NEW! AW Custom Ties



Custom Shirt Knowledge Library
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Archive for the ‘Bespoke Dress-Up’ Category
NEW! AW Custom Ties
October 23rd, 2014
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Were you ever frustrated with the tie being too short or too long? Did you look everywhere for the perfect slim navy matte tie? Search no further, Alexander West is launching our custom tie collection.
In addition to choosing your tie fabric, you can also specify:
1. Length - off the rack ties usually range between 58 and 60 inches.
2. Width - 1.75" modern slim tie to the traditional 3.5" width ties
3. Your initials on a metal link
![]() How Do I Determine the Correct Tie Size?
Tie length will depend on your torso length and not necessarily on your height.
There are three main factors to focus on, your personal style preference, body type and suit lapel width.
Personal Preference
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Rules on Jacket and Pants Fitting Issues
October 23rd, 2014
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We found a great illustration below that shows correct as well as ill-fitting jackets and pants. We take great care and attention to make sure all of our clients have well tailored clothes.
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
What is a Sport Coat?
October 23rd, 2014
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"Sport coat may be worn on less formal occasions than a suit would be. Also, it is designed to be worn on its own, without matching trousers, and does not come as part of a suit. Styles, fabrics, colours and patterns are also more varied than in most suits; sturdier and thicker fabrics may be used, such as corduroy, suede, denim, leather, and tweed.
Originally, sports coats were worn as casual attire for hunting and other outdoor sports (hence the name). With time, they came to be used on more formal occasions, sometimes being used in school uniforms as at Summer Fields School in England." - Wikipedia
Be creative with pairing. For example, famous UK IT guy Andrew Collins pairs sport coat with jeans and orange GUNNAR glasses. May seem like an odd combination, but it looks unusual and catches attention.
Also, we just received a set of beautiful sport coat fabrics from Europe. You know where to find us!
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
BUSINESS ON THE OUTISDE- FUN ON IN THE INSIDE
June 27th, 2014
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
The Formal Shirt: An Integral Part of Your Formal Wardrobe
June 26th, 2014
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Building on last month's entry for designing your tuxedo, we are going to explore options when designing your formal shirt. A formal shirt should let the tuxedo take center stage. A White shirt is the most traditional option. Opt for a crisp, smooth, densely woven fabric or choose a fabric that has a very subtle pattern or texture that feels more elegant than your business shirts. Subtle shine created by an extraordinary weave or texture on a formal shirt makes the shirt special. Also consider the season and time of day of an event: day events may call for a lighter weight fabric to ease the effects of heat, evening events may call for fabrics with a bit more weight. Below are some fabric options with texture for the shirt or the bib front:
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up
The Tuxedo Guide
June 26th, 2014
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Because a tuxedo is meant to be formal wear, it should differ greatly in style and detail from your business suit. We have put together some points to consider when designing your tuxedo:
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Let's start with the jacket lapels. Because the notch lapel is closely associated with business suits, we suggest choosing a peak lapel or a shawl collar for your tuxedo. This will automatically distinguish the jacket from regular business attire. We suggest the traditional 1-button single-breasted style. It is customary to exclude pocket flaps at the waist on a tuxedo jacket, leaving the welt detail only, and trimmed in the same silk as the lapel. There will be no vent opening at the back of the jacket for a more polished appearance, but if a vent is necessary a double (side) vent is more appropriate. Buttons on the front of the jacket and at the sleeve are covered in the same silk as the lapels. A chest pocket is customary with a tuxedo jacket.
The major style difference for tuxedo pants is the elegant silk stripe (or "braid") covering the side seam. This stripe is made from the same silk as the jacket lapel. The waistband only includes side tabs, and not beltloops, so fitting the waistband very closely is important*. The hem of the pants are plain and without cuffs for an elegant finish. The fabric for the pants should match the fabric of the jacket. If you're considering a white tuxedo jacket for warm weather occasions, we suggest darkest navy blue pants to pair with your jacket.
You have the option of including a vest with your tuxedo design. The purpose of the vest is the same as a cumberbund, to cover the waistband and keep you from exposing a bit of shirt above the waistband.
A tuxedo is both a luxury and a necessity for a gentleman. We will help you get your gentleman on when you come in for a fitting.
*Even though you wont be able to wear a belt, you can always opt for braces/suspenders to wear with your tuxedo.
