The Beginning
Three years ago, I was approached by Shao Yang – the founder and designer of The Tailory New York. I was beyond excited!!! Shao and her team were inspired by my style and expression of menswear. Little did they know that their support and admiration for my work would be the basis of inspiration for my blog.
Shao brings a level of creativity and innovation that is lacking in the bespoke world. She is constantly stepping outside of the box and breaking away from the traditional ideologies of dressing.
We instantly connected over the lack of visibility of women in menswear. We were determined to disrupt the market and change the game. Her creativity coupled with my unique style of androgynous dressing would be the way we created awareness for women in menswear.
The Takeover
In 2015, my partnership with The Tailory New York began. Everything that I wear from The Tailory New York is custom made including but not limited to suits, coats, vests, and shirts.
Before our partnership, I purchased ready made men’s suiting off the rack and it was challenging. Every suit that I bought needed alterations because they just didn’t fit my body shape. In a short amount of time, Shao taught me the importance of proper cuts, fit, sizing, and tailoring. It was a match made in heaven! I was able to learn about custom clothing while curating the wardrobe of my dreams.
My style began making headlines thanks to the help of The Tailory New York. In February 2016, the late Bill Cunningham, an American fashion photographer for The New York Times, marveled over my style and compared me to legends such as Chanel, Garbo, and Dietrich. A few months later, The New York Times reached out to myself and Sara (A Dapper Chick) to write a feature highlighting us as Women Who Prefer Menswear. It was truly a humbling experience.
Brand Ambassador
Today, I am excited to announce that I am the brand ambassador for The Tailory New York. Together, Shao and I hope to create beautifully tailored clothing while educating women on the importance of tailor fit clothing. Anyone can buy off the rack suits, but those pieces aren’t meant to fit everyone. Women in menswear run into fitting problems all of the time. Our bodies are shaped differently. The beauty of custom clothing is that it is shaped for your body and you have the ability to create your own unique style.
Women in Menswear
It’s time to say goodbye to traditional suiting.
Overtime, Shao and I have built a strong and meaningful relationship. When creating a new piece, I defer to Shao because I value her knowledge and opinion. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt of owning a classic navy suit. However, in keeping with the times, Shao suggested that I let go of that idea and instead sold me on a non conforming navy jacket (which, by the way, has become one of my favorite pieces)!
The construction of the jacket is a single button jacket with a notch lapel. The body is made up of a basketweave pattern in 100% wool and the contrasting sleeves are cashmere wool. Her final twist was a half inch decorative piping along the lapel and front edge of the jacket.
Stay tuned while we continue to change the status quo.
—
Wearing
Jacket, Shirt, and Trousers The Tailory New York | Custom Made | Create your pieces here
Ascot Turnbull & Asser | One Size | Similar here
Socks Ties.com | Women 7-9 | Similar here
Watch Daniel Wellington | Men 34mm | Shop here
Double Monks Church’s Footwear | Women 37 | Similar monk here • Women’s Classic brogue here
LeeRix
March 6, 2018Hi Danielle,
Just want to say you’re such an inspiration to me, I love your style and your attention to detail. You’ve achieved so much and I hope to one day achieve the same look and feel. Being in the entertainment industry in South Africa is challenging especially when you’re a female who prefers men’s clothing. But your sense of style represents everything that I am.
Thank you.
Danielle A. Cooper
March 7, 2018Hi Lee – Thank you so much for the kind words. It is truly a blessing to inspire others from all over the world. I pray for the day when all countries and cultures except others for who they are and allow for them to express themselves through clothing. All the best!