For years, Marcus Prince received compliments on his sense of fashion. But one day, when a close friend sought assistance in choosing some outfits, he thought, “Maybe helping others in this way could be a business venture.” And now, he has officially opened his first physical location for Prince, his very own luxury menswear brand in Port-of-Spain.
The 31-year-old hails from Diego Martin and has an artist diploma in music performance from the University of T&T (UTT) and a bachelor’s degree in music from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, in the US. He also teaches music privately at Tamar Music Academy. But apart from music, he has also had a longstanding love for fashion. “Growing up, my parents were very big on the importance of us attiring ourselves properly,” he recalled. “It was always ensuring your shirt was tucked into your pants, your pants weren’t creased or falling off your waist … We would have suits, suspenders–the full works.”
Admittedly, young Marcus was slightly annoyed at having to be on his Ps and Qs all the time, but as he approached his teenage years, he realised they were on to something. “My father used to wear a lot of ‘old money’ outfits, too, such as linen, leather and those things.”
So as he matured and “began to do (his) own thing,” the compliments began. “People would ask, ‘Where did you get this?’ or ‘How did you think to put this together?’” he explained.
But while he was still doing his tertiary studies in the US, the unexpected happened.
“One of my friends came up to me, but he’s the type of person who’s always joking. He said, ‘Marcus, I am struggling a bit when it comes to fashion and you are always dressing well. Would you mind going to the mall to help me do some shopping?” Initially, Prince thought it was just another joke–but his friend was serious.
“From there, I said maybe I can make this sort of thing into a service where I can help other men dress well and feel good about themselves.”
He began writing down his goals–one of which was to open his own clothing store. He still has that note, which he shared with Guardian Media.
At first, he felt like the store would just sell popular, global brands. But then he decided he wanted to leave a legacy through creating and selling his own luxury menswear brand. And thus, Prince Apparel and Image Consultancy was born.
“I went to Europe last year and looked at different manufacturers and suppliers, and I found one that was able to make all my clothing,” he said. He had been operating online for some years, but on September 19, his dreams turned into reality. He opened his first store at No 5 Warner Street, Newtown, Port-of-Spain. The range of products offered include men’s suits, shirts, trousers, jeans, sneakers, ties, bowties, cufflinks, sweaters and more.
“I’m truly thankful to God. I’m excited and very humbled,” he told WE Fashion. “My goal is to not only help people look good on the outside but to feel good about themselves.” He continued, “In this world, people are going through so many things, so it’s really about ensuring that when they step out, it’s a full package–inward and outward.”
He also urged others that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, and to keep dreaming big. “Your past doesn’t determine your future, and you don’t despise small beginnings.”
