Today we’d like to introduce you to Demetri Nicholas.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Demetri. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
First off, I want to say thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
I have always had an appreciation and eye for design and the arts. This talent and passion led me to attend Columbia College Chicago, where I majored in Fashion Design and Retail Management with a minor in Costume Design. While attending school, I had the opportunity to work at Marshall Field’s — first, in the visual department creating eye-catching displays throughout the flagship State Street store. I later transitioned into the alterations department to hone my technical skills and worked amongst some of the finest tailors and seamstresses in Chicago. Word of my newly found tailoring skill spread among friends, the referrals began, and they keep coming to this day. As more and more clients requested custom pieces, I decided in 2010 to establish myself as a brand — Demetrius Nicholas. Every day, I thank God to have the opportunity to practice what I love.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road never leads to anything truly worth the journey.
I love challenges as each provides a new opportunity to learn and further develop my skills. True tailoring is a dying art. I have been blessed with a number of mentors who continue to share their knowledge from careers of 40+ years in the industry.
One of the biggest challenges I face daily is our current social mentality of disposable fashion. Educating my clients on the difference in material quality and the various forms of construction quality versus what is being sold in the mass market can be challenging. I source my materials from the top cloth mills in England and Italy and hand-tailor all of my suits and shirts here in the States.
Properly fitting garments constructed from a quality material should last you a lifetime if properly cared for. One may argue who “would want something that long as styles change?” My response is a well-fitting garment and your personal confidence never go out of style. I personally believe in quality over quantity. Building a wardrobe of go-to pieces that reflect your personal style and fit only makes getting dressed more effortless.
Demetrius Nicholas – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Most of my business is tailored menswear including, but not limited to, custom suits, sportscoats, trousers, dress and casual button-down shirts and polos. I do tailored womenswear as well. There is something about the structure, history, and parameters within tailored clothing that appeals to me. I am an extremely disciplined individual — perhaps a bit too meticulous and detail-oriented at times (just ask my wife). But then again, that trait only aids in the precision of my work.
Alteration work, when done properly, is a true art form in and of itself. It is a great way to update an existing wardrobe. I personally enjoy alterations as it is a way to examine the countless construction methods to build a garment.
My minor in Costume Design has given me the opportunity to network within Chicago’s thriving film industry. In addition to my private clients, it is a true pleasure working with the talented costume designers and supervisors for several local television shows and movies to bring their concepts to life. Chances are if you watch any of the locally filmed, major network shows, you have seen my work.
I am a designer and tailor who operates by appointment only. This is not to say I will never open a storefront, but for now, my philosophy is we are all busy. I want to meet my clients where and when it is most convenient for them and build them wardrobes that effortlessly work within their lifestyle. Meeting a client at their home or office also provides an opportunity for me to better visualize their lifestyle and garment needs. As vain as it may be, we all base our first impressions visually. Our wardrobe is the third most important component just below our genuine smile and confidence.
As a designer, I pay attention to current, past, and future trends. This enables me to direct my clients in garment choices that complement their body type and will not date themselves. As a tailor, I have the working knowledge of garment anatomy and strive to cut and construct each garment at the highest level of craftsmanship. All of my suits and shirts are cut and sewn in the USA by fellow tailors and seamstresses who meet my standards of garment construction.
In addition to garments, I have recently partnered with a custom shoe factory in Spain to build custom shoes and leather accessories for my clients.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Looking back at where I started versus where I am today. The friends I have met in the industry, the knowledge and skills I have gained, and all of my happy clients. I am not a traditional salesman, though it is part of the job. I view my success by the feeling of confidence I bring my clients when they model (wear) my clothes. There is nothing more gratifying than seeing a client look in the mirror. They may be silent, but their confidence can be felt through their demeanor. Your wardrobe is an investment. People will take notice of your presence when you walk into a room. Treat yourself to the confidence of custom.
Contact Info:
- Website: DemetriusNicholas.com
- Phone: 937.387.7099
- Email: Demetri@DemetriusNicholas.com
Image Credit:
Kelsey Stapleton Photography
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