Startups
What inspired you to go into the pocket square business?
I have always been a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit ever since I could remember. If it was already done, I wanted nothing to do with it…if it already existed…the question in my head was “how can I make it better?” I had previously started two other companies and sold my last one the year before. Running my own companies and meeting with incubators frequently called for business dressy attire and I absolutely had to look sharp. I needed to embody the vision that I was portraying and truly hone into the impression I was giving off to potential investors and collaborations. Little by little I started to learn more and more about how to dress, the cuts, the colors, patterns, fabrics, etc. I made the leap to custom which really invigorated my hunger for being creative, classy, chic, bold…different….custom…bespoke. There was one problem though, the suits were great, the tie selection was massive, I became enthralled in a whirlwind of amazing designer belts and shoes, but something was just missing. My complete outfit just looked a bit “off” and I wasn’t even aware of it until I stumbled across some linen plain squares being offered as part of the bespoke experience. I mean…they were very plain but wow did they stay in the pocket quite nicely. From that point on, my wife and I were on a mission to find more of these little gems. I wanted colors, designs, variety, and options…yet we couldn’t seem to find anything, anywhere! We did find white linen – literally – only white linen squares that had absolutely no depth, dimension or character to them. How many white pocket squares can a person own? So my wife and I came to the realization that… “hey…if you can’t find them, make them!” My yearning to create and my wife’s passion for creativity, fashion and styling truly catapulted Sebastian Cruz Couture into the men’s fashion market
How did you come up with the name Sebastian Cruz Couture?
There actually was no back and forth with the decision to name the brand. My wife has loved the name Sebastian for half her lifetime. When she was a teenager she had a favorite movie in which a character was named Sebastian and since then she has always wanted to name our child (if it’s a boy) Sebastian. Cruz was for our last name and couture meaning elite, high end, designer. We toyed with the idea of whether that was the right name and we both loved it. While watching a TV show episode (based on lifestyle and fashion of course) we were discussing whether that would definitely be it and at that moment a new character was introduced named Sebastian. If that wasn’t a sign, I’m not sure what was. Following that, we began to see that name everywhere: our neighborhood, on our street, moms calling their kids with that name, just everywhere. So we definitely knew it was right.
Where do you find your fabrics for the collections?
We really spared no expenses whatsoever from the get go. We started small – we went to a nearby exclusive importer who carried beautiful fabrics from Italy and they were on another level from what we had seen out there. The prices we on another level too as you can imagine! But we started with 7 designs and scaled from there. We then began to expand, scouting more fabrics, finding the best manufacturers and sources and even traveled to distant places just for best fabric selection. We also sourced Turkish 100% combed mercerized cotton of the finest quality which we used for creating an amazing, distinctively unique and bold border to each square.
What do your customers love about Sebastian Cruz Couture?
The main feedback we get from our customers is just how excited they are when they wear our products. The thing is – they had no idea that pieces such as these were even possible because it hadn’t been introduced to the markets at all. So technically, they didn’t know that they didn’t know…until we showed that what was missing. Then it becomes addicting. The compliments our customers receive while wearing our products completely surpasses anything they have ever experienced before. The way that their complete look is brought together by one simple yet intricate and unique item really is quite a beautiful thing. According to them, it’s a “game changer.”
Describe the public’s reaction to your products since Sebastian Cruz Couture launched.
This really is a double-sided question to be honest. We entered this market back when it was completely unsaturated and there was no demand… or at least there was no awareness that there was a demand. So we had the beautiful task of creating one. When you introduce something bold and disruptive into a calm and filtered environment, there will 9 times out of 10 be resistance. Many retail stores were uncertain if they wanted to carry our brand from the get go because they really didn’t know if it would sell and if there would be any demand for it at all. For any new emerging brand, the industry is already difficult to penetrate so imagine something completely different that poses a potential threat to the established brands. The second reaction was in response to price… I mean, people were just not used to paying top dollar for something like pocket squares. And third was the bold and very out there design and the way the squares would stick out. Most retail stores were used to dainty little pieces that were simply remnants of unused fabrics they decided to cut, roll and voila- profitable pocket square!
