Brands to Know: Edward III
Many, many guys are trying to get in the action to make the perfect bespoke suit stateside — at all different price ranges. These days, there are options as low as $400 that are touted as completely custom. And then there are the masters of the high end: enter Edward Dennehy III, a lifelong designer who has seen the ranks at Paul Stuart and elsewhere, a man who has for several years now, been taking his talent to his namesake label, Edward III. His craft is one of a kind: shirts, suits, jackets — sartorial armour as he likes to call it.
Prepidemic Magazine: Give us an idea of your background and how you came to found Edward III…
Edward III: Being in the men’s haberdashery business since I was 17 years old, I was able to develop a natural aesthetic for style from a very early age. I attended classes within the Menswear Design program at the Fashion Institute of Technology and designed tailored clothing for a few esteemed New York Men’s Stores, including Paul Stuart. I have always considered this my one and only career. It was my passion for style that acted as the driving force in establishing Edward III. Passion first, business second.
Prepidemic Magazine: Who is the Edward III customer?
Edward III: The Edward III client is anyone who enjoys an artistic process of design and quality. I do not have a strict customer demographic in which I design around. I cater to a broad range of gentlemen including professionals, business owners and artisans who all have extremely different lifestyles and personal styles.
Prepidemic Magazine: What is “Sartorial Armour”?
Edward III: “Sartorial Armour” is the trademark of the Edward III brand. It serves as a metaphor for all modern-day gentlemen who “suit up” and wage their battles within a courtroom or boardroom scenario. Historically, a Knight’s armour was ornate, custom made and served two essential purposes: to protect and intimidate. I like to think the subtlety of a perfectly roped shoulder, a hint of colorful lining, or the eccentricity of a handmade buttonhole can provide my clients with the same sense of confidence and chivalry.
Prepidemic Magazine: Walk us through the process of a custom-made product as Edward III bespoke?
Edward III: I start each commissioned bespoke garment with a wardrobe consultation. Here, I’m able to learn more about the client and his personal style and get a good sense of what he would like to accomplish. I take a myriad of body measurements, about 25 in total, while also concentrating on the client’s posture and body proportions. Next, I work with the client to select an appropriate cloth and discuss design and silhouette options. Once the cloth and design is finalized, we chalk up a personal garment pattern (Blue Print) and cut the cloth accordingly. From here production begins and over the next 3-4 weeks I meet with the client for a series of basted fittings, making all necessary adjustments/additions necessary to ensure the integrity of fit and design.
Prepidemic Magazine: What products do you offer and at what type of price points?
Edward III: I offer a full range of Custom Suits, Sport Coats, Shirts, Trousers, Outerwear and Men’s Accessories. Because each client has different needs, I offer both “Bespoke” and “Made-To-Measure” garments. Prices for “Made-To-Measure” Suits range from $895-$2,195, and “Bespoke” Suits start from $2,200-$4,200. Custom Shirts are from $125-$325. All pricing is dependent on the desired fabric and level of design required by the client.
Prepidemic Magazine: What are you doing differently than everyone else?
Edward III: Most haberdashers & custom clothiers have a “house style” or a point of view that is showcased within their designs or lines that they carry. My inspiration, on the other hand, derives from each individual client. I observe my client’s own personal style and design a wardrobe that reflects an aesthetic of one’s own lifestyle, past experiences and future desires.
Prepidemic Magazine: What is your fabric selection like and where are you getting them from/how do you choose them?
Edward III: I source a majority of my cloths from Europe. I find that Scotland, England, Italy and France offer the most unique and luxurious selections for Suits and Jackets. I try to dedicate 50% of my collection to classic colors in solids and pinstripes. The other half of my cloth collection showcases a more eccentric,whimsical feel of colors and textures. When possible, I concentrate my search within smaller family-owned fabric mills, who have a distinctive history and are willing to work with me to create small quantities of limited edition fabrics.
Prepidemic Magazine: To what extent do you infuse your own personal aesthetic?
Edward III: It really all depends on the client that I’m working with. Since my primary focus is on the customer’s personal style, I try not to include my own design ideology unless it’s specifically asked for. A good portion of clients give me complete “carte blanche” to design their wardrobes. In this case, I will implement a few of my favorite design elements, but I never want any of my clients to feel like their wearing someone else’s garment.
Prepidemic Magazine: Have you had any particularly wacky orders or ridiculous characters?
Edward III: Over the years, I have some interesting requests but nothing completely out of the ordinary. Mainly, very unique interior pocket shapes/dimensions. Most clients take pride in knowing that they’re investing in a garment that will be a part of their wardrobe for years to come. I try to encourage them to find style and not fashion.
Check out Edward III on the web at IIIEdward.com.
5 Responses “Brands to Know: Edward III ”
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Over the years I have purchased many custom tailered suits from other vendors and none have ever fit me properly. Since using Edward III for my wardrobe collection my suits have fit me impeccability with materials that are unique and of the finest quality I have ever seen in which every detail is custom, down to the thread itself.
A well custom tailered suit speaks for itself. When you attend as many board of director meetings as I do and continually received complements on your wardrobe, as I do since using Edward III, you know you have been suited with the finest “Sartorial Armour” to impress and win your boardroom battles.
This dude rocks.
I can state, first hand, that the personal service from Mr. Dennehy coupled with the final product are unmatched for his price points. I have yet to wear a piece from Edward III (whether it is a suit, shirt, tie or cufflinks) that does not garner a compliment from someone. My recommendation is that you run, don’t walk, to the phone and make an appointment!
I have been wearing custom suits for several years, yet I never encountered a company with such exceptional products and services. I now use Edward III exclusively because it always exceeds my expectations. Mr. Dennehy’s attention to detail and creativity make every consultation extremely personalized. Having him come to my office for appointments is very convenient and works well with my hectic litigation schedule. I agree with Darren(above): Make an appointment today. You will not be disappointed!
I know Mr. Dennehy personally and over the years of working with him, he really knows how to dress someone in a way that separates them from others. I like to think of myself as a savvy dresser but Edward helps me organize my clothing in a way that’s its not overwhelming or poorly coordinated. He’s good at keeping me in mind when fabrics that I like are on sale and sends me pieces of the fabric so that I can feel it. He takes the time to understand your lifestyle, work, and needs from clothing. It’s makes me feel good when I wear the best. I feel comfortable and confident. I recommend anyone to make an appointment with Edward and let him advise you on your wardrobe.