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Suit: Low Button Stance Jacket
December 17th, 2013
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"DEAR ALEX"
"I lost a lot of weight recently and my old suits look pretty awful. They're really boxy and I don't care for that look anymore especially now I'm so much smaller. " - JDC, Greenwich CT
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Layering It On
November 7th, 2013
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"DEAR ALEX"
"I got a new job and now I have to wear a suit to work but can't figure out how to wear a striped suit with my favorite check (pattern) shirts . Blogs I read have too much info and I don't want to stand out like that. How do I wear my shirts to the office with a suit and tie?" - MN, Manhattan
Putting a suit, shirt, and tie together can seem like an opportunity to make a wardrobe mistake, but if you read along with last month's entry about pairing pattern and color, this will be easy. There's a formula to putting together a good match - "2+1 and you're Done." Repeat: 2+1 and you're DONE. You will work with (a) two solid fabrics and one patterned fabric, or (2) two patterned fabrics and 1 solid fabric.
a. 1 patterned suit + 1 patterned tie + 1 solid shirt or
b. 1 solid suit + 1 solid shirt + 1 patterned tie or
c. 1 patterned suit + 1 patterned shirt + 1 solid tie.
The keys to this formula are:
a. Making sure that when you're working with two patterns, one of those patterns is significantly larger than the other
b. The colors you're pairing are similar (but they don't have to match exactly).
Take a look at some of the examples below:
EXAMPLE A:
1 Patterned Suit + 1 Patterned Tie + 1 Solid Shirt
![]() EXAMPLE B:
1 Solid Suit + 1 Solid Shirt + 1 Patterned Tie
![]() EXAMPLE C:
1 Patterned Suit + 1 Patterned Shirt + 1 Solid Tie
![]() EXAMPLE D:
1 Solid Suit + 1 Patterned Shirt + 1 Patterned Tie
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Pair It and Wear It Too!
October 8th, 2013
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"DEAR ALEX"
"What are the rules for pairing shirts and ties? I always feel like I'm going to make a mistake and look bad at work" - TPM, Manhattan
Building on last month's entry of pairing shirts and ties of different scales, this month we're going to focus on highlighting different colors in a shirt so you get more use from the same shirt. We will use shirts with a small pattern and a tie with a larger pattern or a solid color. All the information here will apply to striped shirts.
Helpful hint: DON'T worry if the colors aren't an exact match. They should be close, but don't stress out about it. The human eye adjusts to see the colors as the same.
Take a look at some of the examples below:
![]() EXAMPLE 1: This shirt has a dominant burgundy check with a grey check underneath. The solid burgundy tie highlights the burgundy check (light shirt and dark tie).
![]() EXAMPLE 2: Same shirt as above, but paired with a navy tie that has a similar (but not exact) burgundy color stripe. The 2 burgundy colors in the shirt and tie make this pair a good match. The thick navy stripe is a nice offset to the small check pattern and once again, tie is dark and the shirt is light.
![]() EXAMPLE 3: A light red check shirt paired with a burgundy tie. Light red and burgundy are both shades of the color red. Two shades of the same color are a good match.
This also applies to shades of blue and purple/lavender. Once again, light patterned shirt and a solid, dark tie.
![]() EXAMPLE 4: This shirt has both a blue check and a pink check. The dark navy blue tie highlights the light blue in the shirt. Also, the scale of the stripe in the tie is larger than the small check, making this a good match. Again, light shirt and dark tie (we are emphasizing this point here.)
![]() EXAMPLE 5: Same shirt as above, but paired with a pink tie. The pink in the shirt is highlighted. The large pattern tie and small pattern shirt make this a good match.
![]() EXAMPLE 6: STOP! TOO MUCH! - This is an example of a good color match, but the pair is too graphic and not appropriate for work. The 2 patterns don't create an elegant match even though the colors are paired nicely. It is too "busy."
Let's review our tips again.
1. SCALE: Shirt or tie should have a larger pattern. Easy route is to pair a small patterned shirt with a larger scale tie.
2. Light Shirt and Dark Tie: Generally, you should opt for light colored dress shirts and pair them with dark ties.
3. Highlighting a Shirt Color: Use the tie color to match with one of the colors from the shirt.
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Pair it and Wear it!
September 9th, 2013
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"DEAR ALEX"
"What are the rules for pairing shirts and ties? I always feel like I'm going to make a mistake and look bad at work" - TPM, Manhattan
Rule #1: It is all about the scale. Either the shirt or the tie should have a larger pattern. The easy route is to pair a small patterned shirt with a large scale tie.
Rule #2: Pair a light colored shirt with a dark colored tie. When wearing a tie in a conservative office setting, you should opt for light colored dress shirts: white, blue, light pink, and light lavender and match it with a more saturated or darker colored tie.
