New York is a hub for many things with many people moving to the big apple to make it big in music, acting, business, and especially fashion. With all the major brands that are famous worldwide being based in Manhattan one would think that it would be nearly impossible to get recognition on a large scale— but that is just what women’s clothing brand Of Mercer has done. Built for the modern working woman of today, the brand has caught on for its stylishly flexible apparel as well as it’s affordable prices which have customers clamoring for their products.
Dorie Smith, the founder and owner of the company, has developed this sensational brand of clothing from her personal experience in the business world and the challenges of dressing “for the occasion.” Here to share the story of Of Mercer in her own words is Ms. Smith herself…
You’ve had a very successful seven years with Of Mercer so many congrats on that! What made you want to get into the fashion business after doing financial consulting, and what has been the reception to the branding of your company where the clothing is both for the workplace and casual events as well?
When I was working in financial consulting, I couldn’t find a fashion brand that understood my office style needs. I was looking for a versatile wardrobe that could transition from a formal business client, like an investment bank to a creative client, like a music label. I traveled all the time, so I wanted sturdy, wrinkle-free styles; and when I was local, I wanted to look chic enough to meet my friends for dinner after work. And I didn’t want to spend more than $250 on a dress. Was it too much to ask a brand to do all of that? I didn’t think so. The positive reception of the brand launch made it clear that I was definitely not the only one facing this struggle.
New York is definitely a fashion hot spot, and yet you’ve made an indelible mark in the big apple in a relatively short amount of time. While I know this may tie into the previous question a bit, could you share with us some of the aspects of your products that sets Of Mercer apart from other clothing brands? I know, for one thing, the cost and quality must be truly appreciated by your consumers!
We have a very open dialogue with our customers to get feedback on everything; from fabric to hem length to sleeve coverage. One of the great things about producing locally in New York City is how quickly we can respond to this feedback – it won’t be next year that our customer sees the updates, its next month!
How difficult is it to come up with designs that are versatile enough for the work environment, but yet can be used in casual and formal settings, during maternity periods, etc?
We spend a lot of time thinking through every detail of a style – the way it transitions with our customers through her day, week, month, and year. Sometimes a product can take a really long time to perfect. One pair of pants took almost 2 years, but it’s worth it.
Before the current pandemic what had been some of the plans for the company and how have things changed since then? Many women are working from home, but obviously, still care about their appearance via online meetings as well
During the pandemic, we’ve seen our customers invest more in separates, primarily tops and knitwear. They are a versatile way to stay comfortable but also look professional while working from home. Our customer is also investing more in color so that she stands out on Zoom calls.
With a brand this successful it’s hard to keep it a secret and I know you all have branched out internationally as well by shipping worldwide. Are there any plans to open other branches in other major cities? Paris? London? Tokyo? LA? Of course, it would be post-pandemic I imagine.
I’d love to open more showrooms eventually, but we have no specific plans at this moment.
Can you share with us any upcoming design releases or events to keep an eye out for?
We’re introducing a gorgeous new crepe suiting as one of our core fabrics. We have a handful of styles in it that we’ll be releasing throughout the fall and winter – and I can’t wait! We’re also introducing more masks because they keep selling out!
Ladies, be sure to check out this amazing line of clothing, which is perfectly fit for today’s woman! I’d like to thank Ms. Smith for her time in doing this interview. Visit their website, follow them on social media, and be sure to be on the lookout for the latest from Of Mercer!
Images: Of Mercer – Cornelia Dress – Maternity and Nursing
Of Mercer – Malcolm Top – Celadon.
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