It is very simple. You are interested in a made-to-fit suit or jacket and therefore walk into a Possen.com store. You undress and take place in the measuring equipment, which makes a three-dimensional scan of your body. You then (dressed again) confer with the fashion consultant to design your own suit as wished.
Three weeks later you are the owner of a made-to-fit suit which has been cut through the use of advanced CAD/CAM systems, put together by hand and - maybe even more important - been designed as you wished. The next time you come to visit the store (without your bodyweight having drastically changed) the process is even faster: the computer has saved all relevant data of your body scan. If you have already been scanned and gotten used to the Possen concept it will become most simple to make repeated visits through the use of the Internet. You could also stop by a Possen.com establishment to make your wishes known without being subject to long try-on or measuring sessions. Afraid of missing the tactile experience: actually feeling the fabrics. That should be no problem: samples are available upon request and will be sent by mail. Possen might even come to pay you or the company you work for a visit because it has a mobile service point: a converted truck with the same aspects and equipment as all the other Fashion Rooms, as Possen.com likes to call its shops.
Possen.com is a remarkable concept in a likewise remarkable space. Situated in the Van Baerle street in Amsterdam, (the new ladies store according to the Possen concept is situated on the opposite side) Possen shows that old tradition and new techniques are an excellent combination. Modern (lounge chairs designed by Minotti) and clearly furnished. Here and there a few references to the old times (antique shuttles for decoration). Possen is a clothing store with remarkably few clothes. You will catch sight of only a few made-to-fit pieces in the store: proven ability. Try-on suits are put away in a white cabinet. After the fast but utmost accurate scan (the three-dimensional scanning method for making made-to-fit clothing is worldwide unique) you will be able to discuss the exact design of the suit, jacket or pants with the salesman, who would rather be given the title of fashion consultant, in the advice room which they like to call the fashion lounge. Specific issues such as color preferences and looks will also be taken into consideration. Beware, Possen does not pretend to make designer fashion but anything is possible within the framework of classical men's clothing: pleated front, acute or round shoulders, embroidered monograms, lining in extreme colors, extra slim or large fit, open buttonholes and approximately 3160 fabric samples: to outline some of the many alternatives. If the chosen fabric is available in the store, Possen can guarantee a three weeks delivery period (an express delivery period of five days is presented for those who are in a hurry). Possen works together with several workshops in Germany, Belgium and Italy of which the strongest points are exploited at best depending upon assignment. It involves the fabrics of ten of the most renowned European fabric houses. Price indication of a two-piece suit: ranging from 900 to 2200 Dutch Guilders. Those who whish to go out with the entire male choir can make a choice out of made-to-fit suits in the so-called project materials and will have to pay between 600 and 900 Dutch Guilders.
Possen confirms - like the more luxurious ready-to-wear clothing industry - the image that the amount of men looking for made-to-fit quality suits most certainly not only involves a restricted limited group of people with diverging sizes. Even though a taller, smaller, thinner or heavy built man is filled with enthusiasm. Men with standard stock sizes are more than ever fond of this new concept.
The difference between Possen.com and the usual stores: no choice in fashions labels, no ready-to-wear suits, but an exceptional offer based upon personal wishes for prices which are similar to ready-to-wear clothes of higher quality. Patience is a virtue, although the Possen concept is revolutionary fast when compared to traditional made-to-measure suppliers.
For further information (possibilities on made-to-fit fashion for women and new establishments in The Hague, Maastricht and Antwerp): Possen.com Flagshipstore Men, Van Baerlestraat 116, Amsterdam - phone: +31 (0)20 4712050.
