words OLIVER YORK | photography DEOGRACIAS LERMA
The word gentleman is collectively defined as “a cultured man of calm demeanor and strong character who is chivalrous, courteous, and thoughtful in his dealings with others.” The word conjures up images of Cary Grant and the Duke of Windsor and images of times past when ladies wore gloves and men tipped their hats. Happily, we need not look longingly back in time for this supposedly extinct creature, the gentleman, as he is alive and well and thriving at the House of Alexander Nash.
Alexander Sumner, founder and creative genius behind the Alexander Nash bespoke menswear line, believes that dressing is key to what the world perceives as one’s character. And character, he believes, is of paramount importance. “Dressing nicely is a form of respect. I believe it’s important to approach every situation with thoughtfulness.” Alex also is of the opinion that when one is at ease with himself, he becomes more approachable to others.
“Dressing well,” Alex asserts, “is inclusive, not exclusive.”
Impeccable tailoring sets Alex’s work apart. “If you get the right fit, everything looks good.” The Alexander Nash line stands forwearable elegance. Clothing that is stylish, comfortable, and unrestricted in movement has attracted the next generation of success. The House of Alexander Nash counts a wide range of men of influence among its clients, from NFL superstars to Oscar winners, with the common denominator being the aspiration to attain perfection in both dress and manner.
For Alex Sumner, being a gentleman isn’t just about what you wear, it’s about who you are. “It is important to create a complete picture of how men should treat everyone else,” he explains. “In essence, we are all showing the world what it means to be a man.” He poses the questions: Are you a man of consistency? And is it evident?
Hopelessly in love with his wife of over twenty years, Alex credits his marriage, family, and two children, Isabella and Alex, with being his primary inspirations. He goes on further to state that undressing the art of dressing is his primary motivation.
Inside his studio, the smell of leather and pressed linen waft amidst exposed brick and a tasteful mix of antiques and contemporary furniture. Two distressed club chairs flank windows overlooking New York’s garment district while soft jazz competes for attention with honking horns. Sitting on a repurposed door-turned-coffee table is a vintage glass decanter of scotch and several glasses, which are filled promptly at the arrival of his longtime friends.
Gentlemen, dressed head to toe in Alexander Nash, fill the space easily. Laughter erupts as old friends tell tall tales and rib one another as only true friends can. Talk turns to life and love. One just gave a promise ring to his sweetheart. Another is launching a new project. They say you can tell a great deal about a person by the company he keeps. Each of Alex’s friends reveals himself to be a gentleman, comfortable in his own skin, confident, assured in his success, and unafraid to express his opinions. The group is diverse in nearly every way—height, build, age, ethnicity, profession, background, and marital status. But one commonality that has brought them together is the aspiration to elevate the meaning of “man.”
Look no further for these creatures believed to be extinct. Here they are, the Gentlemen of Alexander Nash.
