CARL GROSS – A CENTURY OF STYLE: SPONSORED PROFILE

German brand Carl Gross has been a well-respected favorite for quality, style and fit in Europe for almost a century. The third-generation family business has long and lasting partnerships with mills and weavers in Italy and throughout Europe, along with a heritage and legacy that newer brands can only aspire to.

The brand, which launched in the US for fall 2014, focuses on style and comfort and offers three fits: regular, modern and sharp fit – the latter becoming most in demand for the past two seasons due to its shaped silhouette without creating a feeling of constraint.

“As a family owned and managed company we are able to react quickly to market needs and produce perfect, reasonably priced products that are innovative, young and fresh while maintaining a classic sensibility,” says Peter Gross, managing partner/owner of Carl Gross. This allows retailers to offer a higher profit margin (between 2.6 and 3.4 mark-up) and fills the price point below designer but above lesser-quality imports.

“I had been chasing this brand for a couple of years to compliment our collections,” says Jack Makoujy, owner of European sportswear showroom Schuyler 4 Ltd. “With Carl Gross we now have jackets and outerwear made in the best European factories with top European piece goods,” says Makoujy who also imports German brands Haupt shirts, Alberto pants and the Italian knitwear company Codice.

For spring 2016 Carl Gross continues to combine its classic tailoring with modern, innovative style.

“Jacket details are cleaner and discreet,” says Gross, commenting on a move toward a more minimalist style. “We’ve sharpened up the profile, and we are launching The Ultimate Blazer with fabrics from Fratelli Tallia di Delfino, Marzotto and Loro Piano. They are setting the style.”

Carl Gross is distributed in more than 30 countries.   Best sellers are: Brushed wool jackets with a removable flannel insert in herringbone for winter. The forecast for spring 2016 best sellers are; jersey knitwear jackets with the feel of a pullover, and lightweight silk and linen butterfly lined jackets for a sporty look, as well as two-button, side vented virgin wool blazers (THE ULTIMATE BLAZERS) for the office.

“We’ve been importing German products since 1977. We owe a debt of gratitude to brands such as Hugo Boss, Jil Sander and Escada for demonstrating to the American public that reliability, technology and style go hand in hand. Fashion only works if it’s made well and delivered on time,” says Makoujy. “It is a pleasure to work with the team at Carl Gross. Their only standard is excellence.”