John M. Martynec
Vice President
Booth: 232
How would you define your collection? Describe the Southwick man.
Our collection is predominately American Traditional. The typical Southwick man is evolving from a mature professional male interested in American made natural shoulder clothing to a younger, more urban professional searching for clothing with a more youthful fit.
Which “must-have” item from your Fall/Winter 2012 collection will instantly update a man’s wardrobe?
The “must-have” item that we see for Fall 2012 is an unconstructed natural shoulder jacket in either a Harris Tweed or Scottish cashmere. Perfect for any occasion!
What do you think the next major shift in the menswear industry will be?
The next major shift in the menswear industry will be the casualization of dressing and the need to excel in mass customization. We have invested in creating a flexible workforce able to manufacture small runs and individual custom garments that are “Made in America” at great prices.
Are there any upcoming designer collaborations that Southwick is excited to mention?
We are pleased to announce that we will be entering in a joint collaboration with Todd Snyder for Fall 2012. We are extremely excited about this undertaking, which we feel will showcase the brand in a new manner.
What do you consider to be the world’s best fashion city for men and why?
By far, New York is the greatest fashion city for men. Anywhere you go you will see an entire gamut of fashion. With the amount of diversity present in New York, how can it not be anything but the best? Fashion is diversity and it is up to us to capture it through the products we make and sell.
From where do you draw inspiration?
Our inspiration is drawn from our heritage because we have been in business for 82 years. This vast archive gives us the opportunity to review, which in turn helps us to look forward. We also communicate with our retailers and end consumers to get a feel for what is relevant in today’s market.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
When I am not in New York or at our factories, I spend a great deal of time at home in the kitchen. Cooking has become almost as great of a passion as making beautiful clothing.
