There are hundreds upon hundreds of men's fashion designers. Walking through malls and on New York's finest shopping avenues can be a little overwhelming with the ever-growing and wide selection of high-fashion clothing surrounding you. However, our job to find something exciting was simple because once Robert Graham's clothing caught our eye, it was plain to see that this brand has so much to offer. With its sophisticated, eclectic styling and gorgeous and colorful fabrics and patterns, Robert Graham's collections are in a category all by themselves.
Since the line launched in 2001 by co-founder Robert Stock, Robert Graham has created luxury on the premise of introducing sophisticated, eclectic style to the fashion market as an American-based company with an intention of inspiring a global movement. His clothing is fun, hip, witty and made with the highest quality fabrics and detailing. Robert Graham operates freestanding stores in 30 locations nationwide. The brand also sells at luxury department stores and boutiques, and it has showrooms located in New York City, Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. In 2014, Robert Graham received the "Menswear Brand of the Year" award from the American Apparel & Footwear Association. The full breadth of the Robert Graham collection features knitwear, sport shirts, denim, swimwear, outerwear, and accessories with a laser focus on the rich details that are intrinsic to the brand.
Robert Stock is most proud of Robert Graham’s loyal customer base. "How many other brands do you know where a cocktail party conversation centers around the men competing over the number of limited edition shirts they own from Robert Graham? How many other brands do you know where men buy three of the same shirt so they can have one in each home they own and visit? It’s remarkable!"
He also mentioned that their approach to fashion design extends beyond the literal theme of cleverly and intricately mixed fabrics, trims and embellishments. And that their design aesthetic includes style offerings that range from “core” [staple pieces] to “fashion basic” [a step up from a core piece, with more detail and pattern] to “fashion” [colorful clothing with a nod to current trends], and provides a breadth of options across the fashion spectrum. "From here, we’re continuing to expand our product categories with the launch of loungewear, fragrance and tailored clothing collections in the fall," he stated.
Robert also said, "Innovative techniques used by our design team include laser cut trims in place of traditional embroidery–a technique that diversifies Robert Graham’s cuffs and neckbands from the rest of the industry–and double-cloth jacquards on many limited-edition styles. We also achieve photorealistic jacquards by playing with different weave structures, emphasizing the highs and lows of fabric. Color is used to accentuate the varying weaves, creating a rich textured look on the sport shirts. Other techniques for jacquards include double beams, satin/sateen [warp/weft-faced weaves], satin overlays, engineered repeats, and using specialty yarns like such as mélange, nap, and slub. [We also like to put] quotations under the collars, referencing literary, musical and philosophical icons."
Robert also said, "Innovative techniques used by our design team include laser cut trims in place of traditional embroidery–a technique that diversifies Robert Graham’s cuffs and neckbands from the rest of the industry–and double-cloth jacquards on many limited-edition styles. We also achieve photorealistic jacquards by playing with different weave structures, emphasizing the highs and lows of fabric. Color is used to accentuate the varying weaves, creating a rich textured look on the sport shirts. Other techniques for jacquards include double beams, satin/sateen [warp/weft-faced weaves], satin overlays, engineered repeats, and using specialty yarns like such as mélange, nap, and slub. [We also like to put] quotations under the collars, referencing literary, musical and philosophical icons."
He founded Robert Graham because he felt menswear, at the time, was somewhat boring, and thought developing a more lively, vibrant collection would help spice up the American men’s market. Through the years, they've stayed true to their design aesthetic, but now have a much larger team and more time to put into creating very intricate, handcrafted prints from the most luxurious fabrics.
Robert Graham also has "The Collector’s Club" whichi is a loyalty program designed to reward customers for any Robert Graham item purchased at every price level (from $1 to $50,000). Collectors are rewarded with signature perks and access to one-of-a-kind brand experiences based on their tier of membership. such as a sneak peek of an upcoming collection, an exclusive personal shopping stylist and the privilege of selecting and naming a limited-edition shirt, just to name a few.This holiday season they have lots of favorites to keep your spirits and discerning style uplifted. Here is what we think is the best of Robert Graham's winter collection. And, of course, each item is meticulously finished by hand with the utmost attention paid to detail...
Kellen Sport Coat in Burgundy. WOW. Crush it in velvet with this stand-out two-button matched lapel sport coat with its embossed paisley print on a fine mini-card velvet texture.
Downhill Sport Coat. Gorgeous. This sleek, tailored fit sport coat is made from pure wool in a mini pique, solid tone on tone.
Shuttle Sweater. This take-anywhere 100% cotton cable knit sweater emits casual elegance. We also love how it softens the more you wear it.
Orion Arm Sport Shirt. This is a great button-down classic and comfortable fit shirt that can be worn untucked for a looser fit, showing off even inch of the shirt's detailing.
Gunther Knit Sport Coat. This modern two-button sport coat touts a soft waffle geometric knit pattern with a shawl rib inset for comfort, sophistication and warmth.
Cullen Sport Shirt. This modern and relaxed dress shirt will have you looking elegant with its fine jacquard design, and its interior neck band and cuffs that are lined in a coordinating geometric design. In beautiful colors! Love the Rose!
Mattingly Shawl Cardigan. This 100% pure cotton herringbone shawl cardigan is adorned with contrast heather elbow patches lined in terrycloth and it's every man's essential staple.
Extra Fine Merino Wool Sweaters. We love sweaters, especially when they stand out in a crowd. And Robert Graham has great sweaters, lots of them. Some of our favorites this season are:
Kranz Knit Henley. Lunar Module 1/4 zip (shown in Beige). Poole 1/4 Zip (shown in Grey). Terzo Long Sleeve Sweater (in gorgeous, vibrant colors). Este Long Sleeve Sweater Polo. Buzz Long Sleeve Knit Full Zip (shown in Beige) - It's the perfect, most comfortable sweater for a casual evening out.
Nomads Tee. This is one of our favorite wardrobe staple in Robert Graham's collections. Simple yet unique. Each soft and luxurious heather tee is made of 60% cotton and 40% modal which results in less shrinking, is smooth and soft and more water-absorbent. Love them and there are lots of great colors to choose from. They're great and go with everything.
The Milo Pant. Who doesn't love a great pair of relaxed pants. Enhance your collection with these great pants that are crafted in a classic and tailored fit for ease and comfort. Choose from five colors, or get them all!
Denim Collection. You can never have enough denim in your closet and Robert Graham will make sure that you stock up in style. Whether you want classic or tailored fits, patterns or solids, Robert Graham has what you're looking for.
Micah Knit Pant. For those casual evenings in or out where you just want bottoms that are comfortable yet great-looking, the Micah Knit Pant is your guy. With its ribbed waistband, varied mesh lined pockets, knee darts and contrast stitching throughout, this is one dutifully functional pant with a double diamond heat transfer logo in the back.Boxers. Another item you can never get enough of. And who ever said that boxers need to be boring? Robert Graham's are anything but. With great graphics, patterns, and fabric quality, these are as good as it gets.
Robert Graham is our favorite menswear designer this year, and we don't see that changing any time soon.
www.robertgraham.us