Medieval Touches Put Menswear Line on Path to Modern Success
Kings of Glory might be a way to make a statement against modernism—and do it fashionably.
The 1-year-old Los Angeles– based menswear line makes a sartorial jump into the medieval, but leaps from a modern point of departure. The line’s T-shirts, polos and cashmere sweaters are cut in the body-hugging shapes that often seem to be required at exclusive nightclubs.
But the details are positively 12th century. Hoods on fleece sweaters are long, like a monk’s cowl. Graphics of knights and proud lions are reminiscent of a king’s royal seal. The stitching, embroidery and even the pewter buttons on these clothes recall a handcrafted look.
The label’s inspirations cast a starry-eyed look at the ideals of chivalry, but retailers find they make good business. After its debut at the Project Global Trade Show in New York in February 2005, Kings of Glory was picked up by top-tier premium boutiques such as Fred Segal Finery in Santa Monica, Calif., and the Los Angeles boutiques H. Lorenzo and J. Ransom. Retail price points range from $98 to $165 for T-shirts, $450 to $650 for cashmere sweaters and $200 to $425 for hoodies.
The medieval romantic style is a second chapter for the three founders of this line. Richard Sanchez was an assistant graphics director for newspapers such as the Los Angeles Times and the Boston Globe. Ido Gondelman was an art director and set designer for films, including the 2003 production “Matrix Reloaded.” Tanja Paajanen was an art director for advertising agencies and a graphics designer for fashion companies.
The three left the comfort of corporate success to give entrepreneurship a try. Kings of Glory is their first fashion line, as well as their first business. They met on a furniture design project in 2001. Along with a passion for design, they shared friends and acquaintances who had found success designing premium denimwear.
The Kings of Glory trio diligently studied the fashion market for two years before taking the plunge in 2004.
“It was almost like going to art school again,” Gondelman said. “But it’s not like you’re 21 and you just want to party.”
The results of their diligence lie in the trio’s plans for the burgeoning label. The Fall 2007 collection of tops, jackets, sweaters and blazers will plant the seeds for Kings of Glory to become a lifestyle brand. Future plans also include a women’s line with its own identity. —Andrew Asch
