Grant Harris

What is the name of your company, when did it launch?

Image Granted (IG) is a Washington, DC based Image Consulting Company dedicated to solving the complex image, style & fashion issues of today’s professional man. IG officially launched in 2009 and provides private & corporate wardrobe consultations, closet organization, personal shopping & other value-based services for men in need of practical & affordable style advice.

IG has been featured in several international publications such as The Wall Street Journal, TIME Magazine, Black Enterprise Magazine, The Chicago Tribune, and CNN.  We are also regular contributors to several men’s lifestyle resources.  You can follow Image Granted on Twitter, Facebook and RSS. Contact us about our services at corporate@imagegranted.com.  Contact us regarding press/media inquires at press@imagegranted.com.

What is your back ground in fashion?

I do not have a technical background in fashion nor have I formally studied the subject.  I have several degrees but none of them are related to fashion.  I realized my zest for fashion later in my life and career.  Everything that I know about menswear, style, and fashion has been self taught.  I have made it a point to surround myself with men and women who are more knowledge about life, business and fashion than I am in order to absorb as much information as I can.  I spend much of my time reading, writing, and listening to the best resources around the world in order to stay on top of my game.

When I launched IG I knew I was behind the curve because of my lack of formal knowledge about the fashion industry.  I knew I had to gain some hands-on experience in order to catch up so I took on an internship with a custom clothier.  For several months I studied the ins and outs of building a fashion business while also gaining exposure to the technical aspects of clothing, fabrics, and design.  I give a lot of credit to this experience in helping me reach the level of success I have today.

Do you find that most men are clueless when it comes to fashion?

This depends on which part of the US or which country in the world you’re speaking of.  Every city and/or country has pockets of men who are extremely knowledgeable about clothing and fashion.  On the other hand you have just as many pockets of men who are “clueless”.  I associate myself with the men who know what they’re talking about, and I provide my services to those who don’t.  Most men know where they are right now with their style and they know where they’d like to be.  The part they don’t know is how to get there efficiently and economically.  This is where I come in.  I provide the knowledge, resources, and guidance to get men from point A to point B so they can dress for the life they want, not just the one they have.

What is the most common issue you find that men face when it comes to creating their own look?

There are several.  A lot of men get in a habit of buying the same things over and over again because they are used to them and because they’re comfortable.  They end up with a closet full of the same items.  A lot of men are also afraid of color.  This extends from their lack of knowledge related to how color can improve and enhance a wardrobe.  So, ultimately they end up with a wardrobe full of blue, black, white and khaki.  Also, many men do not like trying on clothes.  This baffles me.  Yes, it takes time but it’s much better to try it on in the store to see it doesn’t fit rather than buy it, take it home, unwrap it, find out it does not fit, and then have to return it.  One way saves time and money.  The other wastes it.

What is your number one pet peeve when it comes to the generalizations of men’s fashion?

There is a generalization among American men  that if you dress well,  groom yourself properly, wear colors other than blue, black or brown; and spend more time shopping than watching sports, then that man must be homosexual.  This couldn’t be further from the truth.  It was not too long ago in our history that men were the peacocks and women were unadorned.  George Washington wore diamond studded heels for his inauguration.  By the time Thomas Jefferson came around he took his oath in slippers and a robe.  I am not suggesting that men wear diamond studded heels.  I am suggesting that men take more pride in their look than just slippers and a robe, and that they don’t need to be labeled as gay because they do.

Can you share your favorite trend this season?

I try to stay away from trends because trends fade away in time while style lasts forever.  However, there are some trends that come and go in cycles and some are better than others.  This Fall I think burgundy is a great color to wear for men.  It is warm, regal, and manly.  Wear it in jackets, socks, ties, and hats.  Another trend resurfacing is elbow patches.  Elbow patches are a great way to spice up an otherwise bland jacket or sweater.  They also provide protection from wear and tear on the garment.

What’s next for Image Granted?

IG is headed for bigger and better.  I’m currently planning several trunks shows in the DC area introducing custom clothiers as well as other menswear retail brand labels to the men of DC.  I’ll be adding more accessories to the IG web store and collaborating with more brands worldwide to extend the reach of IG on an international level.