Heikal Gani and Kyle Vuckos search for the perfect fitted suit as students has turned into a lifes passion and global success story. In 2006, the University of Victoria students and best friends found the selection of mens suits slim and out of their budget. Frustrated by the process, the duo wondered if there was a better way to get the perfect suit at an affordable price without ever having to leave home. When they realized there wasnt, they created one. Indochino, an online custom tailor for men, was born.
After many visits to China and much research, the young entrepreneurs realized mass-customization was possible. With no money or experience but plenty of chutzpah, the two guys convinced manufacturers to reconfigure their production process and the idea of mass customization came to life. Gani flew to Asia in 2007 to oversee manufacturing of its initial line. Gani still lives there while Vucko manages the business from their Vancouver headquarters. Thanks to some start-up funds, a website was designed and a handful of styles initially offered. A relatively simple process, customers visit Indochino.com, enter their measurements (step-by-step instructional videos are available for the uninitiated), pick their style and within three weeks, a quality tailored suit arrives. A fraction of what it would cost off-the-rack, suits start at $300.
Sales skyrocketed. The business model proved so popular, former Yahoo! president and CEO Jeffrey Mallett jumped on board as chairman. Demand exceeded its production capacity. Product lines grew. The company expanded and production is now centralized in Shanghai. To date, the company has dressed more than 25,000 customers worldwide with their biggest markets in Vancouver, Toronto and New York. Vucko admits the measuring process is the customers biggest concerns and the companys biggest challenge.
Understanding the fears of first-timers, Vucko and Gani recently opened a pop-up store in downtown Vancouver. Nearly 1,000 private appointments were made with their tailors over the four days the store was opened. As Vucko points out, once measurements are stored in a clients profile, its fairly straightforward from then on. With a click of the mouse, clients can scan hundreds of shirts, jackets, and suits (a Steve Nash Collection just launched), not to mention accessories and cool customizations like personal monograms and colourful linings.
If a suit doesnt fit for any reason, the company will replace it or pay for the garment to be tailored correctly. Asked what the return rate was on their suits, Vucko replied, Relatively few.
Best thing about running your own company?
Kyle: Being able to make a big, meaningful impact on the world
Biggest challenge for your company?
Kyle: Making men better dressed around the world.
Heikal: Getting people used to the fact that clothing should be custom made for them
Biggest challenge of running your company with your best friend?
Kyle: Not working.
Heikal: Everything we do ends up being work!
Best thing about running your company with your best friend?
Kyle: Can you think of a better person to spend lots of time with?
Heikal: Aww
Biggest accomplishment?
Kyle: Still to come
Biggest failure?
Kyle: Still to come
What does success look like?
Kyle: Waking up every day feeling good about what lies ahead.
Heikal: Indochino ruling the world
Who has more style?
Kyle: Heikal. There is a reason he is our creative director, among other things
Heikal: Me, though Kyle can pull off most things.
Biggest fear men have about buying a suit?
Kyle: Will it look good
Heikal: What colour to buy
Biggest mistake men make when buying a suit?
Kyle: Getting something too flashy for a first suit
Heikal: Purchasing a suit that is too big; many are not use to a more fitted suit.
How many have returned their suits for alterations or remake?
Kyle: Not many
Heikal: Its better than other retailers.
Sexiest part of a mans suit?
Kyle: The fit
Heikal: The vents
Celebrity youd like to dress?
Kyle: Tom Cruise
Heikal: Ryan Gosling
Pleats or no pleats?
Kyle: No
Heikal: None
Single breasted or Double-breasted?
Kyle: Single
Heikal: Always single
Must wear fashion accessory?
Kyle: Tie-bar
Fashion trend you never want to see comeback?
Kyle: Shoulder pads
Favourite mens designer?
Kyle & Heikal: Tom Ford
Whos more fashionable? Men from Vancouver, Montreal or Toronto?
Kyle: They all have their own style
Heikal: Montreal
Besides a suit, favourite clothing item you own?
Kyle: Pair of beautiful shoes.
Heikal: A cardigan
One thing you could change about the world?
Kyle: People doing what they love.
One thing you hate most about the world?
Kyle: People doing what is safe and accepted as opposed to being honest.
LIFESTYLE:
Best place for coffee?
Kyle & Heikal: Starbucks
Best bar/lounge?
Kyle: Bacchus Wedgewood
Heikal: Waldorf Astoria
Your favorite restaurant?
Kyle: Twisted Fork
Cheap place for dinner?
Kyle: Sea Monster Sushi
Heikal: Nandos
Your biggest indulgence?
Kyle: Chocolate
Heikal: Hotel rooms
Last book read?
Kyle & Heikal: Steve Jobs Biography
First record you ever purchased?
Kyle: Records did not exist in my time
Heikal: Madonnas Erotica and it was a CD.
Favourite sports team?
Kyle: Do Vancouverites have a choice? The Canucks
Heikal: Phoenix Suns
CITY:
Best thing about this city?
Kyle: Easy to get around
Heikal: The mild temperature
Worst thing about this city?
Kyle: Lack of inspiration and desire to change the world
Heikal: Lack of inspiring places
The one place youd take out-of-town visitors?
Kyle: Granville Island
PEOPLE:
Who inspires you
Kyle: Steve Jobs, Barack Obama, my business partner and my partner
Heikal: The living legends. Madonna and Kyle
Who bugs you?
Kyle: Depends on the day
Heikal: Kim Kardashian
Most memorable celebrity encounter?
Kyle: Riding with Steve Nash to our photo shoot in Shanghai.
Heikal: Robin Williams when he refused to give an autograph on my iPad and Steve Nash who continues to inspire me.
If you could be any celebrity, it would be
Kyle: Give me a few years to say me.
Heikal: Madonna. She has all the fun.
If you know a Person of Interest, email Fred at yvrflee@hotmail.com.
