What motivated you to start Henry A. Davidsen?
I started my business after going through an experience with a tailor that left me wanting more. The experience with the tailor was great in terms of the quality of the product and the education he opened my eyes up to about how suits are made differently, even though when they’re finished products they look the same (a jacket is a jacket, right?). When I actually saw how cheap jackets vs expensive jackets were made I quickly realized there was a whole lot more than meets the eye that was very important to understand. I wanted to teach what I had learned to guys, create a different experience from shopping in a store, and bring a deeper level of guidance around style and design that was truly individualized to each client. Thus Henry A. Davidsen, Master Tailors & Image Consultants was born 17 years ago and we continue to be an innovative leader in the world of men’s custom clothing and image consulting.
What is your best advice for engaged couples?
The best advice I can give engaged couples as it relates to our services right now is to plan ahead. If you think 3 months is enough time to get a suit or tuxedo made right now, you could be wrong. Most couples are engaged an average of at least a year. Don’t wait to decide what you’re going to wear, or you may be settling for what you can find instead of what you really want. If you have to buy off-the-rack, you’re definitely settling on at least one of the many elements we take into consideration in making the perfect suit for a groom. We’ve had to turn away record numbers of requests this year because the groom waited too long to approach us about getting something started. I’ve never missed delivering for a wedding day and I don’t intend to start with any client. We’ll turn away the business if we cannot guarantee we can deliver to our standard of quality on-time. So if you’ve been engaged for a year, why did you wait until 3-weeks before your wedding to think about what you’re going to wear? Get started on the process 6-months ahead of time and it’ll be a much more enjoyable experience for everyone involved!
What is something you constantly strive for?
Client satisfaction! Our clients are walking billboards for our brand and thus we would never let them walk out with a garment that does not represent our standard. This level of standard we hold ourselves to often reflects in the clients' satisfaction when they start receiving compliments on their garments from complete strangers. On your wedding day, it’s a day that belongs to both the groom and the bride, and both should receive compliments equally on the way they look!
What sets Henry A. Davidsen apart?
Our brand is set apart by the experience we create for our clients. We see clients in a one-on-one setting, in a luxurious and private 2nd floor design studio in Rittenhouse Square. We spend time getting to know each client on a deeper level so that we can create the most impactful design that represents their personality. Clients are welcome to enjoy a glass of their favorite spirits if they desire during the discussion and design session.
Relating to weddings, we’ll discuss every detail with you to form a complete and cohesive picture of what the groom’s outfit should be. We want to know about the venue, the wedding party, your guests, and any other details that are important to the couple’s special day. All of this informs the final decisions we make together after providing the education so we can make informed decisions together.
Courtesy of Cicely Procopio
What is the most gratifying part of your business?
I always knew I wanted to do something that involved helping others. I struggled myself with my personal image and dressing in my teenage and young adult years so when I learned how impactful dressing and image could be I thought I could help others who struggle the same way. I love being the guy behind the scenes, helping my clients so they can be the ones who shine, get noticed, and are better remembered. I know this happens because my clients will share the feedback they receive on their new clothing with me. When they tell me that they received multiple compliments on the way they look, when they previously would never receive any compliments at all, I know that I’ve done my job well and had a positive impact on someone else’s life as well. I had one client that was so thrilled with the feedback, he Facetimed me between his wedding ceremony and reception with his new bride to tell me about it and say thank you! That they took the time to do this and think of me in the middle of such a big moment for them definitely made the rest of my night too!
Courtesy of Cicely Procopio
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