Meet Rodolfo Ramirez and Andrew Cheung of Pocket Square Clothing in Downtown Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rodolfo Ramirez and Andrew Cheung.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Pocket Square Clothing was established in 2011 as a men’s accessory brand. Andrew and I were roommates in college. With no formal fashion training but with an architectural and business background at USC, Andrew and I sought to create a lifestyle brand beyond clothing. We found a niche in the industry and decided to run with it. We ironically didn’t start with pocket squares but rather started the company by making pre-tied bow ties. We liked the symbolism behind the pocket square. A pocket square, in its humble beginnings, was derived from the handkerchief, which was used for personal hygiene. The modern-day pocket square has since shifted to an iconic piece used as a subtle accent to distinguish one self. Deconstructing the significance of the pocket square, Pocket Square Clothing sought to take the iconic piece’s symbolism and apply it to the broader scheme of clothing design. Every suit or garment that was to be made had to offer its wearer something unique. Patterns and textures were our way of achieving that,

Today, the brand is a reflection of the ideals behind the Urban Gentleman. Our brand is our effort to tell a story, to inspire and be inspired, and to create a powerful connection with people through timeless pieces.

To date we feature a collection of handcrafted bow ties, skinny neckties, pocket squares and custom suits. Our Flagship store is a multi-brand Menswear concept space that features over 30 Los Angeles lifestyle based brands and designers. Our offerings at the store range from custom furniture, suiting, neck wear, eye wear, basics and more.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Having not had a background in fashion, some of our early struggles centered around being able to design and manufacture clothing. Once we surpassed the hurdles of learning to sew, then came financial struggles. Our money was tight as two college students. We each borrowed $1,000 and expanded from there. We eventually realized that we needed to scale the company so we sought out manufacturing in Los Angeles which ended up being one of the most arduous tasks. Most manufacturers we found were overseas, despite this, we were determined to make it work. Today, we are still proud of our efforts to manufacture in Los Angeles.

Please tell us about Pocket Square Clothing.
Headquartered in Downtown Los Angeles, PSC has become an incubator for the Los Angeles menswear movement. Our Flagship store is a multi-brand Menswear concept space that features over 30 Los Angeles lifestyle based brands and designers. Our offerings range from custom furniture, suiting, neck wear, eye wear, basics and more. We are located on 7th Street between Spring St. and Broadway. We are proud to offer alteration services upon request. Weddings are our specialty, we offer a range of custom suiting, shirting, and accessories services as well.

Since our conception, the vision has been simple: to become a vehicle for the individual exploration of style. Pocket Square Clothing embraces the idea that style comes down to one’s composure and being, the way one carries himself. The mission is to create a collection of visual and artistic accents, accents that then serve as to punctuate and project personality. The brand is inspired by the idea that everyone can move forward in life through style and etiquette, and the belief that clothing is a language that communicates one’s individualistic qualities. Art, music, entertainment, architecture, and culture define the PSC lifestyle. The brand delves into realms of Urban, Vintage, and Chic Style. Pocket Square Clothing looks to create a brand beyond just clothing, and become a network of individuals who love clothing and use it to help decipher their style.

Made in Los Angeles:

Pocket Square Clothing takes pride in its domestic manufacturing and attention to detail. Using traditional techniques, everything is carefully handcrafted by some of the oldest remaining craftsmen in the heart of Los Angeles. Each piece comes with a narrative and fully handcrafted vintage inspired packaging. The brand follows the mantra that American made is better, and that quality and attention to detail is key.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Rodolfo: I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was a kid, I use to sell anything and everything I could. This mentality still lives in me.

Andrew: I’ve always been an idea generator, always looking for how to improve things and makes things better or creating new ideas that can make the world a better place.

Pricing:

• Pocket Squares $26
• Ties $56
• Bow Ties $56
• Custom Shirts $150
• Custom Suits $850

Contact Info:

• Address: PSC Flagship Store
  205 w 7th st. Los Angeles CA. 90014
• Website: www.pocketsquareclothing.com
• Phone: (213) 375-5111
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pocketsquareclothing.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pocketsquareclothing
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/pocketsquareco
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pocket-square-clothing-los-angeles

Image Credit:
Allen Daniel

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