The clothes maketh the man

If you look the part, you feel the part. I’ve always put a large emphasis on dressing for the occasion as, in real estate like many other industries, first impressions count. I also recognise the importance of quality and its place in a world where fast fashion, driven by access to technology, is holding court. There’s something to say for a simple, superior piece that will endure changing trends and cheap fads.

Tucked away along Brisbane’s iconic James Street, across the road from The Calile Hotel and mere steps from a long lunch at Harveys, is the noticeable red awning of Richards & Richards. This is my go-to destination for sourcing premium suits and menswear; an established family business now owned by my good friend Joey who grew up collecting pins off the floor of Woolloongabba institution Joe Richards Menswear. 

Five generations of love and expertise stands behind the Richards & Richards business as you’ll find it today, 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.

I ran a Q&A with Joey more than a year ago. Much of what was shared still rings true, and is worth a repeat today.

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 enjoy the read.

Matt Lancashire