The Monthly Souz October Edition

In 1987, I started my career in fashion at Siga International. I was what they called a “gopher” - also known as a “go for” haha. At the time, the company was owned by Eric Silverman and had the Canadian rights to numerous international brands including HUGO BOSS, Nautica, Bugle Boy, Wilkie Rodriguez, Jeff Sayre, Unlimited, Bugatti, and more. Oh, and of course: Robert Comstock

As an American designer based in Boise, Idaho, Robert Comstock’s Snake River cabin, fly fishing, and tales of Madagascar expeditions were hardly typical of fashion designers in the late 80’s. The product was as unique as his stories, and, as I would one day discover, the man himself. Exquisite leather outerwear made from the most luxurious, rare skins and with couture design? Believe me, every men’s retailer in our showroom was absolutely blown away when trying on a sample. And although I wasn’t involved with the RC sales team (which was run by Mark Lucas, Silverman’s partner in crime), we heard about them from every retailer who came through the HUGO BOSS showrooms.

In ‘94 I moved to NYC - but it wasn’t until 2000 that I met Mr. Comstock, who’d recently reconnected with Eric Silverman for his NYC relaunch. Eric mentioned Robert was looking for an SVP of Sales & Marketing, so I interviewed for the role. That interview turned into two amazing years, and we’ve been close friends ever since. Just this past March, Rob called asking for my assistance with securing a Manhattan showroom to display his collection for Bergdorf Goodman’s buyer. I found him a space and urged him to come to the house for dinner before returning to Idaho. He accepted, and over food and wine we discussed an idea that’s been on my mind for over a decade. Now, that idea has finally come to life with the help of key experts in my network. Please read more about its evolution in the interview below after watching this inspirational video.

Q&A with Robert Comstock

Who is Robert Comstock?         

First and foremost, I’m a father of two truly gifted and enjoyable young men ages 21 and 25. From the moment they opened their eyes, I became a trusted friend and loving constant in their lives.         

What inspired you to become a fashion designer?

I’d never thought about design until seeking an international post with CitiBank directly after university. The day prior to my scheduled interview in NYC (my first visit), I ventured into Bloomingdales where I saw an entire section of leather jackets from Uruguay. I knew the country and immediately thought how cool it would be to have my own line of leather outerwear. At the end of what was to be 5 intensive interviews the following day, I borrowed the correspondent banker’s phone and called the Uruguayan Ambassador. As improbable as it sounds, he was on the line within a few minutes and invited me to visit the embassy. I immediately caught a cab to Battery Place, and during the course of our conversation he arranged for me to meet the country’s Head General of Exportation. On New Year’s Day 1976, I caught a flight to Montevideo, Uruguay, and never looked back. 

Who or what is your muse?

Personal Expeditions and conservation projects in the Arctic, neotropics, high deserts and savannas. I’m intrigued and inspired by indigenous people and their artwork.  

In addition to designing exquisite clothing, what is Robert Comstock's mission?

I’ve helped support and provide funding for conservation projects that protect endangered raptor species in Outer Mongolia, Greenland, Madagascar and other areas including the US. Working in the field with the biologists of The Peregrine Fund and assisting their efforts to preserve habitat and promote awareness with local populations and governments has always been fulfilling. It makes it possible for my vocation and avocation to be one and the same. I’ve been fortunate enough to blend the conservation of endangered species into my collections and design philosophy. Conservation and philanthropy go hand-in-hand in that they’re focused on future generations.

The continuous work of captive breeding endangered raptors for reintroduction into the wild by The Peregrine Fund or World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise, has helped preserve and restore countless species in over one-hundred countries. It has been my honor to serve on TPF’s board of directors for over 30 years.

Congrats on opening your new online boutique! I heard you just had a huge sale. Tell us a little more about the store, and what people can expect to find there.

Like a finely aged wine, the website represents a 40-year culmination of my interest in expeditions and conservation projects that inspire one-of-a-kind creations. These are my stories and I’m a storyteller. The greatest surprise, however, was that our very first sale was for a $100,000 crocodile motorcycle jacket! I need to point out that the skins used in the design are harvested under strict government and regulatory statutes. It must also be noted that I’ve never used a mammal for its skin or fur throughout my entire career. Only domestic animals harvested for their meat, e.g., lamb, goat and calf, whose skins are a bi-product.

With respect to telling a story, each style has its own thematic video and a separate one of me describing how and why I designed it. Upon checkout, a prospective customer is introduced to a current conservation project in Kenya, involving the Masai. Each and every style represents a distinctly different effort and percentage of profits that protect the precipitous decline of the most important species on the African plains, the Vulture. 

I noticed that your online products are made in Italy. Why Italy?

Sourcing and production are exclusive to Italy’s preeminent mills, tanneries and contemporary high-tech factories. These long-term friendships represent a tightly knit family. The trust insures and protects the quality, integrity and value of each garment that I personally design, hand-sign and number. 

People have compared your story to Brunello Cucinelli. Can you talk about that comparison?

Years ago, I was exhibiting in the Piti Uomo in Florence, when two of America’s most important specialty store owners made a comparison between Brunello’s lifestyle and my own. Though completely different, they highlighted Cuccinelli’s commitment to his home village and its artisans, and my intrinsic love for Idaho’s Snake River Canyon, the Rocky Mountains and allegiance to Native American tribes in my region.  

Is there a must-have RC piece?

Like fresh powder on unmarked slopes, the silkiness of full grain calf suede highlights each contour and fold of the Vienna. This impossibly lightweight blazer makes a subtle impression with pick-stitched pleated billows pockets and an underside collar housing a woven harmony of baby alpaca in a subtle color pallet. 

What is your proudest moment in your career?

Initially seeking art inspiration, I became inescapably involved with our country’s first citizens and their continued plight of the highest unemployment rates, social discrimination and health challenges extending back to federally mandated reservations. For several seasons my designs centered on the Shoshone, Paiute, Bannock, Navajo, Hopi and Zuni. With support from the retail community, my company was able to provide work for the Shoshone, Paiute and Bannock tribes, where women were able to apply their beading talents in their own homes, and funding supported a young Native American’s studies in becoming an attorney.

What is your philosophy?

Why not supersedes Why.

What most excites you about the business in 2020 and beyond?

I’m most excited about the relevance of experiential marketing. The collections and the inspiration and the causes they represent will be shared far beyond a weekend trunk show.

Still curious about Robert Comstock? Contact me on robert@souzaassociates.com for consideration to be a Founding Member of the Comstock Club with access to exclusive experiences such as:

- A once in a lifetime fly fishing expedition with Robert Comstock on Henry's Fork near West Yellowstone. Experience wildlife, nature, and amazing hospitality in a private cabin club.

- Personal communication with Robert Comstock regarding products, experiences, and inspiration - as well as personalized questions, answers, and recommendations from the collection.

- Access to exclusive VIP products on the website, such as first-glances at new styles and product lines.

- A behind-the-scenes tour with Robert and The Peregrine Fund, with access to special events including releasing birds of prey back into their natural environments.        

The Monthly Souz newsletter was launched in 2018 as a way for my network, which has been built over 30 years, to see what my clients do and how everyone can mutually benefit from each other. We reserve some of our best content for members on this list.

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