Not here- its what we do, it’s our specialty and it’s our main focus!
So, fast forward to starting to style our looks, get our pieces out there and onto clients, people were LOVING it! The reality was that people were tired of purchasing amazing bespoke suits and then pairing it with accessories that wouldn’t have much of an impact. It’s almost as if you purchase a 300k Ferrari and only spending 3k on a set of wheels that are considered to be “off the rack.” Most people will spend 15k on a custom set of wheels that takes 8 weeks to make. It totally dulls down and mutes the voice of the outfit and ultimately, the voice of who we are. The reactions and response from our clients and their peers were second to none. That’s when we were assured that we had something truly special.
In what ways has the pocket square industry changed since Sebastian Cruz Couture launched?
Since Scc launched in 2014, we have seen a tremendous growth and a rising demand for bold, unique accessories. When we started, it wasn't a test or a gradual thing like getting the feet wet before we immersed our products. It was more like a cannonball jump - make a huge splash and create a wave! I think that once people saw the possibilities of looking razor sharp in these modern days, they really wanted to hop on and ride the wave. To be honest, we still encounter those who are on the border of taking the dive and we just tell them to give it one shot...if they don't like what they see and feel then by all means the door is open and we will gladly take the products back. There hasn't been one unsatisfied client....we call it "turning," almost like a vampire, if you will ;) once you're in...you're in! The industry, once resistant to change and risk has started to see and appreciate the demand. So naturally, the next steps were to supply and we have begun to see doors open and some begin to crack ajar. We have a bit of a ways to go but I would say judging thus far, it has been a hugely successful and influential impact.
How quickly did it take for SCC to have a presence in seven countries and what has that journey been like?
Well it all started with the franchise model. This empowered entrepreneurs to be a part of a brand that has been successful at creating a movement based on inspiration; “something that can easily become a culture” they would describe. It took about 6months for the franchise model to explode. I would say most of our franchisees we attracted within the first 6 months. We stopped selling franchises in the U.S. as we wanted to have full control of the brand, but overseas we still actively sell. This allows us to reach people globally without hoping on a plane and starting from scratch in a new market.
In what ways have pocket squares replaced the traditional tie?
For the longest time, the staple go to piece for any sort of vibrancy and uniqueness for a man’s ensemble was the always-trusty tie. And looking back on the decades preceding current day, I can truly say, "what were they thinking" when they designed some of these oh-so-stylish ties.
But as I always say, everything old becomes new again...with a twist. In this ever changing, fast paced trend based world, let's look back for a minute to some of the key pieces in men's attire that really screamed the word "gentleman." Ties are great - for the office, for meetings, business causal and semi formal events. But what about the rest of the time? Let's not disregard the fact that ties and bow ties can sometimes be a bit...constraining. Especially on a hot summer day or when you have fifty other layers of clothing. So what is there really other than the tie to really pull together a man’s ensemble? There are the shoes of course, belt, sometimes a lapel pin. Nonetheless, the upper portion of a mans torso is left looking bare and dull. So in came the pocket square, which slowly began its re-emergence into modern day several years ago. Still yet, something was missing and it was the bold factor. Sebastian Cruz Couture has taken the Gatsby era, tied it in with modern day...given it a twist of James dean and really re-created the wheel. With these fashion forward pieces, there's no longer a need for a tie. Casual has never looked so snazzy and dressy has never looked so bold. Think about it - women get all the goodies to play with...handbags, shoes galore, makeup, hair accessories, jewelry, and the list goes on.
