Elliot Rhodes Bespoke Services

B E S P O K E

S E R V I C E S

CHELSEA COVENT GARDEN ST CHRISTOPHER’S PLACE OSAKA, JAPAN

BESPOKE SERVICES

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A little bit about us

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Could Elliot Rhodes be right for me?

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Design vision and ethos

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Our range of Bespoke Services

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Individual Bespoke

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Partial Bespoke

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Designer Q&A

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About the founders

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Contact information

CHELSEA COVENT GARDEN ST CHRISTOPHER’S PLACE OSAKA, JAPAN

A LITTLE BIT ABOUT US...

In 2004, when Justin Rhodes – founder of Elliot Rhodes – opened his first store they all said he was crazy...A specialist belt shop?

That would never work.

But the ‘Best new retailer of the year’ from 2005 continues to thrive and Elliot Rhodes has become one of the most successful independent retailers and brands in the UK. We now have three central London stores, a joint venture store in Osaka, Japan and a growing presence in many major department stores both in the UK and Internationally.

As a true specialist and retail innovator, here at Elliot Rhodes we have been breaking new ground from day one and changing existing preconceptions of what a belt is, what it means and what it can be. With our quirky store design, unique interchangeable system, on-site custom sizing, one to one customer consultancy and unsurpassable range we have succeeded in reinventing a previously ignored, logo dominated product, establishing ourselves as the pre-eminent brand in our field.

As our specialist knowledge has grown, so we have started to gradually broaden our product offer – creating unique accessory and homeware designs using our signature design style and extensive range of different leathers.

For Elliot Rhodes variety is the spice of life – bringing colour, texture and quirky design to often mundane products is where we differentiate ourselves as a brand, whether that be in a belt, a buckle or an accessory.

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As the brand has grown one thing that has always remained consistent is our absolute dedication to service and quality. We continue to design all of our products in London and work with the finest craftsmen in Spain and Italy. We use locally sourced raw materials to produce our belts and accessories, whilst working both in house and with small innovative buckle makers around the world to provide our dizzying array of buckles.

Brand founder Justin Rhodes comments ‘My belief in specialisation and the lost art of retail is what drove me to create Elliot Rhodes. I believed that we could change existing preconceptions of a product traditionally considered dull and unsexy and thankfully we seem to be winning the battle.

Through passionate education we are encouraging people to branch out – amazingly only 50% of sales now come from Black and Brown belts! In an extremely competitive environment we have been fortunate to be doing something really different, with a focus on quality, individuality and customer experience that continues to resonate with our customers. I guess really we are just ‘Old School’ retailers with a modern twist’.

COULD ELLIOT RHODES BE RIGHT FOR ME? Our design and manufacturing capabilities have broad ranging scope that can be tailored to meet the needs of all sorts of individuals and businesses.

A few core areas we work in are listed below but this is no more than a suggestion and we would like to believe that we can tailor our services to all.

H O S P I TA L I T Y I N D U S T R Y Whether new menus, placemats or receipt holders for a restaurant, jewellery trays or cufflink boxes, key fobs, directories or tissue boxes for a hotel the opportunity for

Bespoke restaurant menus with embossed brand logo

reinvention is endless.

C O R P O R AT E P R O D U C T S A portfolio for a conference, a business card holder for a delegate or a range of bespoke wallets, purses or desk trays for valued staff the opportunity for bringing style and colour into even the most classic items is limitless.

EVENTS A one off event such as a corporate golf day, a weekend retreat or a wedding celebration gives rise to a host of leather inspired products – a stylish carry bag or toiletry case, a leather bound invitation or A selection of personalised occasional trays for a wedding celebration

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table display.

PROJECTS LARGE AND SMALL Working with Elliot Rhodes offers you the ability to produce almost anything in your desired quantity whether that be a small test run or large volume production. Our craftsmen in Spain are accustomed to working with differing quantities, leaving you free to experiment with new product ideas, control inventory of running lines and if desired frequently A unique buckle designed for a golf team incorporating team colours and logo

reinvent your products.