Take a look at some of the examples below:
![]() EXAMPLE 1: Rule #1 - Shirt has thin stripes and tie has larger stripes. Rule #2 - Shirt is lighter than the tie.
![]() EXAMPLE 2: Rule #1 - Shirt has thin stripes and tie has a larger pattern.
Rule #2 - Shirt is lighter than the tie.
![]() EXAMPLE 3: Rule #1 - Shirt has a small scale check pattern and tie has larger stripes. Rule #2 - Shirt is lighter than the tie.
Pretty simple! Tie pattern should be larger and darker than the shirt pattern and color. If the patterns are too close in scale and color, people will have a tough time looking at you.
Next month, we will review some classic color combinations between shirts and ties. Also, please send us your style and fit questions and we will do our best to answer them.
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Creating Your Casual Custom Shirt
August 13th, 2013
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"DEAR ALEX"
"I've been having my office shirts made with you for a few years, and I wanted to know if you would do my casual shirts too. The body fits great but the shirt is way too long to wear untucked (my girlfriend laughs at it, seriously). Can you tell me what would have to change on my shirts so I could make this happen? And, what kind of casual fabrics do you have, I always look for office shirts. Thanks, let me know." - AJ, Manhattan
AJ, we will adjust the back length if you are planning to untuck your shirt. We have found that taking 1.5 to 2.5 inches off the back length will give you a good length for untucking, but we'll work with you to determine the exact length decrease. One major issue with untucking your "office" shirt is that a longer shirt makes your torso look longer and your legs shorter - it throws off the vertical balance.
![]() We can also lower the bottom curve height (aka "hip rise" - see illustration). This helps the sides of the shirt from exposing your skin when you are moving and/or bending over. We also recommend making the waist measurement larger for a more subtle torso silhouette.
![]() Some other changes and features related to a casual cut shirt are below:
- Add back side pleats for more comfort
- Adjust the collar point length. Shorter collar points give off a more casual feel, and this subtle detail may add a needed punch to your wardrobe. Also, button-down collars are always casual.
- Choose a fabric with two or more colors, because increase in color count will make the shirt more casual. Also, checks are more casual than stripes and bigger and bolder patterns are more casual than subtle and thin patterns.
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
TWO GROOMS
February 6th, 2013
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You guys are the perfect fit, why shouldn't your wedding shirts fit just as perfectly? Our featured couple, Gary and Sal, had shopped for weeks for the ideal shirts for their wedding when they decided to ask us to help them create their shirts.
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Timeless Blues
April 11th, 2011
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Style Guide
Pop-Up Flea November 19-21
November 18th, 2010
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![]() Times and dates are as follows: Location: 201 Mulberry Street (between Spring and Kenmare) Friday, 11/19, 3 - 9 pm Saturday, 11/20, 11 am - 7 pm Sunday, 11/21: 11 am - 6 pm Vendors include: Oak Street Bootmakers, J.W Hulme, Levi’s Vintage Clothing, L.L. Bean Signature, Smith + Butler, Tellason, Billykirk, Aether, Tanner Goods, Scout Original, Wooden Sleepers, Riviera Club, Alexander Olch, Gant, Oliver Spencer, The Hill-Side / Hickoree’s Hard Goods, Grown & Sewn, Stanley & Sons, J.Crew, Gitman Brothers Vintage, Schott NYC, Digby & Iona, Leather Head / Lemon Ball and more!Looking forward to seeing you there! Please click here for more information. Style Guide: Color Psychology
September 7th, 2010
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Color is an important element when choosing the right shirt. According to color theory, every color sends different messages; therefore if you are aiming for a certain message we suggest that you wear a specific color. Colors can also affect your mood and your energy, so it will impact how others view you. Below, you will find meanings behind some popular colors.
