Join us for a conversation with Rick Lambert and Eric Scott, the dynamic duo behind Rick Scott Designers. Discover how these trendsetters transitioned from the music scene to the world of luxury menswear, creating a brand redefining fashion. Don’t miss this chance to hear from innovators making waves in the industry!
Crafting Quality and Comfort in Luxury Menswear: Rick Scott Designers
A Fashion Faux Pas to Forget
Sterling: To kick things off, what’s one fashion trend you hope never returns? Rick, let’s start with you.
Rick: For me, it’s definitely skinny jeans. On me, they don’t work.
Sterling: Eric, what about you?
Eric: I’ll say sagging. And combining skinny jeans with sagging? That’s just the worst of the worst. Put some pants on, you know?
Sterling: So, a happy medium then—not too tight or baggy?
Rick: Exactly. Fitted, tapered looks that are custom or semi-custom.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Sterling: What makes your garments stand out in the crowded men’s fashion market? It seems like there’s a new brand popping up every day.
Rick: We decided to move in the direction of semi-custom apparel. We put a lot of attention to detail into selecting materials and ensuring the practicality and function of our shirts. It’s all about how the shirt feels on the consumer throughout their day, not just when they try it on in the store.
Sterling: Eric, anything to add?
Eric: Absolutely. We reverse-engineer everything. We look at the problem first then design the solution. For example, we integrated a sweat guard into our dress shirts, addressing a common issue that many professionals face.
From Music to Menswear: The Rick Scott Designers Origin Story
Sterling: You both have diverse backgrounds in business and creative arts. What motivated you to start Rick Scott Designers?
Eric: Funny story—Rick and I worked on an album together. The name “Rick Scott” came from this collaboration. We wanted to create a product that was both a creative expression and a homage to our lineage. The name “Scott” is actually my father’s last name, and using it was a way to honor him.
Rick: We started with dress shirts and expanded from there. Eric’s business acumen and my creative ideas formed a great partnership.
Balancing Creativity and Strategy
Sterling: So, Rick, you’re the creative force behind the business, and Eric, you’re more of the strategic vision. How does that balance help you run your business?
Rick: Eric keeps me grounded. I can throw ten ideas on the wall, and he’ll help refine them, ensuring we focus on the viable ones.
Sterling: Can you share an example of a crazy idea that Eric reeled in?
Rick: Sure. I had an idea for launching a sneaker line. Eric asked practical questions about production costs and molds that I hadn’t considered. His insights saved us from potentially costly mistakes.
Sterling: What is the scope of your products, and what are some of the things you produce?
Eric: We’re expanding into various areas—shoes, handmade candles, millinery, and other products that support holistic well-being. Fashion is just one aspect; we aim to offer a wide range of products that enhance lifestyle.
Sterling: Headbands, maybe?
Eric: (Laughs) We’ll see about that, Sterling. Our focus is on products with broad appeal and functionality.
Innovative Design Process
Sterling: Rick, you’re known for your innovative use of materials. Can you walk us through your design process and how you approach sourcing those unique materials?
Rick: Absolutely. Our design process starts with identifying a need or a problem. For example, many people have their favorite hoodies or dress shirts, but these often come with flaws that can be annoying. We focus on these small details that make a big difference. Our dress shirts use 100% cotton with moisture-wicking techniques to address issues like perspiration during stressful situations. We also incorporate a hybrid clasping system that allows for traditional buttons and cufflinks, providing versatility and a touch of elegance.
Eric: Regarding sourcing, we initially aimed for a completely made-in-America approach but found that sourcing materials domestically was far more expensive. We then decided to source materials directly from overseas manufacturers to maintain high quality while controlling costs. Our process is meticulous, ensuring every detail is perfect before production.
Balancing Quality and Profit
Sterling: How do you find that sweet spot between making a profit and ensuring your customers see the value in staying competitive in the marketplace?
Eric: It focuses on behaviors rather than just profit. We maintain high standards for quality and ensure every design element is purposeful. Fast fashion might be lucrative, but our goal is sustainability and building long-term customer relationships. Profit is a byproduct of our dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.
Leveraging Community and Social Media
Sterling: Your brand has been around since 2021. How do you use your network to drive awareness and sales?
Rick: Consistency is key. We ensure our presence on social media is strong and engaging, providing valuable content that resonates with our audience. We also use YouTube to share worthwhile content, from fashion tips to lifestyle advice, keeping our brand in mind for our customers.
Eric: We also focus on target marketing, effectively knowing and reaching our demographic. Networking has expanded our reach and maintained a broad market presence.
Expanding Revenue Streams
Sterling: What creative ways do you create revenue streams beyond traditional sales?
Eric: We’re launching our Black Tie Membership on July 1st. It will have three tiers: a free entry-level membership, a subscription-based membership, and an invitation-only brand ambassador program. This will help us engage with our customers more deeply and provide exclusive content and discounts.
Rick: We’re also exploring consultation services and semi-custom suits to provide a personalized shopping experience. These additional services would diversify our revenue streams and strengthen our brand loyalty.
Fashion as Self-Expression
Sterling: How can you use clothing as a tool for self-expression and personal growth?
Rick: Fashion is an art form, and our designs are a canvas for our customers to express themselves. We provide the tools, and they create their own unique looks. It’s about giving people the confidence to be their best selves through a perfectly fitted dress shirt or a versatile hoodie.
Lessons Learned in the Fashion Industry
Sterling: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned as co-founders navigating the fashion industry?
Eric: Research, research, research. It’s vital to understand your market and craft thoroughly. Networking is equally important. We’ve learned that identifying the right partners and continuously educating ourselves on industry trends is crucial for growth.
Looking Forward
Sterling: What are you both looking forward to in the future of Rick Scott Designer?
Rick: We’re excited about expanding our design offerings and creating more opportunities for young designers through internships and team expansions. We want to provide the same opportunities we had to those coming up in the industry.
Eric: We’re also looking forward to launching business grants for small businesses owned by women of color by 2026. It’s a foundational principle for us to give back and promote success within our community.
Conclusion
Rick and Eric’s journey with Rick Scott Designer, is a testament to the power of innovation, quality, and community. Their commitment to excellence and sustainability is evident in every product they create, and their vision for the future is both ambitious and inspiring. Stay tuned to see how they continue revolutionizing the fashion industry and supporting their community.