As with anything there are always some parameters – predominantly in the form of raw materials, but from the

INTERIOR DESIGN Coordinating and combining with fabrics, wall finishes and nuanced paint tones leather remains a timeless material that can be cleverly inserted into or wrapped around all sorts of decorative items from picture frames

outset we will guide you as to what these are and this in turn will give us our direction and define our choices.

and trays to elegant cigar boxes. Our access to a bewildering array of both leather and exotic leather provides endless design inspiration.

CLUBS,TEAMS & SCHOOLS A beautifully crafted belt for a club or society with a logo or motif, a stylish

Leather covered desk clips in plain and exotic leather make for a stylish desktop

member’s handbook, or perhaps a travel folio for all of those overseas tours. Bespoke accessories can really help foster team spirit and unity and create a strong visual connection between all members.

Buckle designed to commemorate the winning score at a professional golf tournament

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DESIGN VISION AND ETHOS When we set out to reinvent the way that belts were designed and sold nobody understood what we were doing or the length to which our vision extended.

Why? Quite simply because it was different…we were seeing this understated and undervalued product in a whole new light which nobody else had considered.

Rethinking the norm is how we began our journey and this same vision and insight is what we aim to bring to our partners and collaborators in order to deliver clever, surprising, refined, and detail oriented products.

All product design has to have function as its core driver, we must constantly be aware of the end user, the way a product will actually work and interact with us in our everyday lives. But incorporating design into this function is where we can create a more memorable user interaction, where we make the experience of using a product fun, enjoyable and desirable.

Designing and creating products for people is what excites us – rethinking the norm is what can make these products, your products, stand out.

The simple addition of colour alone can refresh even the simplest product, subtle textures can give the ‘touchability’ that users enjoy and clever design details add that finishing touch that can bring a smile to a user’s face.

Our extensive experience of designing products from scratch, evolving from 2D line drawings to 3D working models, linked with our access to a dizzying array of leathers in all sorts of colours, textures and finishes positions us uniquely to bring high quality leather products to life.

A his & hers belt and buckle created as an invitation for a 50th birthday celebration

In our daily life we interact with hundreds of different products but how many of these interactions leave a lasting memory? Ultimately we hope to make even the mundane something that little bit more special, that little bit more memorable, in the process enhancing your personal or brand values and identity.

This is something that we always aspire to and we hope that we can make this aspiration yours as well.

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OUR RANGE OF

C O R P O R AT E B E S P O K E

BESPOKE SERVICES We are pleased to offer a range of bespoke services adapted to the needs of individuals, groups and companies alike. The bespoke process is a collaborative experience that blends your vision with our design expertise, attention to detail and commitment to quality.

CORPORATE BESPOKE

If you are looking to create something unique to commemorate a special occasion, attire a group or team, promote a product or brand or to offer as a corporate gift.

WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU? We can work with you to create a bespoke belt and buckle combination which is a hybrid of a handcrafted leather or exotic belt with your very own individual buckle design. We can equally work with you to create unique accessory, decorative or homeware styles crafted in the same luxurious materials.

WHY A BESPOKE BELT AND BUCKLE?

A service for clients needing several of a uniquely designed belt, buckle or accessory style

INDIVIDUAL BESPOKE A service for when one unique belt, buckle or accessory is all you need.

Bespoke buckle to commemorate a company’s 25th anniversary

PARTIAL BESPOKE A service for clients requiring a non standard size or looking for an adaptation of an existing style

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It might not be the first thing you think of but a bespoke belt is a great opportunity to make a statement. What really sets it apart is the addition of a bespoke handcrafted buckle that can act as a cross between memorabilia, corporate attire or as a brand and promotional vehicle. Whilst most importantly belts are practical and stylish they have the additional benefit of being extremely distinctive when worn with a durability that guarantees years of use.

WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS CAN WE CREATE? We can put our creative minds to designing any form of accessory, decorative or homeware style that can be crafted or covered in leather. Whether this be a personal accessory such as a wallet, card holder or folio or something more suited to a home or business such as a picture frame, desk set, even a piece of furniture.

