CORPORATE fashion trends have diversified greatly over the past twenty years, says Martins managing director Martin Van Kampen.
“Attitudes are changing towards business and with this the clothing has become more relaxed and not so confined in its structure,” Mr Van Kampen said.
“The corporate world is becoming more individual in its approach and businessmen no longer want to represent someone else but to show their own personality. What better way of showing your true character than in your clothing.”
Mr Van Kampen said WA was famous for its casual nature.
“But being a casual society does not mean sophistication cannot exist in the male wardrobe,” he said.
“Fabrics now used in garments are from natural sources which help with our summers and have become easy to look after.
“A professional wardrobe can now be compiled as easily for a woman as for a man – it’s all about the essential classical items.
“A group of quality suits, trousers and shirts can be interchanged to complete a different look for a different occasion.”
Mr Van Kampen said ties were the essential item that could transform a man’s outfit into something people noticed.
“This season, we have seen the same colour palate used for both shirting and ties,” he said.
“Colours for summer are bold and strong and the traditional navy suit can be transformed with the use of different coloured shirts from burgundy to lemon and a bold border tie.”
Mr Van Kampen said he did not see many clients using the Internet for purchasing clothes, but rather as a device to see the trends in current fashion.
“The touch and feel element in buying clothing is very important,” he said.
“The fit of garments is also important and, as everyone knows, sizing in garments is in no way uniform.
“Customer satisfaction can only be generated by seeing the items first-hand and having the human element there by way of sales consultants to co-ordinate outfits and express the benefits of items being shown,” he said.
