Classic. Modern. Style. Thoughts.
This article was originally written in 2010 after Will Lisak, founder of ETWAS Bags first got in touch with OTC. It was in the form of a challenge. Will commented on a post about Jack Bauer’s bag, from the television show “24,” stating that his bag was tougher than Jack’s. After getting to know more…
In Part One of this column, we took a look at the philosophy and strategy behind the brand that is Vineyard Vines. Now, let’s look at the business side of that ubiquitous pink whale. A very important thing to note about Vineyard Vines is that they are opening brink-and-mortar stores while almost any other brand…
Vineyard Vines is everywhere. A classic American success story, the company, most associated with whimsical yest office compatible ties, was most recently feted in the long-anticipated follow up to The Original Preppy Handbook – TRUE PREP. In fact, TRUE PREP and TOPH author Lisa Birnbach worked together to promote the new book. In September, Vineyard…
I grew up sailing 420s on Long Island Sound and still have a real love of the water. Sailing, as with many physically challenging sports, makes you appreciate the quality and construction of your equipment and accessories. For example, Sperry topsiders are beloved by sailors because they actually work well and last. They look pretty…
What do Hermes and Nike have in common? When it comes to Nike’s golf division, a great deal. Last month I was Nike Golf’s guest at their remarkable R&D facility in Fort Worth, Texas. Not only were my eyes opened as far as golf technology is concerned, I have a whole new appreciation for Nike…
How do you reposition a brand that’s already successful in your home market for customers across the ocean? Take a page from the playbook of British apparel and accessories retailer Smart Turnout. OTC has long been an admirer of this creative and authentically English brand. Originally built around jumpers (sweaters to us Americans) executed in…
Down in Augusta, Georgia, the Master’s golf tournament just got underway. While it’s one of the world’s leading venues for any golfer, this year it’s all about Tiger Woods. I’ll bypass the obvious storyline here because I want to point out something else: what Tiger’s wearing and why. To the surprise of many, Nike, a…
Well, without a doubt a Spring here in the nation’s capitol. The cherry trees, a gift from the people of Japan to the people of the United States, are blooming across the city and tourists from around the world are flooding in. Though a little frustrating – please, please stand to the right on escalators…
Late last year Kyle Vucko, one of the co-founders of the online custom tailor Indochino, contacted Off The Cuff about reviewing one of their suits. I had heard of the company and read about their innovative business model in the Wall Street Journal. I had also read some other reviews, all of which generally have…
The crew from Monocle, one of OTC’s favorite global culture magazines, has joined forces with J. Crew, one of OTC’s favorite menswear labels. In the latest issue of J. Crew’s catalog, Monocle’s editor-in-chief Tyler Brûlé and several of his editors and staff are seen in Monocle’s London offices, styled through the eyes of J. Crew….