two-way conversation with customers, adapting to their needs while staying true to the brand's vision.
• 🌟 The brand's mission is to make people happy by dressing them in beautiful fabrics, fostering a desire for clothing and helping them dare to be themselves.
• 🤝 Husbands values independence and slow growth, prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction over rapid expansion.

Inspiration and Personal Style

• 🎭 Gabard finds inspiration in various eras and cultural touchstones, from old movies like "The Cavets" to skateboarding culture and 90s UK music.
• 🎨 He advocates for dressing for one's own body and identity, encouraging customers to be authentic rather than blindly following trends.
• 📚 Gabard's personal passions include collecting vintage magazines and books, reflecting a deep appreciation for physical media and tangible culture.
• 💡 He advises young entrepreneurs to start now, dare to ask questions, and stay naive and humble to foster creativity and growth.