Once cited by a social media news website as one of the "5 Companies Changing the Way We Shop", New York- and Dubai-based Knot Standard is starting to make waves in the made to measure or tailored suit marketplace.
Founded in 2010, Knot Standard is an online bespoke clothing company that makes customized clothing including suits, shirts, blazers and slacks for men. It combines the latest in cutting edge technology with the skills and talents of a master tailor to deliver customers the perfect fit - and as the company guaranteed - every time.
"We take pride in every single item of clothing we construct," said Knot Standard CEO Matt Mueller. "We invest 100% in getting the absolute perfect fit for each individual customer and we take very seriously our customer satisfaction."
In August 2012, news website Mashable reported that Knot Standard, following the launch of its ecommerce site, was one of five companies leading big changes in the shopping scene.
"The site offers various options for users to customize their suits, including different colors, fabrics, and cuts. The 360-spin photography allows users to see the finished suit from each angle, and advisors are available 24/7 to help with any questions. By bringing the fitting process online, the site is revolutionizing the way we shop for and customize more complex clothing items," the article noted.
DIGITIZING THE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mueller said Knot Standard's value proposition is straight forward: Allowing gents from all over the globe access to a world of talented tailors. Knot Standard offers handmade bespoke suits at price points that customers would usually pay for an off-the-rack, run-of-the-mill suit.
Upping the stakes, Knot Standard uses innovative 3D imaging via webcam to get the most perfect measurements for clients and laser cutting technology at the workshop to ensure each suit is cut to fit the individual customer.
The company boasts the perfect fit, individual style, and impeccable tailoring in the clothing they produce. "The key to being well dressed is always fit and that's what gives Knot Standard a competitive edge. We don't use patterns. Each bespoke suit is cut directly from a bolt of cloth to the measurements of the individual customer. We like to joke that our suits come in just one size - yours," Mueller said.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Using fine Italian and English fabrics (such as Reda, Vitale Barberis Canonico, Filarte, Scabal, Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana and Holland & Sherry), Knot Standard's suits are handmade by their skilled master tailors, who begin cutting the suit to the customer's profile immediately after an order has been placed and measurements have been specified.
The company does not use fabrication machines and every customer has his own profile or pattern, both digitally and on canvas. Each suit is bespoke, meaning it is hand-cut and custom made from a single piece of wool to the customer's specifications. Customers can also request special customizations from jacket slits and embroidery to pant styles.
Bespoke advisors are on hand 24/7 to help guide customers through the measurement process. They can also advise on suit types, fabric choice, slim versus traditional fit and an array of fashionable options including contrast color buttonholes, peak versus shawl collar lapels or spread versus straight collars.
On their website, the company insists that they are "vehemently against sweatshops, and find that a master tailor is worth their weight in gold when your suit fits perfectly and feels truly luxurious."
Attention to detail and quality are crucial to each Knot Standard suit and the company promises the delivery of bespoke orders within three to four weeks and offering a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
VENTURE CAPITAL INVESTMENT
After securing funding from the United States, Europe and the Middle East, Knot Standard has shown an impressive 35% month-on-month growth for 2013.
MENA ventures investment follows an angel round of funding earlier in the year, from current and former partners of prestigious institutions such as Aramex's CEO Fadi Ghandour.
© Zawya BusinessPulse 2013
