Dress to Impress

Joey Richards grew up collecting pins off the floor, and hiding between racks of suits with his brothers and father inside Joe Richards Menswear, previously at The Gabba. Their longstandingon-site master tailor, George Gaydov, would be out the back stitching up their school uniforms while refining each client’s garment to their specific liking.

Five generations of love and expertise stands behind the Richards & Richards business as you’ll find it today, strategically located along Fortitude Valley’s renowned James Street, housing high-quality menswear and accessories from around the world. 

It’s where you’ll find Joey, listening to Bob Dylan while developing and refining his Richards & Richards private label, as well as exclusively selling European’s handmade brand, Isaia. Joey was kind enough to take time out for a quick chat:

What do you enjoy about life in Brisbane?

I grew up here, and love how relaxed it can be. My whole family lives here, nothing beats home.

Can you tell us more about Richards & Richards?

We do everything from suits, shirts, jackets and pants to gifts and candles. It’s a one-stop shop for men.

I make my own brand of Richards & Richards suits, with Italian material sent to wonderful clothiers in Turkey. Dad has a Cavaliere knighthood from assisting the Italian royal family and met someone at one of the knight’s balls that owned a factory in Turkey. That’s the best thing about family history in business, long relationships. 

We’re also the only ones in Australia selling clothing brand Isaia, and offer more Isaia stock than most stores internationally, at better prices. We have a long history, around 40 years, of buying Italian clothing.

When you visit us, you’ll find dad on the ‘Chairman’s throne’ which is a couch he sits on with all his mates around him trying to solve the world’s problems.

What do quality clothes do for a person?

You’ve only got one body, so put nice fabric on it. If you feel good, you act and look accordingly. 

What is the current trend in menswear?

Comfortable clothing with great material is the way the world is going, leaning more towards casual.

What is your personal style?

I dress according to mood like George Costanza – and love putting interesting outfits together. I’m lucky that I only need to shop at one store, and can pretty much exclusively wear Isaia, they’re masters of both casual and formal, young and old so have all our bases covered.

What’s the future of Richards & Richards look like?

Our main focus is customer service, fabric selection and quality workmanship. We’re personable and truly offer men of any profession everything they could want and need. We’re so fortunate to have met incredible people through the clothing game over the years from all walks of life like Matty, who are not only handsome walking supermodels for our family business, but good friends who capture what being a true gentleman is all about. The clothes maketh the man.

I hope you enjoyed the read.

Matt Lancashire