I have always been a self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit ever since I could remember. If it was already done, I wanted nothing to do with it…if it already existed…the question in my head was “how can I make it better?” I had previously started two other companies and sold my last one the year before. Running my own companies and meeting with incubators frequently called for business dressy attire and I absolutely had to look sharp. I needed to embody the vision that I was portraying and truly hone into the impression I was giving off to potential investors and collaborations. Little by little I started to learn more and more about how to dress, the cuts, the colors, patterns, fabrics, etc. I made the leap to custom which really invigorated my hunger for being creative, classy, chic, bold…different….custom…bespoke. There was one problem though, the suits were great, the tie selection was massive, I became enthralled in a whirlwind of amazing designer belts and shoes, but something was just missing. My complete outfit just looked a bit “off” and I wasn’t even aware of it until I stumbled across some linen plain squares being offered as part of the bespoke experience. I mean…they were very plain but wow did they stay in the pocket quite nicely. From that point on, my wife and I were on a mission to find more of these little gems. I wanted colors, designs, variety, and options…yet we couldn’t seem to find anything, anywhere! We did find white linen – literally – only white linen squares that had absolutely no depth, dimension or character to them. How many white pocket squares can a person own? So my wife and I came to the realization that… “hey…if you can’t find them, make them!” My yearning to create and my wife’s passion for creativity, fashion and styling truly catapulted Sebastian Cruz Couture into the men’s fashion market
How did you come up with the name Sebastian Cruz Couture?
There actually was no back and forth with the decision to name the brand. My wife has loved the name Sebastian for half her lifetime. When she was a teenager she had a favorite movie in which a character was named Sebastian and since then she has always wanted to name our child (if it’s a boy) Sebastian. Cruz was for our last name and couture meaning elite, high end, designer. We toyed with the idea of whether that was the right name and we both loved it. While watching a TV show episode (based on lifestyle and fashion of course) we were discussing whether that would definitely be it and at that moment a new character was introduced named Sebastian. If that wasn’t a sign, I’m not sure what was. Following that, we began to see that name everywhere: our neighborhood, on our street, moms calling their kids with that name, just everywhere. So we definitely knew it was right.
Where do you find your fabrics for the collections?
We really spared no expenses whatsoever from the get go. We started small – we went to a nearby exclusive importer who carried beautiful fabrics from Italy and they were on another level from what we had seen out there. The prices we on another level too as you can imagine! But we started with 7 designs and scaled from there. We then began to expand, scouting more fabrics, finding the best manufacturers and sources and even traveled to distant places just for best fabric selection. We also sourced Turkish 100% combed mercerized cotton of the finest quality which we used for creating an amazing, distinctively unique and bold border to each square.
What do your customers love about Sebastian Cruz Couture?
The main feedback we get from our customers is just how excited they are when they wear our products. The thing is – they had no idea that pieces such as these were even possible because it hadn’t been introduced to the markets at all. So technically, they didn’t know that they didn’t know…until we showed that what was missing. Then it becomes addicting. The compliments our customers receive while wearing our products completely surpasses anything they have ever experienced before. The way that their complete look is brought together by one simple yet intricate and unique item really is quite a beautiful thing. According to them, it’s a “game changer.”
Describe the public’s reaction to your products since Sebastian Cruz Couture launched.
This really is a double-sided question to be honest. We entered this market back when it was completely unsaturated and there was no demand… or at least there was no awareness that there was a demand. So we had the beautiful task of creating one. When you introduce something bold and disruptive into a calm and filtered environment, there will 9 times out of 10 be resistance. Many retail stores were uncertain if they wanted to carry our brand from the get go because they really didn’t know if it would sell and if there would be any demand for it at all. For any new emerging brand, the industry is already difficult to penetrate so imagine something completely different that poses a potential threat to the established brands. The second reaction was in response to price… I mean, people were just not used to paying top dollar for something like pocket squares. And third was the bold and very out there design and the way the squares would stick out. Most retail stores were used to dainty little pieces that were simply remnants of unused fabrics they decided to cut, roll and voila- profitable pocket square!
