* Full disclosure, I contacted Crush on Retro first and have kept in touch since June while I was trying to figure out my first order. I was offered the sneakers for free but the rest I purchased myself.
Some of you may be asking so how is this any better than Aliexpress? You can take your chances on Aliexpress but it’s not guaranteed you will get exactly what you ordered. Dealing with customer service can be a hit or miss given the language barrier and sizing is not always clear. If an issue arises after the order, returning items can be a laborious task as well. My experience ordering from Crush on Retro was encouraging. Every product had plenty of photos, a size chart and the measurements of an item. If there were any doubts, customer service was quick to answer. They also offer free shipping for most countries and for EU buyers, you don’t have to worry about tax and duties as Crush on Retro takes care of them for you. I placed an order on 10/08/2024 using their standard shipping process and received it on the 20/08/2024.
3. How do you ensure that the quality of your garments reflects the durability and
Ensuring that the quality of my garments reflects the durability and craftsmanship of
the vintage pieces that inspire them is a top priority for me. To achieve this, I focus
on several key aspects:
Launching my brand came with several significant challenges, each requiring strategic solutions to overcome:
As a pragmatic person, my long-term goals for the brand are focused on becoming recognized and respected within vintage hobby circles. I aim to make my brand known for its quality, craftsmanship, design, service, and affordability. In the future, I plan to carefully curate our product categories, eliminating some and introducing others to provide buyers with a more refined, classic selection.
Stay tuned for my first impressions of what I ordered.
There is no question that there are a lot of good artisans, manufacturers, producers in China but the issue has always been the language barrier and finding the right seller. Crush on Retro (@crushonretro) is an E-commerce site focused on vintage inspired menswear. The company was founded in 2021 is located in Hangzho, Zhejian province in China. They deal directly with factories and suppliers.
I actually discovered Crush on Retro during my May holiday in Seoul South Korea. This time the other Korean Tailor (@salvatore.tailor) was wearing a nice western denim shirt he purchased from Aliexpress. I had to login in to the Korean version to see all the clothing options that were available. When I found the seller, they unfortunately didn’t offer shipping to Italy. I did however manage to find their direct website with their curated collection and they also directly offered shipping overseas including to Europe.
There is no question that there are a lot of good artisans, manufacturers, producers in China but the issue has always been the language barrier and finding the right seller. Crush on Retro (@crushonretro) is an E-commerce site focused on vintage inspired menswear. The company was founded in 2021 is located in Hangzho, Zhejian province in China. They deal directly with factories and suppliers.
I actually discovered Crush on Retro during my May holiday in Seoul South Korea. This time the other Korean Tailor (@salvatore.tailor) was wearing a nice western denim shirt he purchased from Aliexpress. I had to login in to the Korean version to see all the clothing options that were available. When I found the seller, they unfortunately didn’t offer shipping to Italy. I did however manage to find their direct website with their curated collection and they also directly offered shipping overseas including to Europe.
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| The shirt that started it all |
@danilo tailor with @salvatore.tailor wearing the shirt
Some of you may be asking so how is this any better than Aliexpress? You can take your chances on Aliexpress but it’s not guaranteed you will get exactly what you ordered. Dealing with customer service can be a hit or miss given the language barrier and sizing is not always clear. If an issue arises after the order, returning items can be a laborious task as well. My experience ordering from Crush on Retro was encouraging. Every product had plenty of photos, a size chart and the measurements of an item. If there were any doubts, customer service was quick to answer. They also offer free shipping for most countries and for EU buyers, you don’t have to worry about tax and duties as Crush on Retro takes care of them for you. I placed an order on 10/08/2024 using their standard shipping process and received it on the 20/08/2024.
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Order arrived in 2 parcels. One shoe box and the other for the clothing. |
Given how my order has gone smoothly, I can clearly see the potential and I just had to interview someone from the company. Below is my short and very insightful interview with Bryce Zhang who is in charge of the Team, customer care and social Media at Crush on Retro.
What inspired you to start a menswear brand focused on vintage styles, and how did your passion for this aesthetic begin?
My menswear brand was born out of a deep love for classics, timeless elegance, iconic style, and exquisite workmanship—the very essence of culture embodied in clothing. I’m not a fan of fast fashion, which often feels like a patchwork of past styles, hastily updated and typically of average quality.
I believe that a gentleman should be mindful of his attire; the wardrobe doesn’t need to be extensive, but it
should be filled with classic, versatile pieces that can adapt to daily work occasions.