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() Bespoke Dress Up: Volume 6
March 9th, 2010
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Bespoke Dress UpVolume 6: March 9, 2010 Happy Spring! As we welcome the sun back to New York City, we are introducing more fabrics, colors and patterns. We have had an incredibel response to our Haiti Clothing Drive! Our loyal customers have donated hundreds of bags of clothing for men, women and children in response to our Haiti Clothing Drive. We are so grateful to have such giving clients willing to help others during this desperate time of need. A new edition of the AW Style Guide has been published-The Shirt Style Anatomy. We have received national and local press coverage including The Golden Globe Awards, KCAL9 CBS/Los Angeles, Cool Hunting, MBA Odyssey and many more!![]() Alexander West Fabric Guide: Thomas Mason CollectionVisit our website to browse our new Thomas Mason Collection. You will love the bold and sophisticated color combinations! Click here to view our online fabrics.![]() Alexander West Style Guide: Shirt AnatomyIn this month's Style Guide, AW covers the anatomy of a classic dress shirt; complete with a fashion glossary of terms. Do you know the difference between back neck height and collar point length? If you want to find out, please click here.![]() Alexander West: Press Coverage![]() Alexander West strives for the best custom fit, craftsmanship, style and sophistication. We're here to make it happen for you. Striving to be the best custom shirtmaker, Holly Alexander West LLC Press: Cool Hunting
February 24th, 2010
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Press Bespoke Dress-Up, Cool Hunting, custom dress shirt, gift guide, New York
Bespoke Dress Up: Volume 5, January 20, 2010
January 20th, 2010
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Bespoke Dress Up
Volume 5: January 20, 2010 Happy New Year! Since our new e-makeover we have made significant progress in the bespoke world. We have more gifts ideas, fabrics, promos and great deals than ever before! Our hearts and prayers are with the earthquake victims/survivors of Haiti. Alexander West will be sponsoring a local clothing drive for men, women and children. Each article of clothing donated gets you a credit with us towards your next custom shirt purchase. We encourage all to come forward to help us show support to those in need. Click here for details. New edition of the AW Style Guide has been published. It reviews what you should consider when picking out patterns. We have received national and local press coverage including CNNmoney, Gear Patrol, Nylon Guys, Details Magazine and many more. Special Note: We apologize for those of you who experienced longer than normal delivery times with your holiday order. We strive for continuing improvements as we grow.We Got an E-Makeover!
Alexander West has launched a new, remodeled, refurbished and more convenient website. It is easier to design your shirts and we have many more gift options.
Whether you're the Groom, the Best Man or a #1 Dad this Father's Day, click here to find more information.
Our fabric library is spilling over with new colors, textures and patterns for Spring 2010. We have more choices than ever before with over 200 fabrics for your online browsing pleasure.
Click here to request an appointment to browse our fabrics in person as we currently carry over 1,000 cotton and linen fabrics in our SoHo showroom.
Alexander West Style Guide: Stripes or Checks?
A few fabric pattern guidelines to keep in mind when choosing stripe and check shirts:
1. Shirts become more CASUAL as the number of colors increase
2. Small checks and thin stripes will be more FORMAL compared to big checks and thick stripes
![]() ![]() Click here to see all of Alexander West's Press.
Alexander West strives for the best custom fit, craftmanship, style and sophistication. We're here to make it happen for you.
Striving to be the best custom shirtmaker,
Holly
Alexander West LLC
Press: Mathew Hoffman of www.hollyscoop.com
January 14th, 2010
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Pictured above: Mathew Hoffman caught wearing an Alexander West custom dress shirt on the set of Hollyscoop's broadcast show. Hoffman is part of the Hollyscoop cast, an online magazine focused on fashion and up-to-minute entertainment news. Our celebrity client list is growing by leaps and bounds! Haiti Earthquake Clothing Drive
January 13th, 2010
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![]() Press: Selectism
January 8th, 2010
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You have now officially been elected the President of the AlexanderWest "Shirt of the Month Club".....Well, actually Selectism- A Men's Online Daily Magazine for Fashion, Footwear, Lifestyle and Design Culture has just elected you.
The fashion tab of the Titel Media Sites, Selectism, regarded the suave membership benefits of being a member of our club. The bottom line? 12 CUSTOM shirts per year. Click here to view the "Shirt of the Month" page. Each custom quality dress shirt knocking on your door giving you new style and fit confidence each month. Click here to see the article.
Put on your shirt in the morning as a VIP member of our Shirt of the Month Club here at Alexander West. Only smart, savvy, fashion forward men need apply.
Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up, Press custom dress shirt, New York, Selectism, shirt of the month club
Bespoke Dress-Up, Vol.3 June 2009
June 1st, 2009
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Happy Flag Day! Happy Father's Day! Summer is officially knocking on your door. AW encourages you to embrace the humidity and enjoy your 4th of July. Bespoke Dress Up, the Alexander West Newsletter, has great news - we have added new cuff links and linen fabrics for the summer, and our tuxedo shirt debuted at Cannes. We also have another issue of our Style Guide entitled "Know Your Fabric Weaves" and an excellent gift idea from John Allan's for Father's Day.
