Whether you’re 15 or 85, turn to Cremieux clothing for preppy style. Daniel Cremieux, who founded the Daniel Cremieux in the early 1970s, has passed the reigns to his son Stephane Cremieux. As president, Stephane Cremieux now resides in New York, but this week he’s appearing at several Dillard’s stores. On June 6, Cremieux will be in Lubbock, TX followed by visits to stores in Baton Rouge and Metairie, LA on June 7 and 8 respectively. If you’re in or near those cities, check with the store for details of his visit. No matter where you are, don’t forget to pick up a Cremieux shirt for yourself or for someone else, they make great Father’s Day gifts.
Q: One wouldn’t necessarily expect a man with an MBA in management and economics to be a fashion trendsetter. Did you inherit your sense of style from your father?
A: I always was very attracted by fashion, looking at my father’s closet at my younger age. I wanted to look older when I was younger and was taking my father’s shoes and shirts. The problem was that we were never really the same size.
Q: What was it like growing up with a style icon for a father? Were you always the best dressed guy at school as a result?
A: I was lucky to be dressed the way my friends wanted to be dressed by using the proximity of our stores in France and going to the warehouse where I could borrow or buy some of the best clothes.
Q: Did you ever have plans for a career outside Cremieux?
A: When I was traveling with my father to the States while I was student, one of my friends, a very famous American preppy designer, offered me a job in his office, but I was too young. I regret that. However I knew I would, and always wanted to join the family business. This is a passion, a mission.
Q: In many family companies, successors often start at the bottom and work their way up through the ranks. Was that the case with you? If so, what’s the bottom in the fashion industry? I’m sure that most people only imagine the glamorous side of it all.
A: Sure, I started inside the stores on my Saturdays — stores in France are closed on Sundays — helping to sell the products, explaining more fabrics than any other member of the sales team, and creating or helping in visual concepts. I had the chance to travel for vacation with my parents in the U.S., and we always came back with ideas, especially on how to create visual merchandising. Then still during my studies, I launched a full men’s accessories and shoes venture with the key players of that time, showing in trade fairs … then took care of some export markets before joining and directing the design team.
Q: Cremieux is known for its preppy, Ivy League style. How and/or why has that style been so popular in so many countries for so many years?
A: Preppy is international. I think you will find more preppy outside America today than in America. The grass is always greener outside. The French love American fashions and Americans like the French romance. This is a question of interpretation, by creating an understandable authentic version of each.
Q: How do you describe your personal style?
A: My philosophy is that a man should always be better dressed rather than downgrading his look. However I love mixing up my New Balance sneakers, with a vintage pair of jeans, a dress shirt, and a cashmere navy balzer. And never forget the white handmade linen handkerchief.
Q: If you could save only one piece from your closet, not from Cremieux, what would it be and why?
A: My vintage Hanes grey heather ringer tee that they stopped making four years ago.
Q: What Cremieux essential(s) should every man own?
A: A navy blazer, a washed khaki chino in our two ply twill, our cashmere sweater, and our “38” pique polo shirt.
Q: If we caught up with you at home on a weekend afternoon, what would you be wearing?
A: In winter a cashmere jogging pant and sweatshirt. In summer, a T-shirt and cargo shorts.
Q: Do you have a favorite designer who doesn’t work for your company? If so, who and why?
A: There are lots of brands that I like and respect, for many different reasons, some are specialized in some items, some others for their full collections, but I don’t have a favorite.
What’s your favorite Cremieux piece or look? Tell us about it in the comments.
Shop all Cremieux here.
