FASHION FUTURES: KAREN’S SELECTS – MR Magazine

The TAP Group is a new retail-centric multi-brand showroom bringing top designer brands from around the globe to the North American marketplace. Headed by Tony Lucia, Andrew Weisbrot, and Paul Buckter (acronym TAP), these three industry veterans can boast decades of wholesale and retail experience at some of the world’s leading fashion brands, including Brioni, Canali, Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Escada, Bloomingdale’s, Barneys, Boyds, and Garmany.

Weisbrot explains the concept: “Working closely with both department and specialty stores, we’re constantly looking for white space opportunities. As seasoned retailers, we work not only on selling in our products but also on helping retailers sell through to their customers. Our goal is always increased sell thrus and higher margins. We’re involved in every step of the process, from market research to sales pipeline development to client outreach to sales planning and account management.”

Launching with four fabulous brands — Windsor (a new-to-the- U.S. 120-year-old affordable luxury brand from Switzerland), Benson (casual lifestyle), Malcom (luxury trousers), and Matinique (contemporary sportswear) — TAP is hoping to tap into a new attitude in upscale menswear. “We want to put the fun back,” says Weisbrot. “To reinstate the camaraderie, the parties, the glamour, for a new generation. I’m still seeing too many depressed people since Covid, both retail sellers tired of too much sameness and buyers tired of big brands shoving stuff down their throats. That’s not what we’re about. We want to create a fun place to hang out, laugh, and have fun. We’re about beautiful product, customer relationships, and selling the dream.”