Nicholas Cummings, 45, Account Executive, Kiton America
Previously? Wardrobe Consultant, LouisBoston, 10 years
Our next guest is Nick Cummings.
Boston born and raised, NY based, Nick knows his suits and isn't afraid to tell you about it. 19 years at Kiton, a brand he describes as a 'piece of art' ,doing things the old fashioned way. 24 hours of handwork to create a single suit. Nick is your go-to for a lifetime piece.
From NY to Dallas, California, Toronto, all the way to Milan, Florence and Naples, the man gets around.
What got you into your job?
Was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go into wholesale after 10 years in luxury retail. Kiton was one of the brands I sold and specialised in at the iconic Louis, Boston where I cut my teeth in this industry.
I always refer to it as my “college years” of this industry. Couldn’t have gone to a better school….
What was your style like as a teenager? And was there a defining moment in your younger life that shaped the way you dress?
Still the same til this day, sneakers and backpacks. My style is a combination of retired rock star and off duty ninja.
Everything else is just the best I can get my hands on (Kiton 😉)
How has your upbringing influenced the way you see fashion?
I grew up in the skateboard/hip hop era which still influences me today. Couple that with a passion for the finest crafted tailoring on the planet (again, Kiton) and here I am.
Talk us through your role?
My job as Senior Account Executive at Kiton, along with my team manage over 40 wholesale accounts in North America. From large to small each one is equally important. Whether it’s a trunk show, sales support, or meeting with the final customer, no 2 days are alike and that’s why I love this business…..
I have the best bosses on the planet. My job is to help them ensure we are always taking the business to the next level.
What does pressure look like in your job and how do you deal with it?
Pressure comes in many forms…..
From getting something produced and delivered on time, unique requests, or digging around to finding that one swatch that a client had in mind. Every detail is so important. Timing and delivery always. We promise the best and have to make sure we deliver (pun intended) on that promise
What makes working for Kiton extra meaningful for you?
Kiton still does things the old fashioned way. Hand work from start to finish. Over 24 hours goes into its jacket. Making each one truly a work of art.
Couple that with the best fabrics in the world and you have the most special product on the market
I don’t say that because I work for the company, I work for the company because I knew that.
How has your view of style changed as you’ve gotten older? And how would you define it now with age?
Again, I’m still the punk kid that grew up on Wu-Tang, Biggie and Tupac. Evolving for sure to better goods and staying up on whatever’s next.
Underrated fashion icon/some one whose style you admire right now?
@zeus.officiel
Tell us a 'i made it' moment for you in your career?
If you ever think that, you’ve got the wrong attitude. You’re only as good as your last season.
Where would you advise men to get their style inspiration and information from?
From inside yourself (profound, I know). Don’t let trends and culture influence you too much. Keep mental notes from people you see and admire when you travel…subways, city streets etc. collect ideas and go from there.
What is one thing you would advise someone looking to get in your line of work?
It ain’t ALL Champagne and Caviar, but it’s a LOT of Champagne and Caviar.
There’s so much hard work that goes into what people see on the surface. Gotta earn it everyday
What do you think matters too much in fashion right now? (Where should the focus be?)
The focus should always be on Personal style and not what others are doing. Who cares
