I was at the Collective Spring/Summer 2010 Tradeshow this week in Manhattan. While attending, I noticed there was very little variation in terms of menswear items showcased. There were countless cuff links, suiting and many leather shoes. How is a brand going to differentiate their menswear products from everyone else on the tradeshow floor? Simply changing the color on the pocket of a collared shirt or throwing on a bowtie with a suit is not enough. Then I came across the brand Zachary Prell Inc. and found the reason why these men’s shirts were able to stand out.
The Zachary Prell Inc booth was not set up differently than the ones surrounding it, there was no “in your face” signage or anything else flashy on display. What set him apart from the others at the tradeshow was the approach to his product. He had designed a menswear shirt with the versatility in the fit and design that allows it to go from the office to out after work. The shirt is long enough to be tucked in with a suit but also short enough where it does not look sloppy if it is left to hang out of jeans. The cuffs are wider to accommodate men’s watches. The collar stands relaxed and can be both buttoned and unbuttoned. The shirts offer a slim athletic fit, clean aesthetic, and create the perfect balance between professional and casual.
Since 2005, Zachary Prell has been designing his line of dress shirts. The idea for the company was born out of pure frustration as his endless search for a shirt that not only complimented his slim build but also had style and versatility. He recognized the opportunity to redefine the category of men’s dress shirts with better fit and smart detailing. His lengthy business background entails a career as a Wall Street Investment banker, private equity professional as well as receiving his MBA from Columbia Business School.
As the market continually becomes saturated with more of the same product, it is the brands who do their market research (as per Mr. Prell) that are going to end up in ahead of the pack. One must determine if and where there is a gap in the market for their product, and those who do have struck gold. In a time where excess has lost its luster, it is the products that have versatility that will turn a profit. There are many items out there that look nice, but at the end of the day if they do not serve a purpose, they are going to fall by the wayside.
Founder and CEO Zachary Prell’s business approach to the men’s dress shirt is what sets him apart from the vast array of others in his league and is yet another example of a business savy fashion company. Striking a balance between the business and design side is a sure fire recipee for success.
-Oriana DiNella
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