Cosmopolitan’s haberdashery is the ultimate clothier for men of distinction…
In the 2014 box-office smash KINGSMAN: The Secret Service, master spy Colin Firth passes on some valuable wisdom to young Taron Egerton. “The first thing every gentleman needs is a good suit. Manners maketh man” he tells his protege from their base of covert operations…one that happens to be disguised as a shop for bespoke tailoring.
You may not find a lair for international intrigue hidden inside Cosmopolitan Hotel Casino. But you will encounter the most stunning and exquisite men’s boutique in all of Las Vegas. Located on the second level, just a whisper away from gorgeous Chandelier Bar, STITCHED Lifestyle Men’s Clothier and Boutique is your gateway to an incredible world of sophisticated possibilities.
I was first introduced to STITCHED through Mr. Gordon Prouty, Director of Publicity and Public Relations at Westgate Las Vegas Resort. This absurdly handsome gentleman is well-known throughout the city via his position at Greenspun Media Group…and his ongoing involvement with many local organizations.
No matter where I’ve seen him, Mr. Prouty is always impeccably dressed…so much so that I couldn’t help but ask about his dazzling and unique wardrobe. “STITCHED at Cosmopolitan” was the answer. “I’ll take you there some day if you’d like. It could make for an interesting article”. (let’s hope he was right)…
Gordon Prouty (left) brings his winning STITCHED lifestyle to an outdoor event…
True to his word, this dapper gent arranged for me to meet Ricci Lopez-Hammargren. Mr. Lopez is General Manager and Vice President of Sales at STITCHED. This native of Las Vegas is also an accomplished journalist, voice actor and the newest board member of the Las Vegas Fashion Council.
When I arrived at the haberdashery, Lopez was finishing up with one of his VIP clients. As I looked around the establishment, the flamenco guitar of QUEEN’s “Innuendo” strummed overhead, creating a marvelous mood for what was to come.
Soon I was receiving a wondrous tour while Gordon tried on some new arrivals. “Shall we begin outside?” Ricci suggested, eager to describe the care that went into creating the STITCHED frontage. Rich woods, tufted wall panels and sconces will undoubtedly grab your attention as you stroll through the resort. Don’t be surprised if your eyes drift upward to the distinctive red-leather lettering that spells out the shop’s name.
Below that, a magnificent door with custom-made hardware beckons you inside. “It looks a bit like a dungeon” Lopez laughed, pointing to the huge slab of dark wood. “And a little like the wardrobe that leads to Narnia” I added in my mind. For once you pass through that doorway, you leave Sin City behind and enter a time when elegance and frivolity strolled hand-in-hand.
The main area of STITCHED is a dazzling festival of gorgeous shirts, colorful jackets, daring neckties and classy accessories. World-class brands like Tom Ford and Scabal are displayed alongside their own signature XXXX line on racks of re-purposed metal. Those unique displays come from the biking world of Roland Sands Design. Mr. Lopez told me that in the early days of the haberdashery (it opened with the Cosmopolitan in 2010) they actually had a Roland Sands motorcycle on display…along with a Vespa or two.
While the main selling floor of STITCHED evokes at atmosphere of sophistication, the details lend themselves to moments of the more outrageous variety. Adorning the walls are pieces of taxidermy (not my thing to be sure), photos of well-outfitted celebrities…and shelves of colorful sneakers. High-end sunglasses, luggage, hats, pocket squares and belts are lovingly displayed in glass cases and on stands next to tastefully-weathered tables and cabinets.
“This space is much more than just a store” Ricci proudly stated, his voice as elegant as our surroundings. “We’ve held parties, art showings, celebrity meet-and-greets, fundraisers….even weddings. I’m very happy that people choose our store to host their events. It’s an honor”.
As we headed towards the back section, I informed Ricci that I’d taken some photos upon my arrival. “Would you mind if I had a chance to straighten things up first instead? I’m a bit of a perfectionist”. Naturally I agreed, but later decided to mostly use existing photos from their Official Facebook page. After all, why attempt to duplicate what’s already been done flawlessly?
Men of all shapes and sizes can benefit from a custom fitting…
To our left was where the STITCHED experience really begins…the measuring room. “Notice the platform where the gentleman stands for his fitting. It’s covered with red carpeting. Being fitted for a suit should make someone feel like a star”. And indeed the atmosphere appears stellar…standing in front of a three-sided mirror as dozens of measurements are recorded.
Customers can choose clothing from in-stock selections and have them tailored for a perfect fit. Or for the ultimate STITCHED experience, you can have a one-of-a-kind outfit completely designed for you. Ricci and Sam Glaser (Vice President of Purchasing and Operations) have everything necessary to create a suit down to the finest detail.
