SCHMOOZING: TENNESSEE CLOTHIER M.S. MCCLELLAN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

Knoxville, Tennessee clothier M.S. McClellan celebrated 50 years of business on Saturday, October 29th with a black tie event at Cherokee Country Club. Over 350 former employees, industry friends and longtime customers turned out to show their loyalty and appreciation for the store as well as for owner Matthew McClellan and the M.S. McClellan team.

Established in 1966, M.S. McClellan entered an already crowded market with seven local stores already in existence.  At the time, Matthew only hoped to be their equal.  Today, he is the only one standing.  Matthew founded the store in the heart of the University of Tennessee. Sensing there was a void; Matthew brought his love of the Ivy League aesthetic and more color to the market.  His was one of the first stores in the South to carry Ralph Lauren/Polo.  In 1978, McClellan added a ladies department that is still successful today.  In 2000, Esquire magazine added M.S. McClellan to their Top 100 Stores list.

It was an extraordinary evening that featured presentations and remarks led by designer Alexander Julian.  Dennis Francis, a longtime customer and personal friend of Matthew’s presented a commendation from Knoxville Mayor, Madeline Rogero.  Garry Littleton, aka “Colonel Littleton”, made some remarks and held a drawing for one of his coveted No. 3 Grip Bags which was won by Bristol clothier, William King.