The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2024 - Issue 35

bitemen W hen a twenty-something David Reiss took over his father’s city outfitters on the corner of London’s Bishopsgate and Petticoat Lane in 1971, it started a thriving retail empire. He had recognised a niche for af- fordable premium quality tailoring and applied his knowl- edge to create a sleek and sophisticated fashion brand with exceptional style. Under his leadership, the small men’s outfitter grew into an international powerhouse offering men’s and women’s clothing that blends design, quality and value. Through his innovative and seemingly risky approach, David focused on producing high-quality, fashionable clothing when the market was saturated with high-end bespoke or low-cost generic items. His perseverance and hard work were awarded as they propelled his namesake brand to the forefront of the fashion industry. By the early ‘90s, Reiss had opened stores in key locations on King’s Road and Bond Street and outside of London in Glasgow and Manchester. “I have a very sharp eye. If I see something I like, I can immediately see the bigger picture and how a singular ele- ment can fit in. That’s been my whole philosophy and how I run my business,” the visionary said. “The people I have around me have all got to have that sharpness and alertness and a certain level of decisiveness that will make things happen.” David ran Reiss for 45 years without outside in- fluences until 2016, when it was partially sold to Warburg Pincus and is today majority-owned by Next plc. One of Reiss’ key successes has been a commitment to quality. Unlike many competitors, the brand maintained control over its manufacturing process, ensuring each piece met stringent standards. This focus on quality, sharp tailoring and a keen eye for detail made the brand a favour- ite among fashion-forward professionals and celebrities thanks to its reflective designs and unique blend of classic British style with a contemporary twist. Its global expansion in crucial fashion capitals such as New York, Paris, and Hong Kong has testified to its enduring ap- peal. It allowed them to successfully translate its distinctly British aesthetic for a global audience while maintaining its core identity. Thanks to David’s innovative vision, Reiss has received several accolades and been worn by members of the British Royal Family, further solidifying its reputa- tion as a purveyor of high-quality and highly fashionable garments. Beahon brothers Thomas, an ex-Tranmere Rovers youth teamer, and Philip, a former semi-pro cricketer, started their sportswear brand Castore from their parents’ kitchen in Bebington, Merseyside, in 2015. They were frustrated with the market’s lack of high-quality men’s sportswear and aimed to launch some of the highest-performing technical sportswear. The brothers’ strategic partnerships have seen them sign deals with high-profile sports teams such as Har- lequins Rugby Club and Aston Villa Football Club. “We see a big opportunity for elite sports, which have been dominated by the same small number of big brands - there has been little innovation or disruption in that market,” Modern Living