Beginning with nautical accessories, Kiel James Patrick has continued building his brand and gaining momentum with his strength in designing quality products for his distinct customer. With popularity comes demand, and to meet it Kiel and his brand will be moving production to a KJP factory. Evidence that the brand stands behind making American-made products. Kiel shared with me his inspiration, his past, and his unique way of advertising.
Skinny Suspenders: The Kiel James Patrick brand is preppy, nautical, right off the yacht, American chic. While many brands today are forcing that look because it’s becoming popular again, it’s the type of look that just comes naturally to you I presume?
Kiel: Rhode Island is the “Ocean State”. Our license plate has a giant anchor on it. Our state flag is the word “Hope” under an anchor & nautical rope. Newport’s nautical “Old New England” charm offered me an array of lifestyle/décor/style I simply admired. I personally feel there is something to be said for a product that is crafted in an environment that is true to the lifestyle aesthetic that a company is creating for the consumer.
America is full of skilled craftsman. My dream is to find as many of them as possible and put them to work. True authentic handcrafted details and quality are hard to find these days. As my line expands I will prove that classic originality, quality and brand integrity will position value to overcome price.
Skinny Suspenders: Many people will reject traditions in fashion if it is not presented and done in a modern, new way. How do you maintain the traditions of older times while still presenting people with looks and accessories that feel very right now?
Kiel: I seek quality materials, craftsmanship, and well thought out design. Any products that encompass these elements will in a sense always be in fashion as long as there is always a wise consumer who understands that classic originality, quality and brand integrity will position value to overcome price.
The brand really began taking off by word of mouth by friends and early customers of yours. Do you think the brand still relies on that?
Kiel: 100%. We have only paid for 2 ads in 5 years. Word of mouth is the future of commerce/ecommerce alongside the power of social networks. Word of mouth is true opinion right out of the consumer’s mouth versus a paid advertisement in which a company can control what they want.
Skinny Suspenders: Are all the products made in the U.S.?
Kiel: Actually they are currently 100% made in Rhode Island. I’ve been busier than ever these past few weeks. Why?? Drum roll…. And here it is… to be announced on Skinny Suspenders. We’re moving the KJP studio to the KJP factory this month through February and will be ready to begin producing all sorts of great treasures from here on out.
Skinny Suspenders: What made you decide to take everything you love about an all-American lifestyle and turn it into a brand that would continue to produce pieces for those who also shared a love for that lifestyle?
Kiel: Going to an all boy prep school demands you stick to a strict dress code that can get quite monotonous and boring quickly. After a whole year as a freshman throwing on the same blue blazers and khakis I was fed up and needed a change. The following year I decided to finally read my school’s handbook (school had my signature stating I had already read it through and through first week of 9th grade… but what kid in their right mind does that?) finding out the dress code was a little less strict than any of my classmates had all realized. The rules stated you were to wear a button down shirt, “appropriate dress pants”, necktie, dress shoes and a blazer.
Images flashed into my mind of Grandpa Henry taking me to the country club as a kid and marveling at all the men who had the audacity to rock brilliant pastel seersucker, bright madras, florals and conversational motif ties all in the same outfit. This “go to hell” look was exactly what was going to bring a bit more amusement to these lackluster days and shake things up a bit.
Rummaging through my Grandpa and family’s cedar closets I found an array of bright nautical motif ties, blazers that were truly “blazing”, and pants that Rodney Dangerfield in Caddy Shack would have been proud of. Showed up to class the next day and was a sensation. Thrift stores and friend’s grandparents’ closets were the next victims to raid and soon enough I was wheeling and dealing clothes out of my Jeep’s trunk to bring a bit of country, yacht club peacocking merriment to class.
Skinny Suspenders: It is probably too often said that in order to be current you have to have knowledge of the past, however it is one thing to know that, and quite another to take the time to do that. Was taking the time to research an important factor with creating and continuously updating the brand?
Kiel: Researching for me has been trips to Estate sales, antique stores and talking to old timers. I suppose it was time consuming but I never set time aside to do it. It’s just always been a part of my everyday routine.
Skinny Suspenders: Did you ever attend fashion school, or was this something you learned on your own?
Kiel: At 19, myself and Vickers were running our first business above my parents garage. We figured we’d invest our time and money in a business and discipline ourselves to learn from mistakes and experience.
I found the best teachers weren’t behind desks. I sought mentors at the top of the field I wished to pursue and found my own personal professors would teach me and give me hands on experience out of respect, while I saved a bundle on hard earned cash I could use toward business. Successful Americans were my professors, America was my classroom and I was the professor that demanded I go home at night and learn.
Skinny Suspenders: Where can people go currently to buy the KJP brand?
Kiel: The world can go to our website http://www.KielJamesPatrick.com and either purchase online or find a store near them using our store locator.
Skinny Suspenders: What’s been your favorite part of creating your own brand?
Kiel: To look out at the world like a window and quickly begin to see traces of my reflection in it.