New York’s Ultimate bespoke tailor: Mack Moze

Name:
Mackensy Mozé

Do you have a nickname?
Mack

Where can people find you online?
www.mackmoze.com
Mack Mozé
Rogue Tailor
[email protected]
mackmoze.com

Where did you grow up?
East Flatbush
Brooklyn, NY

Were you interested in fashion and style in high school?
Yes, in my senior year in HS, I developed an interest in denim, right around the time Nudie brand jean hit the U.S. Market. They were a Swedish brand with a fresh take on selvage denim. Simple, but crafty. I spent the nights working on my sewing machine, creating different styles of jeans. The first pair of denim I made was completely hand sewn.I had a lot of time on my hands back then.

What do you currently do for work?
I run a outsource Fashion servicing company that provides fashion services for retail brands and personal clients. These services range from tailoring, styling, and onsite tailoring for photo shoots.

How long have you been in this field?
I have been in the industry for just shy of 10 years.

What does a typical day look like for you?
I’m very hands-on and feel like the best way to lead a team is by being a great participator and showing that I can get my hands dirty. My days can lead me anywhere. I might be in the shop working on garments or running to meet clients. I could be here in NYC or on a plane traveling to the West coast. I try my best to work on a set schedule, but this work is a bit unpredictable at times, which keeps me engaged!

How has your work changed your life or someone else’s?
I truly believe the work I do now has changed my life completely. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished high school. The area I grew up in had very few role models and fashion was not a thought in my mind. Back then, I attended a vocational high school and worked construction to support myself. But I did not love it.

What I do now is something I love. I am passionate about helping clients express themselves through styling and helping them to understand the topic of style etiquette. By developing a strong relationship with my clients, they not only gain a sense of personal confidence through their visual image, but the knowledge they gain will last them a lifetime.

What are some misconceptions that people have about your type of work? What would you like them to know?
I think people undervalue tailors. When you look at the credits for photos shoots, you see the names of photographer, the stylist, and the hair/make up people. Never is credit given to the tailor on set. That’s missing in fashion. Tailors need to be credited. They work very hard. It’s strenuous hand and eye labor. Working long hours under close light and being hunched over is not easy and tailors need to be better compensated and credited.

What are style 3 tips that will help our readers step-up their style game? 

1: You must have a tuxedo, blue jeans, a blue suit and five white shirts.
2: Stay away from trends. For me, purchasing a garment is an investment. Buy what fits and it will outlast what’s trending.
3: Your new best friend should be a tailor and they must be on speed dial.

When it comes to style, there is no doubt you have your own true identity. We often hear readers say that it can be challenging to walk into a store and buy something that fits their personal style. What does personal style mean to you?

Often we hear people saying, “You’re the only one who can pull this look off!” Why? It suits my personality. So, to me personal style needs to match personality. Your outfit should be able to tell a lot about you before people event meet you.

How do you think people can best enhance their personal style?
Be a bit risky. Try something new. If your closet looks like a J Crew shirt rack, then get some items from brands with a different aesthetic. Mix it up. My closet has a mix of aesthetics. Depending on how I feel that day, I know where to pull from.

Are there any last points or things you would like to say to give our audience an “edge” in life?
Self-work is the best thing you can do for yourself. If you have interest in upgrading your wardrobe/physical appearance (or anything for that matter), do some research. You have to invest the time. Once you start working on you’re weaknesses, your limits will soon be eliminated.

Photo source courtesy of Amy Torres @treeeyes