Patrick Suits and the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

[Publisher’s Note]: A couple of weeks ago I was introduced to a beautiful brother, Patrick Muhammad of Patrick Suits (Los Angeles), who specializes in men’s clothing. Along with this introduction was a photo advertisement for his unique style of Spider bow ties, which are given that name due to their shape. I immediately fell in love with the style, quality, color and bold approach and offered to do an interview and a special photo shoot featuring members of the Nation of Islam’s military drill team who are competing in this year’s National Saviours’ Day Drill Competition. Each of them represent the four cities competing; Houston, New York, Chicago and Atlanta. Below you will find their special “League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” advertisement which is a spin-off of the Patrick Suits slogan “The Perfect Tie for the Perfect Gentlemen”. A Special thank you to Hannibal Muhammad, the photographer and graphics designer as well as the brothers featured in this amazing photo shoot; [in order] Darryl Muhammad (Chicago), Tariq Muhammad (Houston), Tariq Muhammad (New York) and Joshua Muhammad (Atlanta).

Ebony S. Muhammad (EM): Briefly tell me about your clothing enterprise, Patrick Suits. What inspired you to specialize in men’s clothing? What items are featured?

Patrick Muhammad (PM): I wanted to do something that was different from all of the designers out who were making men’s clothes, however, keeping it very fashionable and timeless. Patrick Suits features bow ties, cuff links, suits and dress shirts.

EM: What obstacles/challenges came and are coming along with starting and maintaining a specialty business like yours? What nature of support is required?

PM: The challenge is keeping up with the demand of our customers and future customers as well. Some of the items, such as the bow ties, are handcrafted.

EM: It’s my understanding that you design items for the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan. How was he introduced to your work? Who else have you designed pieces for? Who would you like to design for in the future?

PM: It’s always an honor to please the man of God and knowing the quality of work that Allah has blessed me to do reaches all levels of fashion. I wanted to give the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan a gift for Saviors’ Day. It transpired from there, and that’s how he was introduced to my work. I have also designed pieces for brothers all over the Nation of Islam. I would love to, in the future, design pieces for Men in general.

EM: What separates Patrick Suits from companies such as Joseph A. Banks, Men’s Warehouse and other similar brands?

PM: The spirit, love and passion that Allah has blessed me to put in my craftsmanship as well as the selection of woven silk fabric that are imported from around the world with the help of my good friend Alex from Angelino.

EM: Your slogan is, “The Perfect Tie for the Perfect Gentleman”. How will your suits, ties and other specialty items build men from the inside out?

PM: First of all, humbly saying, Brother Hannibal from Phoenix selected the slogan “The Perfect Tie for the Perfect Gentleman”. I told him we were not perfect yet. He then said, “We are striving for perfection Brother Patrick”. Along with that I believe that the unique design stands out from other men’s clothing.

EM: What kind of thought and strategy goes into designing clothes for men such as the colors, fabrics, designs, cut, etc.? What is your ultimate vision for Patrick Suits?

PM: I look for what’s currently trending in men’s fashion, and I start from there. I look at what men are wearing, how they are wearing it and also what city they’re wearing it in. Fashion is Universal. My ultimate vision is to create a chain of stores all around the country.