New:Cuff Links and Summer Linen Fabrics
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Categories: Bespoke Dress-Up BJ Novak, cufflinks, fabric weaves, Father's Day, John Allan's, linen, new fabrics
Bespoke Dress-Up, Vol. 2 March 2009
March 23rd, 2009
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Happy Mardi Gras! Happy St. Patrick's Day! Happy March Madness! Happy Spring Training! AW wishes all of you a safe and happy Spring Break! Bespoke Dress Up, the Alexander West Newsletter, has more exciting news for you: the launch of the new tuxedo line, first edition of the AW Style Guide - "Choose Your Shirt Style", and of course, AW's recent press coverage. Also, become a fan of the official AW Facebook page to receive exclusive specials throughout the year. NEW Alexander West Tuxedo Shirt Collection Alexander West is now offering bespoke (custom) tuxedo shirts for those ultra special occasions that always require you to R.S.V.P. The Alexander West Tuxedo Shirt Collection has seven distinct styles that cater to the full range of black-tie, white-tie, formal and semi-formal events. AW also offers exclusive wedding packages to outfit those handsome groomsmen. Brides or grooms have the ability to personally design custom tuxedo and dress shirts the groomsmen will wear.AW encourages its customers to design their own custom shirts. However, you should be aware how each chosen shirt style impacts your overall image. Due to high demand, AW has created its first style guide - "Choose Your Shirt Style". Alex Says: Buttons can be removed and can be replaced with studs - very, very useful! Click on the shirt to browse Tuxedo Shirt Styles. AW tuxedo shirts are currently only available by email, phone or at AW Showroom. Alexander West Style Guide: Choose Your Shirt Style This edition will discuss what you should be aware of when you pick collars, cuffs, pockets, plackets, etc. Alex Says: It is not about what you like or the latest trend. It is about complementing your face and body shapes to enhance your image. Click on the Image to read the Alexander West Style Guide. Alexander West in the News In the February 2009 issue of Manhattan Magazine, Alexander West was mentioned in the Best of the City of '09 for Custom Shirts. Click the Mahattan Logo to see all of Alexander West's Press. ____________________________________________________________________________ There will be galas, balls, fancy dinners and weddings to celebrate in the coming months and a custom tuxedo shirt will add a touch of panache to your wardrobe and to the events you attend as well. Also, Alexander West wants your feedback. If you have any comments or suggestions, please Contact Us. Sincerely, Keisha Alexander West Bespoke Dress-Up, Vol 1. January 2009
January 30th, 2009
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Happy New Year, Happy Inaguration Day, and Happy Valentine's Day! Please enjoy the first issue of Bespoke Dress Up, the newsletter from Alexander West. Check out the latest press, product and a promotion. Enjoy!
NEW Alexander West Ties! (designed by Thatcher Spring) - 20% Discount
Alexander West is now offering exquisite silk ties designed by Thatcher Spring. These ties embody the easy elegance and sophistication of those who seek fun and originality. These witty and sophisticated designs are created and printed in Italy on the highest quality silk and each tie is hand-sewn in New York City. Perfect for a casual night out or a day at the office, you are sure to leave a great impression wherever you go.
Alex says: "These ties will not disappoint you. Just like our shirts, they are very high quality. Designs are more young than Hermès ties and better quality than Ferragamo ties."
Click the tie to browse!
Alexander West's Latest Celebrity Sighting
Vincent Kartheiser ("Pete Campbell" of Mad Men) is wearing an Alexander West Tuxedo shirt at the SAG Awards (January 2009). Mad Men later won the award for Outstanding Performance by an ensemble.
Our Tuxedo shirts are available to the public yet, but stay tuned for more news.
Click Vincent for the Alexander West Press page.
Alexander West in the News
Alexander West made a big splash in 2008.
We had a magazine cover: Will Smith is wearing an Alexander West shirt on the December 2008 cover of Essence Magazine in addition to the full page spread on page 140.
We had our FIRST celebrity client: Will Smith wore an Alexander West shirt on his press junket for his movie "Seven Pounds".
We had an Editorial Review: In the December 2008 issue of Details Alexander West is mentioned in the style feature entitled The Virtual Tailor.
We were mentioned on TV: An Alexander West shirt was featured on a Good Morning America Now segment with Thrillist.
Click the picture for to see all the Alexander West Press for 2008.
On Inaugural Day, January 20, 2009 the most powerful man in the world wore his red power tie, so in honor of that event and in planning for Valentine's Day it is time for you to add to your collection of ties.
Sincerely,
Keisha
Alexander West
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