Today we’d like to introduce you to Marcus A White.
Marcus, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My exposure to fashion came from my father. He owned his own men’s clothing store, Don’s for Men. Many years later, my nephew and I found out my father was the first African-American to have a store on the main drag in Palm Springs and Cathedral City, CA in the 1970’s. One of the memories I have is when I was around ten years old, I went to the store to help but I was really looking at the all the clothes I was going to ask my father to purchase for me. That’s when it clicked with me that I loved fashion. I found my passion for fashion in 2017 while on a writing assignment in Vietnam for Griots Republic Magazine; that’s when Larnell Alan was birthed.
As a former collegiate athlete and a man with a unique body, it is hard to get clothing over my thighs, butt, arms, and shoulders. So many people have the same problem of fitting into clothes that are too big or too small when buying off the rack then paying a tailor to have them altered. And the thought of buying bespoke clothing seems out of reach for their budget. It doesn’t have to be that way. Larnell Alan was created to work with our client’s budget and give them the look they desire. We also work with small and medium-size businesses to help them source their linen and leather fabric needs.
My brother Prentice and I came up with the name Larnell Alan back in 2001. The name derives from our middle names, Prentice Larnell and Marcus Alan. At the time we wanted a name that was both classy and exquisite, which I think we achieved. It’s amazing to think the name wouldn’t be used until 16 years later.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The obstacles and challenges I have faced have been numerous. I do not have a background in fashion or design, nor did I have any understanding of the process of how clothes are made. So, I moved to Vietnam.
Finance was another challenge. I only had money that I had saved in my savings and money market accounts. I borrowed from friends, family, and used all the money I had to travel around the world and meet manufacturers, tour their facilities, had them teach me about how their business works, attend trade-shows and learn the fashion industry supply chain.
Tell us about your company. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of as a company? What sets you apart from others?
Real Tailoring for Unique Sizes. Larnell Alan is a consumer-centric company that customizes style, favorite cuts, and uses the best quality fabrics and leathers to fit our client needs. Our on-demand business model works on an efficient timeline while promoting sustainability. We use micro-factories and a pool of freelancers (designers, tailors, etc.) from around the world to create every product. Each is focused on creativity, innovation, work-life balance, and supply chain transparency. We are aware of how consumers pull products into the market and how they crave new, different, and authentic goods.
Larnell Alan design suits, blazers, and slacks for those who are not standard and have unique bodies who don’t fit the mainstream societal mode. Men with athletic shapes or big & tall who need a customized suit to look exquisite when stepping out for business or leisure.
Larnell Alan men are not so sensible for fashion but love looking good. They have a knack for fabrics, style and are modest who don’t desire the attention they receive. For them luxury is not just a logo or a brand, it’s wearing clothes made by a company concerned about them, that listens to their needs, and gets involved in their social or sustainability concerns.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Found a mentor in finance and in fashion.
Pricing:
- Please visit our website for prices
Contact Info:
- Website: www.larnellalan.com
- Email: info@larnellalan.com
- Instagram: @larnellalan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShopLarnellAlan/
Image Credit:
Claire Hart Photography
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