We can add logos, messages or initials to the inside of any product for the ultimate personal touch. These can be plain embossed, silver/gold embossed or applied in specific personalized colours.

CORPORATE BESPOKE

WHAT OTHER DETAILS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED?

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Specially designed cocktail list in 4 coordinating colours with contrast interiors

In general you should allow 3-4 months from the date of initial commission to receipt of the final product. This can be quicker but each project has its own parameters so we will be able to better guide you after our initial consultation meeting.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

PRICE?

The process starts with a one to one consultancy session with one of our designers who will discuss your needs, ideas, timescale and any budgetary requirements.

We will be able to give you precise pricing information once we understand your specific needs and quantity requirements but from experience our clients are often pleasantly surprised at what can be achieved whilst attaining an exceptionally high quality item. We are accustomed to working to budgetary parameters and will always take this into account when advising you of your various options.

Following this initial meeting we will work to come up with a selection of sketches, colour swatches, quantity parameters and prices for you to assess.

Once a design has been specified we will move to prototyping, submitting visuals, colours and samples where appropriate. We will ask for your feedback and approval and make any necessary changes before moving to production.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN WE USE? You can use any number of plain, textured or exotic leathers. We will help you choose based on colour, utility and design aesthetic. If you are looking for a bespoke belt buckle and dependent on the specifics of your design your buckle can be made from a simple base metal such as Zamak (Zinc/Aluminium/ Copper) or Brass. It can also be made in sterling silver or gold. We can add colour or create identity with the addition of Swarovski crystals, semi precious or precious stones and enamel.

A document folio in crocodile textured leather offered to delegates at a technology conference

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INDIVIDUAL BESPOKE Whether it be to turn your own personal design vision into reality, to commemorate a special occasion or achievement or simply just to show how much you care…

WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU? We can work with you to create a bespoke belt and buckle combination which is a hybrid of a handcrafted leather or exotic belt with your very own individual buckle design. We can equally work with you to create unique accessory, decorative or homeware styles crafted in the same luxurious materials.

Bespoke buckle created for a London nighclub to include in their VIP membership pack

WHY A BESPOKE BELT AND BUCKLE? If you already love your belts then what could make a more personal and unique statement than having your own one off design created for you? Alternatively a bespoke belt is a most individual gift that allows you to incorporate personal or sentimental details. A bespoke buckle can also commemorate achievements or reflect hobbies and passions with the addition of dates, numbers and memorabilia – Bullet Shells, a Hole in One, Nautical themes, Birthstones…It can also become a true piece of jewellery with the addition of precious or semi precious stones. Whilst most importantly belts are practical and stylish they have the additional benefit of being extremely distinctive when worn with a durability that guarantees years of use.

WHAT OTHER PRODUCTS CAN WE CREATE? We can put our creative minds to designing any form of accessory, decorative or homeware style that can be crafted or covered in leather. Whether this be a personal accessory such as a wallet, card holder or folio or something more suited to a home or business such as a picture frame, desk set, even a piece of furniture.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Commemorative photo albums created for a wedding photographer

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The process starts with a one to one consultancy session with one of our designers who will discuss your needs, ideas and any budgetary requirements.

INDIVIDUAL BESPOKE

Following this initial meeting we will work to come up with a selection of sketches, colour swatches and prices for you to assess. Once a design has been specified we will move to prototyping, submitting visuals, colours and samples where appropriate. We will ask for your feedback and approval and make any necessary changes before moving to production.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN WE USE? Your belt or accessory can be made in any number of plain, textured or exotic leathers. We will help you choose based on colour, utility and design aesthetic.

Dependent on the specifics of your design your one off buckle will be made either from Brass, Sterling silver or gold. We can add colour or create identity with the addition of Swarovski crystals, semi-precious or precious stones and enamel.

A funky interpretation of a corporate logo transformed into a buckle

WHAT OTHER DETAILS CAN BE CUSTOMIZED? We can add logos, crests, messages or initials to the inside of any belt or buckle for the ultimate personal touch. These can be plain embossed, silver/gold embossed or applied in specific personalized colours.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? In general you should allow 3-4 months from the date of initial commission to receipt of the final product. This can be quicker but each project has its own parameters so we will be able to better guide you after our initial consultation meeting.

