The month of August is typically a time in the summer when people finally give into the hypnotic warm breezes and just drift off in Pure Michigan bliss.
It is also a time when most of the world seems to take a holiday, too evidenced by our elected leaders hustling off The Hill to the distant shores of home where they will lounge or pound the pavement, depending on where they are in their election cycle.
I recognize this month is typically reserved for leisurely pleasures and I do enjoy all the hob knobbing about town, but there are people who are busy building up our fall event calendar.
One such person is A K Rikk’s general manager Jim Murray who recently attended the 10-year anniversary party for Grand Rapids agency Conduit. He was practically giddy with excitement when he shared the news of his upcoming trip to Las Vegas.
For many men in town, Murray and the Rikk’s staff is the reason why so many of them look so chic. Murray and company are also the reason why in 2010, Grand Rapids was invited to be one of the few North American cities to be officially sanctioned as a part of Fashion’s Night Out, an international event that celebrates the economic impact of fashion.
But at the Conduit celebration, Murray was excited to share what happened on his recent trip to Las Vegas.
One of the brands they carry is Ermenegildo Zegna -- an Italian men’s label that produces a wide variety of men’s fashions.
Over this past year, the Zegna brand had been rumbling internally that they wanted to switch it up and part of this change means the brand will be dropping some stores from carrying the line.
Since this criterion is typically based on sales, Murray prepared for the worst as he attended the Zegna event.
As he approached the table, there was a white envelope with the store’s name on it.
Over the cocktail chatter and beats of Superdre, Murray continued to describe the person seated at the table pushing the envelope toward him.
He held his breath as he picked it up.
Murray knew he was not able to compete with the level of sales that are happening in the major markets around the world. Despite all the clothing from this label his company has been selling in this market, he knew it was not nearly as much as what is moving in cities like Los Angeles or New York.
But as he opened envelope, it was not a Dear John letter from the fashion brand, but instead a commendation on the success in Grand Rapids.
It threw him for a bit of a loop.
The letter explained that Murray and his team placing their order each season and making specific selections from the Zegna line had done something the fashion mavens had not been able to do within their own corporate walls.
A K Rikk’s and Grand Rapids' embracement of the offerings Murray assembled with each order had inspired the Zegna staff with his choices.
The result is that now Zegna actually has working knowledge (or call it a field study) about how to create this youthful collection in other markets where they are sold.
What does that mean for Grand Rapids?
Well, lots. But in the end it comes down to the old saying that we hear over and over again: “If only I was in ________, I could be this or do that.”
This is a region of the world where organizing a life, a career, a community-engagement project or just pleasure can be found and the people you need. In Murray’s case, those are his clients who trust his vision.
We all have a chance to either lead or be a part of something great this fall season, and Murray reminds us that talent in our region sometimes moves about in a quiet fashion while making huge waves in our world.
Bravo, Jim Murray and Fashion’s Night Out for recognizing Grand Rapids’ role in the world of style.
The Future Needs All of Us (to vogue*)
Tommy Allen
Lifestyle Editor
[email protected]
Click here to continue to this week’s G-Sync events.
*Never miss a chance to drop the greatest dance hit from 20 years ago as Madonna’s Vogue reached number one in more than 30 countries worldwide, becoming her biggest hit at the time.
Press Releases for upcoming events in the West Michigan area should be sent to [email protected]. Please include high res jpg images that are at least 500 pixels wide.
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.