Not here- its what we do, it’s our specialty and it’s our main focus!
So, fast forward to starting to style our looks, get our pieces out there and onto clients, people were LOVING it! The reality was that people were tired of purchasing amazing bespoke suits and then pairing it with accessories that wouldn’t have much of an impact. It’s almost as if you purchase a 300k Ferrari and only spending 3k on a set of wheels that are considered to be “off the rack.” Most people will spend 15k on a custom set of wheels that takes 8 weeks to make. It totally dulls down and mutes the voice of the outfit and ultimately, the voice of who we are. The reactions and response from our clients and their peers were second to none. That’s when we were assured that we had something truly special.
In what ways has the pocket square industry changed since Sebastian Cruz Couture launched?
Since Scc launched in 2014, we have seen a tremendous growth and a rising demand for bold, unique accessories. When we started, it wasn't a test or a gradual thing like getting the feet wet before we immersed our products. It was more like a cannonball jump - make a huge splash and create a wave! I think that once people saw the possibilities of looking razor sharp in these modern days, they really wanted to hop on and ride the wave. To be honest, we still encounter those who are on the border of taking the dive and we just tell them to give it one shot...if they don't like what they see and feel then by all means the door is open and we will gladly take the products back. There hasn't been one unsatisfied client....we call it "turning," almost like a vampire, if you will ;) once you're in...you're in! The industry, once resistant to change and risk has started to see and appreciate the demand. So naturally, the next steps were to supply and we have begun to see doors open and some begin to crack ajar. We have a bit of a ways to go but I would say judging thus far, it has been a hugely successful and influential impact.
How quickly did it take for SCC to have a presence in seven countries and what has that journey been like?
Well it all started with the franchise model. This empowered entrepreneurs to be a part of a brand that has been successful at creating a movement based on inspiration; “something that can easily become a culture” they would describe. It took about 6months for the franchise model to explode. I would say most of our franchisees we attracted within the first 6 months. We stopped selling franchises in the U.S. as we wanted to have full control of the brand, but overseas we still actively sell. This allows us to reach people globally without hoping on a plane and starting from scratch in a new market.
In what ways have pocket squares replaced the traditional tie?
For the longest time, the staple go to piece for any sort of vibrancy and uniqueness for a man’s ensemble was the always-trusty tie. And looking back on the decades preceding current day, I can truly say, "what were they thinking" when they designed some of these oh-so-stylish ties.
But as I always say, everything old becomes new again...with a twist. In this ever changing, fast paced trend based world, let's look back for a minute to some of the key pieces in men's attire that really screamed the word "gentleman." Ties are great - for the office, for meetings, business causal and semi formal events. But what about the rest of the time? Let's not disregard the fact that ties and bow ties can sometimes be a bit...constraining. Especially on a hot summer day or when you have fifty other layers of clothing. So what is there really other than the tie to really pull together a man’s ensemble? There are the shoes of course, belt, sometimes a lapel pin. Nonetheless, the upper portion of a mans torso is left looking bare and dull. So in came the pocket square, which slowly began its re-emergence into modern day several years ago. Still yet, something was missing and it was the bold factor. Sebastian Cruz Couture has taken the Gatsby era, tied it in with modern day...given it a twist of James dean and really re-created the wheel. With these fashion forward pieces, there's no longer a need for a tie. Casual has never looked so snazzy and dressy has never looked so bold. Think about it - women get all the goodies to play with...handbags, shoes galore, makeup, hair accessories, jewelry, and the list goes on.
Overview
Employees
11-50
Phone
+1 855-723-2653
Founded date
2013
FAQ about Sebastian Cruz Couture
When was Sebastian Cruz Couture founded?
Sebastian Cruz Couture was founded in 2013.
Is Sebastian Cruz Couture still active?
Yes, Sebastian Cruz Couture is active; its latest activity on Parsers VC dates from Apr 8, 2021.