My fascination with the vintage aesthetic was further fuelled by my love for classic movies such as The Godfather and Once Upon a Time in America.
The iconic outfits in these films have always captivated me, deepening my appreciation for the timeless style of past eras. I wanted to create a brand that honoured this legacy while offering modern men the opportunity to wear pieces that are not just stylish, but also rich in history and character. This passion led me to create vintage clothing, offering the modern gentleman a unique and refined experience.
2. How do you choose which eras or styles to draw from when curating your collections, and what makes those periods resonate with you?
When curating my collections, I primarily borrow from the 20th century, a period rich with distinctive menswear pieces like classic leather jackets, tweed suit sets, trench coats, and Hawaiian shirts. This era resonates with me because it was a time when menswear truly stood out—the fabrics were exceptional, and many iconic brands that we still admire today were born. The 20th century was a time of innovation and evolution in fashion, where practicality met style, and garments were crafted to last. The distinctiveness of the menswear from this era, combined with the quality of the materials, makes it a
constant source of inspiration for me. By incorporating these elements into my collections, I aim to offer modern men a taste of that same timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship.
3. How do you ensure that the quality of your garments reflects the durability and
craftsmanship of the vintage pieces that inspire them?
Ensuring that the quality of my garments reflects the durability and craftsmanship ofthe vintage pieces that inspire them is a top priority for me. To achieve this, I focus
on several key aspects:
- Material Selection: I carefully choose fabrics that are known for their durability and timeless appeal, similar to those used in the mid-20th century. Whether it’s high-quality wool for tweed suits, sturdy leather for jackets, or well-crafted cotton for shirts, every material is selected to ensure longevity and comfort.
- Craftsmanship: I collaborate with skilled artisans and manufacturers who understand the importance of precision and attention to detail. Just like the craftsmen of the past, they take pride in their work, ensuring that every stitch, seam, and finish is executed to perfection.
- Traditional Techniques: Whenever possible, I incorporate traditional tailoring and construction techniques that were commonly used in the production of vintage garments. These methods not only enhance the durability of the clothing but also give it a sense of authenticity and heritage.
- Quality Control: Every piece undergoes rigorous quality control to ensure it meets the high standards I set for my brand. This process includes thorough inspections to check for any flaws and to ensure that the garments can withstand the test of time, both in style and wear.
4. What challenges did you face in bringing your vision to life, and how did you overcome them to launch your brand?
Launching my brand came with several significant challenges, each requiring strategic solutions to overcome:
- Funding: As a start-up, we had a limited budget, which initially forced us to concentrate our funds on a select few products, like suits. However, this focus on fewer styles risked limiting sales, creating a potential vicious cycle. To address this, we sought collaboration with local brands that shared our style, allowing us to expand our product range without overwhelming our budget. This partnership strategy helped increase sales, and the surplus revenue was then reinvested into developing new products.
- Finding the Right Factory and Partners: It was crucial to find factories that could meet our high standards for traditional craftsmanship and attention to detail. We searched for partners with a rich history in this area, ensuring they had skilled workers who could bring our vision to life. Additionally, we communicated with similar brands to deepen our understanding and identify the best products an practices, which helped us make informed decisions about production.
- Marketing and Brand Awareness: With a limited budget, we couldn’t invest heavily in advertising, which initially affected our sales despite having high- quality products. To overcome this, we started learning effective advertising strategies while also exploring multiple channels to increase visibility. One successful approach was collaborating with internet influencers who shared our passion for vintage clothing. This helped us reach more vintage enthusiasts and gradually build our brand’s presence in the market.
5.What are your long-term goals for the brand, and how do you hope to see the vintage menswear movement evolve in the future?
As a pragmatic person, my long-term goals for the brand are focused on becoming recognized and respected within vintage hobby circles. I aim to make my brand known for its quality, craftsmanship, design, service, and affordability. In the future, I plan to carefully curate our product categories, eliminating some and introducing others to provide buyers with a more refined, classic selection.
A key focus will be on enhancing the buyer experience. Once our business reaches a certain level, I intend to establish return warehouses in major European and American countries, allowing buyers to return products with ease and without concerns. Regarding the vintage menswear movement, I hope to see more people join in, experience the richness of vintage culture, and pass it on to future generations. My
vision is to contribute to making vintage more than just a trend, but a classic, enduring choice that continues to inspire and connect people across time.
vision is to contribute to making vintage more than just a trend, but a classic, enduring choice that continues to inspire and connect people across time.
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