Today we’d like to introduce you to Marvin Gilmore
Hi Marvin, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my career fresh out of undergrad in digital marketing in corporate America. I quickly realized it wasn’t for me and dreaded going to work each day. During that time, I would daydream about getting into menswear, as I’ve always been passionate about luxury fashion and styling. Things took a turn when I was laid off during a massive cutback of around 300 employees. I found myself unemployed, broke, trying to navigate grad school, and figuring out my next steps.
Fortunately, I befriended a few older gentlemen from whom I bought fine clothing. When they heard I was laid off, they took me under their wing. They offered me their network and a chance to hang around their store to learn the trade. Their support helped me land an internship with Jamie Davidson, a designer who owned Tre Vero (a brand sold in Dillards at the time) and shared a space with Korto Momolu. She is a Project Runway winner and was also based out of downtown Little Rock, AR. During that time, I learned everything about running a menswear brand—design, buying, sourcing, and how to build a collection from the ground up. While I didn’t make a dime, the experience was invaluable.
To make ends meet, I returned to corporate America while tirelessly searching for fashion opportunities. Through networking, I connected with the Regional Manager of Suitsupply, who introduced me to Michael Malouf, the owner of Malouf’s in Southlake, TX. In 2013, I flew out for an interview and Michael hired me on the spot to oversee the contemporary menswear side of his business. I packed my car and drove to Dallas to start a new chapter.
After gaining valuable experience at Malouf’s, I sought bigger opportunities and joined Stanley Korshak in 2015, as one of their first young African American male hires. This role allowed me to serve some of Dallas’ most elite clients and further deepen my understanding of the menswear industry. Ironically, it was here that I first encountered Suitsupply.
In 2018, I received an opportunity to spearhead BLDWN Denim’s West Coast operations and I relocated to San Jose, CA. However, after some time and returning to Dallas before the pandemic, I decided to take a break from the industry and ventured into interior design working at Restoration Hardware in their Trade division.
Post-pandemic, I was offered a position at Suitsupply as a Style Advisor. Within a year, I was promoted to a leadership role as Sales Expert. It’s been a journey filled with perseverance, uncertainty, faith, and hard work, but it’s led me to a career I’m deeply passionate about.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road, and many of the challenges I faced early on were intensified by my background. I’m the first college graduate in my family, and I come from poverty, so navigating these obstacles in my 20s and early 30s felt even more daunting. I didn’t have a lot of resources or external help to lean on—financially, mentally, or physically. A lot of the time, I had to rely solely on myself to stay motivated and keep pushing forward.
One of the toughest moments was when I got laid off from my first corporate job. Not only was I suddenly unemployed and broke, but I was also trying to make it through grad school while figuring out my career direction. It felt overwhelming without much of a support system to fall back on.
When I landed an unpaid internship in menswear, I knew I was gaining invaluable experience, but the financial strain of working without pay pushed me back into corporate America, a world I wasn’t passionate about. Relocating for new opportunities—like when I packed my car to move to Dallas—was a leap of faith. I didn’t have much to rely on, outside of hope that these moves would pay off.
Breaking into the luxury menswear industry, especially as a young African American male, had its own set of struggles. There were times when I felt I had to work twice as hard to prove myself, whether it was with clients, peers, or in company culture. Those challenges helped build resilience, and through hard work, I gained respect and trust.
On top of that, the pandemic forced me to pivot careers into interior design temporarily, which was another challenge both financially and mentally. But through all of this, I stayed focused on my passion and eventually made my way back to Suitsupply in a leadership role.
While the journey has been anything but easy, each struggle shaped me into who I am today. Coming from a place with limited resources meant I had to develop a deep sense of perseverance and self-reliance. The road may have been rough, but it taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, determination, and the power of believing in myself, even when things felt uncertain.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I currently work as a Sales Expert at Suitsupply, where I specialize in guiding new hires through our brand’s history, craftsmanship, and styling approach. My role involves introducing them to our extensive suiting collection, the fabric mill partnerships we have, and the artistry that goes into each garment. I also help them develop their skills in creating personalized experiences for clients, which is central to what we do.
I’m particularly known for my ability to build strong, lasting relationships with clients. My background in luxury menswear, paired with my understanding of customer service, allows me to provide tailored styling advice that goes beyond just selling a suit—it’s about understanding who the client is and helping them express that through their wardrobe. I’ve been fortunate to work with a wide range of clients, from high-net-worth individuals to men who are just beginning to invest in their personal style, and I take pride in making each one feel seen and valued. I also have a newfound love of imparting the knowledge I’ve learned over 10 years to upcoming stylists and people with a passion for menswear.
What I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come given where I started. Being the first college graduate in my family, coming from poverty, and navigating my way through an industry that wasn’t always easy to break into has instilled in me a strong sense of perseverance. Every promotion or milestone feels like a testament to that journey and the hard work I’ve put in and I’m embracing being able to tell that testimony to younger people who look like me entering this business.
What sets me apart from others is my diverse background and the wide range of experiences I bring to the table. From working in digital marketing and interior design to running the West Coast operations for a denim brand, I’ve had the chance to develop a well-rounded skill set that not only covers sales and fashion but also creative problem-solving and leadership.
My ability to adapt—whether that’s to industry trends, client needs, or team dynamics—is something I’ve honed over the years. Having worked across various segments of fashion, I’m able to see the bigger picture, from design and sourcing to sales and customer experience. This holistic understanding allows me to approach my role at Suitsupply with a unique perspective and deliver consistent results.
What truly drives me, though, is my passion for helping others succeed—whether that’s a new hire finding their footing or a client discovering their style. Seeing those transformations is what fuels my work every day.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
On a personal front, the COVID-19 crisis taught me just how important mental health is. The isolation and uncertainty made me realize how crucial it is to maintain strong connections and foster a supportive community. Checking in on those who truly pour into you and keeping those relationships alive became a serious priority for me during that time.
Professionally, I learned that being agile is a priceless skill. Many people, including myself, faced job loss during the pandemic, and it reinforced the importance of being able to adapt quickly. It also emphasized how crucial it is to invest in what you’re truly passionate about and to have a clear understanding of your purpose. These lessons shaped my approach to my career going forward.
When it comes to the luxury fashion industry, the pandemic sparked some fascinating insights for me. Overconsumption and the conversations around specific brands and products from vastly different demographics were particularly intriguing. I remember casually walking through Northpark Mall and seeing crowds of people lining up to purchase highly coveted luxury goods—despite the fact that, at the time, there was little practical utility for these items. It really opened up deeper discussions about exclusivity, marketing, how brands attract and engage new consumers, and the sustainability of the fashion industry.
Another major takeaway from that period was the shift in focus to diversity and inclusion within the industry, especially in terms of hiring practices. The conversations that began during that time still resonate today, and it’s a battle that continues to be fought. The pandemic illuminated how much more work is needed to create truly inclusive spaces within the business, and that dialogue remains critical.
Pricing:
- Ready to Wear Suiting – $499 – 1300
- Made to Measure Suiting – $673 – 1500
- Personal Consultation (Freelance) – Email for Inquiries
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rb.gy/o5z8g0 (Suitsupply Booking Page)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatmangilmore/
Image Credits
Cory Jordan – Lachelle Scott
