Since its founding in 2001, Peter Millar has been embraced by well-dressed men everywhere. Mister Guy Clothiers hosts a trunk show featuring the North Carolina-based brand’s latest fashions 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 15, so T&S chatted with company founder Chris Knott to hear how the brand entered—and dominated—the competitive sartorial scene.
T&S: What led you to start a clothing line?
Chris Knott: I grew up working retail and wholesale, so it wasn’t like I just jumped in the clothing business without being in the industry. I was a sales rep and saw a need for a line like Peter Millar in the market. At the time, everything was either kind of at department-store level or higher-end luxury, and there wasn’t lot in the middle. I felt like there was a real need for accessible luxury.
T&S: Where did the name come from?
Chris Knott: As a gift from my mother, I received a vintage lawn bowling ball with an inscription that said ‘Peter Millar.’ I felt the name and antique represented an era when people really cared about the impression they were making.
T&S: Are there any new products or expansions coming soon?
Chris Knott: We’re currently putting a lot of emphasis on our Pick Stitch collection, which is a notch up from our regular line—it’s a little more sophisticated, dressier, more sartorial and not quite as bright and colorful. It’s European piece goods and style, but with an American sensibility of fit.
T&S: What does it mean to be a Peter Millar Crown Shop?
Chris Knott: Being a Crown Shop allows the retailer to house Peter Millar as a collection, instead of putting our pants with other pants and our shirts with other shirts. Mister Guy, the only one in St. Louis, was a good fit because they have a reputation for high quality and a high level of service.
T&S: Where do you and your design team get inspiration?
Chris Knott: A lot of it comes from Europe. We work with many mills and factories there—they’re constantly creating great techniques that we work into Peter Millar. And as great as Europe is for menswear, the Far East is for technical fabrics. So we’ve got two design teams—one goes to Europe and one goes East.
T&S: What’s your most important style tip?
Chris Knott: Make sure your clothes fit properly and aren’t too big. The current trend is for men’s clothes to fit a little trimmer, but still remain comfortable. That also means pants and sleeves that aren’t too long. And don’t be afraid to mix and match; get comfortable wearing some pattern-on-pattern.
Photo courtesy of Peter Millar
