Today we’d like to introduce you to Craig Arthur Von Schroeder.
Hi Craig Arthur, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The brand began back in 2008 when I was practicing law in Philadelphia. I saw so many poorly dressed attorneys. I myself could not find clothing that fit well. With my years of playing soccer professionally in England and South America I understood that clothing can and should fit the individual. So I set out to find local tailors to make a proper fitting shirt. And that unlocked a whole new concept of taking on the entire wardrobe – first professionally with suits, blazers, trousers – and over time we pivoted to include casual clothing like denim, leather jackets, and knitwear. Everything we offer is made in the United States. Which is why our label proudly says “Forever Made in USA.”
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Every market is different – from Philadelphia to Atlanta to DC and NYC. So keeping a consistent brand message but also connecting with unique cultural differences everywhere we have a private retail footprint is a challenge. Covid obviously was a seminal moment. We survived, and are now thriving again, because we stayed true to our mission of making the best-fitting custom clothing, providing top-notch service, and keeping our clients’ needs in mind. Men continue to evolve, and so do we.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What makes Commonwealth Proper special is that it was founded with a clear belief: American men deserve clothing that is both uncompromising in quality and reflective of who they truly are. We’ve built the brand around craftsmanship, precision, and individuality. Every suit, shirt, and jacket is made in the U.S., cut to the client, and infused with details that elevate the experience beyond clothing—it’s a philosophy. What separates CMMP is not just the garments themselves, but the way we approach tailoring as a modern, personal art form rather than a commodity. Our clients aren’t just buying clothes; they’re investing in pieces of themselves, made properly to last.
My journey has always been driven by a mix of creativity, curiosity, and grit. I started out in law, which gave me a grounding in discipline and structure, but I always had this creative pull toward design and storytelling. Founding Commonwealth Proper was about merging those two worlds—precision and artistry. I didn’t come from fashion’s traditional path; I carved my own, learning by doing, seeking out the best makers, and refining a vision for what modern American tailoring could be. That willingness to question the old formulas and build something from scratch is what shaped both me and the company.
As a creative, my skill set is wide and always evolving. I approach clothing not just as product design but as part of a broader narrative: branding, visual identity, and lifestyle. I see how every detail connects—whether it’s the architecture of a shoulder line, the copy in an ad, or the experience of walking into one of our showrooms. I’m fluent in both the strategic and the tactile, able to go from sketching an idea to shaping the way it’s told in the marketplace. Ultimately, what I bring to CMMP is the ability to create a cohesive world around the clothes—where craftsmanship, story, and culture intersect to give our clients something they can’t get anywhere else.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
At Commonwealth Proper, we believe that style should be as private and personal as your signature. That’s why every appointment is one-on-one with our experienced Wardrobe Advisors, who guide you through a process that is both refined and discreet. We take the time to understand not just your measurements, but your lifestyle—how you work, how you travel, how you want to be perceived. It’s an experience that is equal parts collaborative and transformative, designed so you walk away with clothing that makes you feel confident, sharp, and unmistakably yourself.
For anyone who has ever wondered what it’s like to have a wardrobe crafted entirely around them, the answer is found in our showrooms. This isn’t off-the-rack; it’s a private journey into tailoring at the highest level. When you sit down with us, you’re not just buying clothes—you’re investing in the best version of yourself. Clients leave not only looking better, but carrying themselves differently. That’s the power of a proper wardrobe. The best way to understand it is to experience it firsthand—book an appointment, step inside our world, and see how good “proper” can really feel.
Pricing:
- Suiting – $2450+
- Shirts – $395+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cmmpusa.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonwealthproper/
Image Credits
Photography: @pushnik_photo, @mi_parente, @stevewestphoto
Models: @mr_nils, @akinjaiye, Ryan Ware
