Behind The Label: Issue No.8

INTERVIEW
WITH nathan johnson
by Caity Shreve | Photos by Robert Silver
Editor-In-Chief Robert Silver sits down with
Nathan Johnson, Co-Founder & Chief
Operating Officer of Artful Gentleman, to chat
about fashion and business in the Bay Area.
Nathan Johnson
Fashion Xchange Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Robert
Silver recently had the opportunity to sit down with
Nathan Johnson, the Co-Founder & Chief Operating
Officer of Artful Gentleman, to chat about fashion and
business in the Bay Area.
This San Francisco tailor shop does more than create
divine made-to-measure suits, they’re currently a mecca
for fashion-lovers who appreciate not only the enduring
style and quality bespoke suit, but also want to
fully immerse themselves in the experience of creating
the perfect look for themselves.
Mr. Johnson said proudly: “We secure our local clientele
because they enjoy the process so much. They
enjoyed learning about the fabrics. They enjoyed
learning about the manufacturing process. They enjoy
going through the first and second fitting to make sure
something is made exactly for them.”
Being a part of, and celebrating, the Bay Area fashion
scene has been a priority for them since day one and
they’ve had the pleasure of participating in a number
of local events and emerging designer fashion shows,
including San Francisco Fashion Week, SNOW, and San
Francisco’s Junior League Fashion Show.
They’ve even partnered with The Human Rights Campaign
to put on Suit Up For Equality the past two years
- A wonderful evening of fashion featuring local designers,
the proceeds from which go to support equality
for the American LGBT community.
14 | Fashion Xchange Magazine | Issue #8
Fashion Xchange was thrilled to attend the most recent
Suit Up For Equality event over the Summer and
witness the unveiling of Artful Gentleman’s latest collection
in person. Head designer Jake Wall showcased his
versatility & enviable talents with tuxedo inspired formalwear
featuring eye-catching colors and glossy satin lapels,
classic, lipstick-red slim fitting suits, and chic women’s suits
worn open so the audience got tantalizing peeks of the sexy
lace bras worn underneath.
With clientele ranging from 20 to 60, and encompassing
both men and women, Artful Gentleman has been making
waves since their launch in 2011, and found success in remaining
adaptable and allowing for their goals and ambitions
to change over time. In 2013 they joined a local fashion
incubator, the experience added depth and color to their
business plan, helped refine their vision, and allowed them
to blossom as a company, graduating from a fledgling startup
to a bona fide fashion business.
The fashion industry is an ever changing landscape and
Johnson is quick to impress the importance of organic
growth and flexibility: “We started out with a business model
that was completely different than what we are today. We
found what worked.” These are words of wisdom that any entrepreneur
should take to heart as they can easily be applied
to other industries and businesses - Creating a successful
company this day in age requires determination, dedication,
and resilience day after day.
What can we expect from Artful Gentleman in the future?
When asked about the company’s approach to national
growth and expansion, Johnson reiterated the importance
of keeping an open mind and being open to opportunities.
“Fashion is an evolution.”
On one hand, Artful Gentleman is determined to help put the
Bay Area fashion industry back onto the map. Johnson cited