There are limitless combinations to create your own design. Endless selections of fabrics, buttons, stitching and linings can be ordered from stacks of books if their huge existing selection doesn’t quite make the cut. You can pick your style, cut, lapel width, etc. or have one of the team….even Ricci himself…create one that reflects your style and personality.
Ricci showed me a stunning jacket that had just been completed for a valued regular customer. The lining displayed a series of personal photographs that belong to the new owner. The final touch was a pocket square depicting the customer’s beloved grandmother. It was a surprise gift on behalf of STITCHED.
Beyond that area, bathed in natural light courtesy of an enormous wall of glass, the “Santa’s factory” of STITCHED is open and inviting. An actual functioning work space, it’s home to the tailors and their craft. All of the cutting, sewing, embroidery and more occur here. “Other tailors hide this area away. It’s typically just four white walls where unseen craftsmen do their work. To us it’s the heart of our operations, and we like for it to be seen”.
Along with their usual services, the team at STITCHED are pleased to act as concierges for customers. They’ll gladly arrange for transportation, entertainment…and perhaps even a bottle of their favorite spirits. Many other clothiers have their tailoring done at the Cosmo location. It’s a true reflection of the reputation they’ve built through an epic eight years in operation.
“We have people fly in into Las Vegas just to come to STITCHED. They arrive at our store, spend a few hours here, then return. They can relax in our lounge, have a cocktail from their own private locker and enjoy the company of friends and other guests”.
Wait, what? A lounge with personal storage areas? As amazing as that sounds, it’s the absolute truth. Our next stop was indeed a lounge that has become the stuff of legend. Offering a fantastic view of the Strip, this man-cave is like nothing you’ve ever seen. The characters of KINGSMAN would feel right at home in this hidden retreat.
Never before has this writer felt so at home in a place that was completely out of his realm. The STITCHED lounge is indeed the ultimate hangout for athletes, musicians, celebrities and top-tier movers and shakers.
Across the back wall, dozens of locked cubicles (72 to be exact) display the names of their “owners” while inside, personal collections of spirits and libations await the next visit. Sitting in an enormous tufted-leather sofa, I was almost tempted to reach for a cigar…and I’ve never even smoked one.
“There’s a bit of a waiting list to get one of these” Ricci explained before zipping off to address an urgent matter. While sipping some fine whiskey with Mr. Prouty, I chatted with Glaser and JJ McKay, a Seattle entrepreneur and creator of lifestyle website The Fresh Toast.
It was easy to envision that plenty of business deals, influential decisions and memorable moments have taken place in this rather secretive location. From a retailer’s dollars-and-cents perspective, this space could be considered as wasted. But STITCHED is much more than just a retail outlet…it’s a lifestyle. An attitude. An experience to be desired.
The Vegas flagship STITCHED has become so renowned that Mr. Lopez and his skills are now in demand in other cities. Ricci recently returned from Houston where he was flown in to do custom suits for the Astros team. Two additional STITCHED locations now provide dazzling clothing and accessories for the men of Washington D.C. and Miami.
The greatest plaudits for STITCHED come from fashion-forward athlete Bryce Harper. He may not have started as an official spokesman, but that didn’t stop him from praising the wonders of his favorite clothier to his legion of fans. Bryce even got married in a tuxedo created by STITCHED for his nuptials.
Back here in Las Vegas, names like the GOLDEN KNIGHTS and Jaymes Vaughan (Celebrity Page TV, The Talk, Chippendales) have permanently-engraved plates identifying their own stored collections. Vaughan frequently shares his @StitchedLife fascination on Instagram. And you’ll see Ricci and team’s creations adorning hot local celebs like Micah Manalo (KTNV-TV), Matt Goss and Ricardo Laguna.
It would be understandable to feel humbled in the company of such elite clientele. Ricci assures us that everyone is worthy of a quality suit…and he couldn’t be more proud to provide great clothing for the guys of Sin City. “A gentleman always dresses for the occasion” he says. “Strive for excellence and make your work worthy of being in front of a camera”.
With the holidays and a new year nearly upon us, there will be plenty of opportunities for you to impress…and create memorable photographs. You owe it to yourself to step onto that red-carpeted riser. Enjoy one of the finest things that Las Vegas has to offer and indulge in some custom-tailored clothing from STITCHED. I know I will….see you there!
STITCHED is located inside the Cosmopolitan Hotel Casino. Hours are from 10 am through 11 pm daily. Call 702-698-7630 for more information. To schedule a personalized fitting, click here.
Photos: STITCHED, Sam Novak, Ricci Lopez/Jaymes Vaughan/Ricardo Laguna/Micah Manalo/Bryce Harper/Gordon Prouty via public social media
VEGAS UNFILTERED BLOG by Sam Novak 