PRICE? Bespoke belt pricing starts from £300 Bespoke buckle pricing starts at £450 plus a one off prototyping fee starting from £500.

Bespoke accessory pricing starts at £250 plus a one off prototyping fee starting from £400.

We will be able to give you precise pricing information once we understand your specific needs and quantity requirements.

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Bespoke belt storage boxes

When you love one of our existing styles but need it a little larger or would like it in a

PARTIAL BESPOKE

PARTIAL BESPOKE

different width, colour or leather‌ WHAT CAN WE OFFER YOU? Working with one of our existing belt designs we can create a belt to your custom size requirement.

WHAT MATERIALS CAN MY BELT BE MADE IN? Your belt can be made in any currently running Elliot Rhodes leather.

WHAT CHANGES CAN I MAKE? You can specify the desired width and length of your belt.

HOW DOES IT WORK? You can register your request by discussing in store with one of our belt consultants who will fill in a customer request form.

Your request will then be passed to our design team who will check on the availability of your chosen leather.

Your belt consultant will then revert to you by phone or e-mail to confirm whether we are able to satisfy your order and at this time will also confirm the price.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? In general you should allow 2-3 months from the date of order to receipt of the final product.

PRICE? Pricing for Custom sized and special request belts starts from ÂŁ150.

A diverse array of leathers

We will be able to give you precise pricing information at the time leather availability is confirmed.

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DESIGNER Q&A How do you describe to people what you do and your design style?

I tell them that I am a custom belt and buckle designer... then when they look at me quizzically I explain the whole Elliot Rhodes concept. My design style is one based around presenting a palette of different colours, textures and concepts that can be played with, mixed and matched to create a style that is individual to each consumer. I do not want to tell people what to wear, I want them to help them discover their own individuality and to express this through their belt.

I see no limitation as to where we can take belt and buckle design – each day brings the opportunity to experiment and redefine traditional ideas.

What sort of comments do you get about your designs?

We’re often described as a candy shop for grownups. When people discover our brand they are usually fascinated by the fact that we make belts - and only belts. They do love the quality and the choice and the fact that the designs they’re wearing are pretty unique. I think above all customers see that although we may be pushing the envelope we are not doing so in a forceful manner, but rather in a suggestive way...gradually taking them on a journey. Everybody has a limit and it is vital never to make someone uncomfortable with what they are wearing.

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What is your background?

I have been involved in fashion and design since graduating from university even though I actually studied Economics - but as it happens the most useful skills from my studies have always been my languages...nothing is more important than being able to communicate with suppliers in their own language, it really helps create a stronger relationship. But fashion is pretty broad and I started at the bottom learning how garments are created, made, sourced and sold...invaluable skills that I have used every day since creating Elliot Rhodes. I always knew I would move towards the luxury sector as in the end I just love making things that I feel proud of.

Why did you start doing what you do?

I was a frustrated shopper... the more I was looking for belts the less I could find them. Black, brown, sometimes tan... that’s it! Belts have always been treated as an afterthought and used as a brand vehicle...nobody has ever paid them due care and attention. I believed there could be more to it, that this was a product that could be reinvented and glamorised, and that consumers with the right guidance could start to learn how important a belt could be in creating their own individual style. I am also very anti brand – not that I do not like brands – but I like brands that produce great products rather than just sell a logo. I think society has been moving away from this for some time now which is where specialists come to the fore.

Which designers do you rate highly and why?

I would look no further than Giorgio Armani – this is a man who continually creates timeless collections that cross generational barriers, allowing people to be fashionable but comfortably and unostentatiously so. Philippe Starck also simply because he has been able to bring beautiful design to formerly dull utilitarian products.

Tell us about your design process from concept, production and to the shelves...

