How did you feel when Chimney Menswear was announced as the winner?

When it was announced that Chimney Menswear had won the Best Men’s Formalwear Retailer Award we were so shocked but also over the moon. We are a small independent menswear retailer and to be chosen as ‘The Best’ at this prestigious award evening in front of the elite of the wedding industry has made us so proud and honoured.

See the full list of award winners here.

Why is this award so important for you?

The Bridal Buyer Awards are regarded as the ‘Oscars of the Wedding Industry’ and it is an accolade that we had hoped to achieve one day. Now we have achieved this our business has gained the recognition of the standard of service that we provide.

Future customers can be reassured that they will receive an award-winning standard of customer service and products, professional advice and a warm welcome. Having reached Bridal Buyer Award-winning standards is a major step forward and we’re are looking forward to growing our business as a result of our win.

Read about Ellie Wilde’s victory, and how winning Best Prom Collection of the Year is going to affect their growth over the following 12 months.

What do you do that makes you stand out?

We set up our business to fill a gap in the wedding market because the special treatment and retail experience that brides were offered wasn’t available for grooms. We set out to correct this imbalance and provide the groom with a special place where he feels confident to explore styles and colours with professional advice and inspiration.

The fit and individual styling is of utmost importance to us and we can cater for requests for traditional, relaxed rustic or even quirky wedding styles. We work on a one to one basis with appointments lasting up to two hours; everyone is treated as an individual and is styled with this in mind. High standards of customer service can be assured from the moment we meet a customer until the wedding and beyond.

Read more: Best Bridal Manufacturer of the Year 2018: Enzoani.

Why are independent menswear retailers so important?

Independent menswear retailers are able to provide the personal service that is hard to find in the chain stores on the high street. With less pressure to meet target figures independent retailers can concentrate on each individual customer, providing an excellent level of service which assures that they will return again and again, rather than processing customers as numbers through the door.

The independent retailer keeps shopping local to towns and villages and boost local economies. They also provide an opportunity to find a style that is different and individual to each customer rather than the standard generic style provided by the larger outlets.

How do you think the menswear industry has changed over the last year?

Over the last few years men have become more aware of how they style themselves and have demanded greater choice. Trends flow through the menswear industry now in the same way as it has always done in womenswear and there is a greater vibrancy of colour and style.

It is now a fast moving and changing industry that is exciting and stimulating and reacting to the demands of its customers.

Read our exclusive interview with Sassi Holdford, winner of British Bridalwear Designer of the Year 2018.

Do you have any menswear trend predictions for 2019?

The rise of tweed as a preferred fabric for suits and waistcoats and accessories is set to continue into 2019, although, customers are demanding something more individual. Checks and textures are now proving almost as popular.

Men want to express their personality whether it’s a groom wanting to stand out on his wedding day or a customer requiring a new suit for work. How they look matters. Rust, brown and olive green are taking centre stage rather than greys and navy with floral and patterned ties also proving popular.

Click here to listen to the latest episode of Bridal Talk, where we look back at The Harrogate Bridal Show.