We can all agree that the modern shopping experience leaves much to be desired. From online shopping, to the impersonal transaction of mall shopping, add in a youthful cashier to aid and advise, there is little heart remaining in the art of modern clothiers. We are reminded of the off-the-rack suiting options displayed prominently in bulk at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, or Saks. Yet, we yearn for the custom-tailored suit experiences that stars like George Clooney enjoy on the silver screen. The commercialization of our clothing industry has placed greater value on quantity rather than quality, cheapening the way men have bought their garments and suits. In fact, it’s even safe to say that the modern Nobleman has been robbed of the curated tailoring experience and style our fathers and grandfathers enjoyed…that is of course, unless you know where to look and who to look for.
Meet Giuseppe de Corato, a master clothier, and an experience in and of itself. From the moment you walk into his custom clothier boutique, de Corato Atelier in NYC, you are greeted with old-world Italian charm and gracious hospitality while you’re welcomed by a bevy of options for refreshments. Having chosen the cappuccino, I sat back into a plush Italian leather chair awaiting an afternoon of possibility with the rich aromas of roasted coffee filling the room.
And so the afternoon began. De Corato Atelier is not a traditional retail store – it’s a relaxed atmosphere where you can feel at home, and Giuseppe’s approach to making things comfortable and conversational as he gets to know each client to understand their taste and lifestyle is a breath of fresh air in today’s world of fast fashion. Giuseppe and I discussed upcoming events, the types of clothes and colors I tended to favor. Perhaps, some items I was daring enough to explore: a mustard yellow sport coat and the forums to brandish such a loud garment. As the afternoon went on, Giuseppe shared many of his own anecdotes of his deep familial history and his erudite experiences. He speaks of his travels, the restaurants, and the scenery as if he were a filmmaker placing you in the moment as he interlaces his fashion choices. Giuseppe establishes friendships with each of his clients, making it effortless to call him directly about a fashion choice for an important event or even reorder from your dossier of measurements. When was the last time you had that relationship with a retailer?
Giuseppe’s inspiration is drawn from classic films and the most stylish gentlemen he works with around the world, in fact, he likens many scenes from films for client garment choices. “Quite often I catch myself rewinding a movie scene that caught my eye and I know that this is that precise moment when my imagination takes a flight and I start researching products and fabrics to then share with my clients.” Just as you begin to forget you are actually shopping, being regaled with stories transporting you like a cinematic adventure, he inspires you with a wardrobe concept. You are entranced by the captivating nature of this curated experience, then he reaches for the first garment. The measuring tape is outstretched and books of custom materials are displaced for sampling: this is shopping for the Nobleman.
Each De Corato piece is handcrafted from the finest Italian fabrics and produced at the highest quality mills in Italy. From the cashmere lined (weather-resistant suede) leather coat to the blue super 150 wool tuxedo with a black satin pique lapel, de Corato offers complete head-to-toe looks and accessories for the most discerning customer. The sensibility of the collection is refined as stylish and modern, with a nod to the past traditions of fine Italian tailoring.
“Dressing for success is a positive expression of self-esteem. It is important to remember that classic style with contemporary appeal is full of positive personality,” says Giuseppe. We couldn’t agree more.
Words By by Joseph E. Jurewicz