I find inspiration in all sorts of odd places – sometimes it is visual, sometimes tactile, and sometimes verbal. Simply looking at the world around us whether that be nature, architecture, people, art and taking a grain of an idea and then trying to understand how this might be interpreted through leather or metalwork. Nothing is more important to me than colour and knowing when a new colour is relevant is just a gut feeling. I have to take these ideas then source raw materials that can help interpret them...or sometimes it works backwards and you find a wonderful material that you just have to find a way to use! Once these two bits of the puzzle are figured out it is down to the practical and technical – getting items produced to

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the correct design and quality standard. Standing in a factory fiddling with samples, watching someone stitch or polish...I work constantly with my makers to try new techniques. But in the end products have to arrive on time and hopefully on budget too. The best part of our business is that we work on small quantities. Individuality works with exclusivity and we want our customers to know that the belt they bought is special and not one of thousands. We work only with small factories where the craftsmen still create belts and buckles using traditional techniques and make and finish them by hand.

How do you think your brand has developed?

Pretty well thankfully. For the past nine years, we’ve converted people to belts and we’ve elevated the status of the belt from being an afterthought to being a key to dressing with taste, elegance, style and individuality. I think we’ve proved that there is a demand for a specialist brand such as ours but most importantly we have shown that through passion, education and specialisation you can inspire people to look at a product in a whole different light. The fact that many of our customers ‘collect’ our belts and buckles bears testament to their potential importance. Above all I am proud to be doing something different and to have taken some very important steps in getting Elliot Rhodes to be considered the preeminent brand in its sector.

What are your main achievements and what do you aim to achieve now?

Past present and future Well, creating Elliot Rhodes, establishing the brand and changing perceptions are things I am very proud of. Everybody told me in the beginning I was crazy and no one ever believed a belt brand would survive – even a year! We’ve proved them wrong and now it is all about seeing how far we can take things...both in terms of retail expansion (I reckon there is room for about 50 stores around the world) and also in terms of design. If one day we can be recognized as being a market innovator and the leader in our field then I will be happy.

Why do you think British design stands out?

We are lucky to have a long heritage of design to draw from and to live in a permissive society that allows people to experiment with their ideas. British design tends to harness the past and reinvent it for the present very effectively, it is not scared to shock and even though at its extremes it is far from commercial once carefully interpreted good British design allows consumers to express their sense of individuality and quirkiness.

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ABOUT THE FOUNDERS

Nathan, Jason and Justin have known each other since 1984 when they met at Marlborough College, a boarding school in the South West of England.

As fortune would have it they were the only children whose parents did not work in the more traditional fields of law, finance, medicine or real estate. In fact it was rare coincidence that both families had a long history of working in fashion and design. So a common bond was struck early on and in the intervening years the three of them were first and foremost best friends with the oft discussed hope that one day they might put their skills together in some form of business venture.

When in 2003 Justin came up with his slightly off the wall concept for Elliot Rhodes - there were but two people who believed in its potential - and so this was the moment when the chance arose for a joint business venture between the three friends. The early days saw Justin take the business from concept to reality with the opening of the first two stores, but as the brand evolved it was clear that now all of their talents would be needed full time to take things to the next stage. With thankfully complementary skill sets the three friends now combine happily, forming a strong management team that leads by example, with passion, energy, integrity and nearly always a smile!

Somehow or other the three of them still remain best friends!

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HOW TO CONTACT US BESPOKE ENQUIRIES E bespoke@elliotrhodes.com T + 44 20 7348 7869 PRESS ENQUIRIES E press@elliotrhodes.com T + 44 20 7348 7869 Elliot Rhodes Ltd Suite 12A, Unit 7 Imperial Studios 3 - 11 Imperial Road London SW6 2AG United Kingdom STORES

(as February 2015)

79 Long Acre, Covent Garden, London,WC2E 9NG 55 Duke of York Square, Chelsea, London, SW3 4LY 14 Gees Court, St Christopher’s Place, London W1U 1JW Herbis Plaza, 2-5-25 Umeda, Kita-Ku, Osaka, Japan www.elliotrhodes.com www.facebook.com/elliotrhodes.belts www.twitter.com/ERbelts

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CHELSEA COVENT GARDEN ST CHRISTOPHER’S PLACE OSAKA, JAPAN