Koch House of Design

There are different ways into the future. I figure, why not get there in style. Do you want a souvenir or an heirloom? I am much more interested in timeless design than rotating fashion. Even so, I do enjoy riding the trending wave now and then! Do dreams drive me to reality, or does reality drive me to dream? The laws of nature underlying artistic effects: A. Unity B. Rhythm C. Balance D. Harmony E. Subordination F. Proportion The best of art and craft is always in the details. Most tailors take themselves too seriously… and some their craft not seriously enough. Routine is the best discipline for the artist, but spontaneity best for the routined. There is a wonderful tradition of American bespoke tailoring that has been too often overshadowed by the romance of British Saville Row, the Italian sartorial traditions, etc. BESPOKE is RELATIONSHIP I am finally making peace with being the comic relief in God’s story. The east and west coasts should not speak for the midwest. We have our own voice and unique perspective of not only the United States, but also of the world. The world of fashion is no exception. It has been said that there is no distinction between art and life. As teachers of artistry and craftsmanship, we don’t produce artists and artisans, but rather endeavor to birth responsible human beings who communicate life through their medium. In doing so, we don’t teach people what they should be, but teach them how to become who they are. Should we build a like-minded community? I don’t know yet. Certainly we should build a community based on “those things which there is no law against.” Textiles eventually became disrespected at Goshen College. Textiles at GC may have survived had it not been driven so singularly within the present educational culture. Art can, and maybe should have a message or goal, but it shouldn’t be shunned for being beautiful either. Embrace what it is. Don’t fret over what it’s not. Moments of Clarity Damn I like to be on the road! One thing that I’m missing that Jeff constantly has is the advantage of driving time. When I hit the road I find clarity! Jeff gets that kind of time several days a week. I do not. Indianapolis was a gift for me to remind me and recognize that I always find clarity when I am on the road. I need colleagues, a team, and I like to have people around me that want to succeed and do their best. Also, I am definitely more fruitful when I have an army to direct. Ironically, I like to serve. I am a “pleaser” but only to my partners or superiors. I know this from my experience working in academia. I have always been looked at as the orchestrator by other. I am one that likes to take charge in my areas of expertise. We talked about selling the experience. I am convinced that the experience is the most important part of bespoke. I don’t know if I am conveying that. Also I need to make more notes exploring what that is and how to achieve it. Need to define the climate and environment where that can succeed! Jeff asks what my vision is… thinking about my “vision” for what I want to do… I know that want to make the highest quality garments possible. Garments that will stand up to anything globally. It’s a very tall task and not one that I’m sure will be achieved by doing MTM. This is where it gets fuzzy again. There is much more room for MTM in the mens market of course, so… what to do… ? I think that when I hear the right vision, I will back it with everything I’ve got. Fuzzy Thinking Chicago, Charleston, Naples, Indianapolis………Jeff mentions many places. I want it. But I want to do the right ones. Thinking hard about whether we need a brick & mortar and if so, where that should be. I am not sure whether Jeff has changed his mind about the whole idea, but it felt very much that way when I walked away on Sunday. Most of my thoughts driving home were in contemplation over that. Jeff seems to want to build a global MTM or RTW business. I need to hear his vision more clearly. I can’t be what he wants me to be if that is the case. I can do the bespoke world.  Why have I let so many people take advantage of me over the years? And repeatedly! Childhood experiences for sure… fear maybe… I need other to do what I can’t do though. Where would I be without sales for example… grrr I am so angry for letting that happen