#gentsofhouston

Onward & Upward with Christian Boehm of Balani Custon in Houston, TX

Part 2

Gents of Houston had the wonderful opportunity of visiting BALANI custom clotheirs show room and talk with Christian Boehm, President of Balani custom clothiers. While at Balani, Christian informed us that Balani was founded by Peter Balani. The first store was opened in 1961 in Chicago, IL, where the store is still located at 55 W Monroe Street Chicago, IL 60603. With other locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Pittsburgh and now it’s newest store front Houston, TX. Actually, what we found interesting, is that Balani has two locations in Houston. Both convenient for customers. If you’re located downtown they have an office show room located at Two Allen Center 1200 Smith St, Houston, TX 77006 & the location we visited was in River Oaks district at 3601 West Alabama #107, Houston TX 77027.

If you’re into fashion or just a beginner; Balanis stylist are well trained about what questions to ask, so they can get a better understanding on what you need for your business or leisure attire. Christian also informed us that most clients depending on the level of trust they have with their stylist will allow them to pick certain details. The more fashion forward enjoying picking their details. Also, most clients pick out the main items such as suits, sport-coats etc. But lean on the custom stylist to give style advice and detail out their garments for them or even pick out the complementing shirts and neck-wear. While booking an appointment with Balani, measuring and detail information should last about an hour to an hour in a half.

First, was the measurements. Christian took in total 30 measurements from posture, shoulder slope, shoulders, chest, waist, front length, back length and so on to give you an example. After all the measurements were taken, Christian showed us different shirt and suiting swatches, and also gave us some pointers on what type of shirt fabrics go best for fall and winter and even for business or casual shirts. Part of the 30 measurements taken were for suiting, just in case if you want to purchase a suit in the near future they will already have your suit measurements on file and they also create a client wishlist, which was pretty cool.

The store layout was very clean and modern. Guys feel comfortable in 3 places; their office, the bar and their personal chair at home. With that information gathered, Sonny Balani CEO and son of Peter Balani created the fabric bar. Where your stylist can offer you a drink and depend on what time you can be offered a scotch from their many selections. In the River Oaks locations, there are two fabrics bars, 4 offices, and a friendly receptionist.