Leaving The Party While It's Still Full - Jack Carlson

News broke yesterday that Jack Carlson of Rowing Blazers will be moving on to his next adventure. And in all honesty, for many of us who started as fans, became loyal customers, and then got to know Jack a little bit - it's somewhat bittersweet.  

It is not everyday that a brand like Rowing Blazers comes along.       

                   

In the time since Rowing Blazers launched, several other brands have come and gone. A few quite surprisingly so. So yes, the success of Rowing Blazers took a bit of luck, but luck tends to favor the well-prepared.

Jack Carlson is many things - a champion rower, Doctor of Philosophy (Archeology at Oxford), author, and creative director. And perhaps paramount to his success, and that of Rowing Blazers - he is a genuinely nice guy.

I am the proud owner of more Rowing Blazers gear than I really have space for, but I wouldn't trade any of it. A lot of it is because it looks great (even on my declining form) and it is well-made. But it's more than that. What makes Rowing Blazers great is what makes any iconic brand truly great. It's the people. And Jack and his team created something truly magical, something beyond a brand. Rowing Blazers is much more - it has became a club that you would want to be a member of. Inclusive, fun, and joyful -

The individual ideas for collaboration were wonderful - Babar, US Rowing, the NBA just to name a few. But I think it is even more telling to look at the arc of Rowing Blazers as a whole. It has become a touchstone for so many brands and designers since.

My only regret is not getting the Croquet Stripe blazer while it was available, but you never know, it might come back someday ; )

To be clear, Rowing Blazers will continue on, and I suspect will remain at the forefront. But it will not be the same. That is neither good or bad, but it is fact.

I am grateful that I've had even a small glimpse into this wonderful world as a loyal customer and fan. And if I'm honest, I am happy for Jack Carlson - not everyone gets the opportunity (to quote Valentino Clemente Ludovico Garavani) to "leave the party while it's still full".

So thank you Mr. Carlson, you have made my sartorial life so much more than it might have been ; ) 

A Fun Night Out - And What Joseph Abboud Could Teach the Watch Industry

So last night after work, I found myself across the hall at the Boston Public Library listening to Joseph Abboud give what he referred to as a "stream of consciousness" talk about his life and experiences in the world of fashion.

The talk was very entertaining, and I got to ask my question during the Q & A, but perhaps the one thing that stood out the most (and should be of particular interest to those pulling the strings in the various HQs in Bienne, Tokyo and Glashütte) was the answer he gave to a young aspiring designer's question.  Essentially, how did he prepare himself to enter into the world of fashion and succeed at the level that he has, and where did study design.  And what he said echoed something that I have always believed about working in the watch business.  He said that where he really gained the most insight about fashion, where he really trained?  

Working in RETAIL.  

And truthfully this should not be such a radical thought or concept, but it speaks volumes as to how Mr. Abboud has managed to remain relevant for so many years.  The majority of guys and gals calling the shots in the watch business HQs have not rolled up their sleeves and worked a six or seven day week under florescent lighting and hustling for the sale.

But the importance of this is not just about hard work and paying your dues.  It goes well beyond that because, as he himself pointed out, it underscored the importance of knowing your customer, and making it a priority to know what that customer wants.  And that doesn't mean the VIP customer dinner or boutique event.  And in relating these stories he was humble, charming, and very real.  While he did share stories of success and mentioned some of his famous clients, the anecdotes were not so much about the fame, but about the character of these people.  And I am not going to lie, it was pretty damn touching.  Think about how the celebrity ambassador is is talked out by watch executives, all too often their "new best friend" for as long as the contract lasts, and then they are off to the next "new best friend".  But Mr. Abboud spoke thoughtfully and at length about several of these folks with a fondness that was touching, and an enthusiasm that was infectious.

So today's message for the big dogs - stop making and trying to market watches based on what YOU like and want.  Take a bit more time to consider what your customer might want, and try to design and manufacture watches for them.  And consider that what makes an ambassador compelling is when that ambassador is someone that you actually have a relationship with, and not just someone that you wrote a check to.

Enjoy your Thursday!

For the Men Reading Tempus Fugit Ready to Up their Game

Apparently Tempus Fugit is read by more than three of my immediate family members.  So this one is for the fellas out there.   Thanks to the suggestion of a good friend, I was directed to George Hahn's blog.  Which is known as, well, George Hahn!  

This is INVALUABLE reading for any of your men folk out there ready, and willing to take a hard look at yourselves and:

1.  Admit you can do better

2.  Recognize this fact

3.  Be willing to take on advice from someone perhaps a little wiser than yourself!


I have been wrapped up in this blog all day - check it out!

George Hahn