Q&A with Ovadia & Sons


The Ovadia brothers make impeccable sartorial threads. They have mastered the correct lapel height and width, use the best of fabric, and make sure their fit is on point. Not convinced? Check out their flawless campaign shots photographed by Justin Chung and directed by Lawrence Schlossman of Sartorially Inclined throughout the interview.


Grungy Gentleman sits down with the fellas who are a lock to be nominated for GQ Best New Designer Award this upcoming year, Ovadia & Sons...






Grungy Gentleman: You guys jumped into the menswear arena with a serious bang. How did this all start?

Ariel Ovadia: It's been a long time in the making - the wine has been maturing in the cellar for sometime. We're very fortunate and thankful that the brand was received well. We had to put on our boxing gloves and like any good fight we took some hits. It's safe to say we made it through the first few rounds.  
GG: Working as a brother tandem, do you guys kill each other? Who leads in which areas?

AO: Naturally.

Shimon Ovadia: It's a challenge and it drives us at the same time. We have different responsibilities, which helps us get more done. Every item that makes it into the collection is always agreed on by the both of us. 
GG: What is your vision of the Ovadia & Sons guy?

SO: There is no particular guy. He can be a professor at a University or a young Hollywood actor.

AO: If you pick apart the pieces from our collection, it is very diverse. There's really something for everyone. We have heads of Fortune 500 companies buying our stuff and young, cool guys as well.
GG: You fellas use such rich fabric. Do you have a favorite fabric that you always seem to choose more often in the creative process?

AO: We believe in celebrating the season with appropriate fabrics and colors that tell the story of the season. For example; in the winter we use a lot of tweed, wool, cashmere, moleskin, etc.

SO: For the summer, the linen trouser is underrated. 
GG: So we all know how sartorial you dudes are. What goes into the perfect blazer and suit? How is your fit unique?

SO: It’s all about the fit and details. The guts and construction of the garment, the right lapel height and width, the buttons, fabric, etc are huge factors. Our garments are all hand-made. It’s a combination of all the right ingredients that make that dish just right.

AO: Our fit is modern; tailored close to the body with high armholes. The proportions are right and classic. We can show you the same suit or jacket in 20 years and it will still be stylish. We're not in "fashion" or "on trend."
GG: Tell us about your fall collection. Favorite pieces? Stories? Inspiration?

AO: Our inspiration comes from everywhere. There is a tailored luxurious element as well as a rugged one. It’s for today’s style conscious guy who wants to add pieces into his wardrobe that will last a lifetime. Our tweed herringbone jacket was inspired by the English countryside. The heavy weight shawl collar cardigan was inspired by wanting to have a chunky, cozy sweaters you can wear as a jacket. Your girlfriend will wear it and pull it off with some beat up jeans and a t-shirt. You can make each piece tell your own unique story. 
GG: Talk about your partnership with Barneys. How did it come about? 

SO: For Spring ‘12, the collection is going to be available at Barneys New York and Barneys.com. It's a great place for us to be. They know their customer and they have a lot of talented people on their team. They understand what we're about.
GG: We have had a cigar together before. What are some of your other hobbies besides fashion?

AO: We love basketball, NFL, and sports in general

SO: I collect antiques and vintage clothing. I like to spend free time hunting for old things. Every morning I start my day off with a pot of coffee and a game or three of chess.
GG: What has been your most rewarding moment thus far?

SO: Just taking a step back and taking everything in. Seeing how far we've grown in such a short time. It's very rewarding when you turn a thought and idea into a reality.
GG: What can we expect next from Ovadia & Sons?

AO: Our Spring ‘12 collection is very special. We're very excited for people to be able to buy it and see it in stores. We're working on new and exciting things; stay tuned!

5 comments:

Mikey said... October 3, 2011 4:19 PM

Very cool stuff.

Anonymous said... October 3, 2011 4:21 PM

Love this

Kelly M said... October 3, 2011 4:36 PM

I want my bf to dress like this.

Anonymous said... October 3, 2011 4:36 PM

Talented guys.

Be Dapper said... October 4, 2011 2:05 PM

Wow, that tan blazer is amazing. I love that elbow pads are back, they look so refined.

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