‘My name is Jim Ockert, and I am President of Khaki’s of Carmel. We’ve got 15,000 square feet of a luxury men’s store, carrying the world’s top brands including our own J. Lawrence label. I have a business degree from the university of Oregon. My two children are both big personalities and definitely creative. Although not in our business, I’m very happy with their progress and enthusiasm and ability to develop their own creative endeavors. My wife, Connie, has worked with me as our chief controller and co-buyer. I’m a 3rd generation merchandiser, so I was fortunate to be around it at a very young age. Although my parents are long retired, they are very enthusiastic about what I am doing, and understand completely the dedication it takes on a daily basis. Well, I love design, especially architecture. Fortunately, I am in Carmel so I get to see many world class homes done in some very interesting old-school ways. I also bike and walk, and have a new city bike that is very enjoyable. And of course there is my 12 year old Springer Spaniel, Comet. I am lucky enough to be able to travel on behalf of Khaki’s of Carmel. Although it is work, I still enjoy it as much as I did when I first started.

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

I’ve always been interested in clothing. Even through school, how I looked in the clothing I wore developed into a real passion. Tailored clothing and furnishings is what I enjoyed the most, along with footwear. I’ve always tended to want the best: handmade English and Italian clothing and footwear. So, of course, that interest has developed into our own J. Lawrence collection of shirts, neckwear, khakis, dress trousers, sport coats, and suits. Our own unique designs, the best fabrics, and the finest craftsmanship that we can find. I am an avid reader. Beside all of the fashion publications like GQ, Esquire and the Rake, I also read daily the SF chronicle, the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, and most architectural magazines. Oddly enough, one of my favorites is Garden & Gun – a great southern publication. [My definition of style:] Cary Grant, Steve McQueen, Ralph Lauren, Nick Wooster. I’m inspired by my parents and my wife’s parents. The opportunity available in the U.S. if one really wants to work hard, and has a dream and a passion.

My suits, sport coats, trousers, and shirts are all custom. I rely on Dormeuil and Barberis, etc., fabrics in my own particular cut. I like things a little shorter, a little trimmer and of course I love British shoes – Edward Green and Gaziano & Girling. I’ve got a special love for double-monkstrap shoes with a double sole, narrow waist, ram’s head medallion, natural edged soles, etc. For belts, it’s always American aligator with a sterling buckle. I’m never afraid of color. Since Khaki’s houses 2,000 ties from the best vendors, I have a large collection. [For RTW, I rely one] Gimo’s of Italy jackets, Incotex trousers, Seward and Stearn from England neckwear, W. Kleinberg belts, Italian cashmere 4-ply sweaters and of course Edward Green and Gaziano & Girling footwear, Levi’s Made & Crafted jeans – made in America.

Well, we’ve been in business a long time, but my goal has always been to have one of the best stores in the U.S. We now seem to have the location and the space to make that happen. We are in a cornerstone location of Carmel-by-the-sea, next to Kate Spade, Tiffany’s, and Bottega Veneta. This has always been my dream and we’ve worked at it every day to continue creating great customer service, great value positioning and our own unique style. [Our goods are] luxury sportswear and tailored clothing with a very large vendor mix. We shop the market hard and assort according to what we think our customers would like and appreciate. Fashion first and a limited amount of basics. Change is what we’re all about. Most customers in California, especially national customers, most definitely know about us. I think it is our product mix, our wonderful staff and our constency in these areas. Of course, 100 mannequins might help people remember who we are. We have no problem in creating an unusual way of showing great menswear.

I enjoy training and working with young people, and I think that training in our industry is somewhat lacking. I had help and the only request from those whom helped me was to help others. You can get a feel from what the bloggers think, who are mostly on the younger side, by going to Khakisofcarmel.com and reading their reviews. I love talking fashion and try to keep it all realistic. It’s fun, it’s work, but it is a business. As far as what I wish men would know, I think the rules are more open for dressing. If you love to dress, there’s nothing better. If you find a good clothier, they can show you the way. Well-cut jeans, a well-cut suit, a beautiful tie, can all make your day. The first appearance really is everything. We are always interested in training people about the menswear industry.’

http://www.khakisofcarmel.com/

Pictures: © Moss Media