An Interview With Stan Rector
The Creator Of Rex Rector Apparel Inc.
(photos: Rex Rector)
Recently I attended the annual
Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards (CAFA) in Toronto - An important night to
acknowledge Canadians who have made spectacular achievements in the fashion
industry over the past year. It’s an honor to be invited again by CAFA as one
of the nominating committee members, and like every other Canadian fashion
event, it’s my mission to #WearCanadaProud. This year I had Vancouver-based
fashion duo Laurence & Chico to dress me for the second time at the
red carpet. But I wouldn’t forget to mention my black tie, which was by fellow
Calgarian-label Rex Rector. The
brand was launched in 2016. Currently the ties come in four main colors: black,
red, blue and purple, each packaged beautifully in Rex Rector box. The creator
of the company, Stan Rector has a
huge passion for fashion retail business. Though living in Florida now, I felt
wearing his tie brought a little piece of home with me. Before departing to
Toronto, I had an opportunity to listen to his story about how Rex Rector was
born.
my piece at the CAFA 2017
What brought you to start a men's apparel business?
“I have
always loved nice clothes from an early age. My parents couldn't afford to
dress me in brand name, so I think the fact that I couldn’t have them made me
want them so much more. Something about how they make you look and feel, is
comforting to me. It has always been a dream of mine to start my own
clothing line. I tried starting a line called Rex Wear when I was in my
early 20's. I was not happy with the sweatshirts that I had originally
made, unfortunately I felt defeated and unprepared so I decided to put it on
the back burner. Now fifteen years later I am ready to give it a second go, and I understand now the grind
it takes to get a company off the ground. I'm more prepared and
determined to make it work.”
Tell us a little bit about the Rex Rector Apparel Inc. What is
your mission and how is it unique?
“I think
I'm different because I am writing stories with each article of clothing that
we are going to make. I want there to be meaning behind the
clothing. So when people put on something I have made, there is an Idea
behind it. For example when they put on a red tie, they don’t just think its a
red tie that looks nice, they know is a power tie. I want it to make them
feel like there more powerful, when they walk in to a sales pitch or a
boardroom meeting. On top of this we have a great product and our
packaging kicks ass.”
There are currently four colors available - Will you be
launching more? How about other men's fashion accessories?
“We
started with a few ties mainly because that is how Ralph Lauren started his
empire, and was a huge inspiration behind this venture. On that note absolutely
we plan to come up with more, we are looking at ties with different
patterns and pocket squares. However our next products, that we are
prototyping right now are the made to measure suit and shirts. Were
working on suits that are going to have splashes of color in them that will
match are ties. I think it will really pop and be a little different than
what’s out there. Don't get me wrong things are great when they contrast, but I
love when they match.”
Currently where are you selling your products?
“Currently
we are selling online on our website at rexrector.ca and mostly in Canada. However we will
accept orders from anywhere. We are trying to get in with some retailers,
however those plans are just in the works.”
How do you promote the community to support local businesses?
“As of
now we promote the community by using local models, photographers and media
companies. Also we have teamed up with the local prostate research centre, who
we have committed 5% percent of our profits to.”
xx Do the things you are passionate about; Learn from ones who inspire you; Strive to become an expert at what you do xx
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