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Miller’s Oath

by habituallychic

06 . 14 . 13
If you’ve ever walked around midtown during lunch time, you know American men love themselves a baggy suit. It’s too bad they don’t realize that good tailoring can make you look at least 10 pounds thinner and even 10 years younger. If you or the man in your life could use a little sartorial sprucing, I suggest heading to Miller’s Oath on Greenwich Street.  I’ve been hearing great things about founder Kirk Miller, not only from my lovely friend Alice Ryan, who also happens to be Kirk’s wife, but the boy blogging community so I thought a visit was finally in order. Miller’s Oath offers bespoke shirting and suits, as well as a few accessories like ties, scarves, and pocket squares, but will soon expand into ready to wear options and a possibly larger space.  
It’s a little under the radar but they will also custom make pieces for the ladies.  I just got fitted for my own bespoke shirt and can’t wait to have sleeves the right length. I inquired about the possibility of a shirtdress and was told that it’s coming soon. Shirts take about six weeks and suits approximately 8-10 and require three fittings.  Once they have made your pattern though, it’s easy to reorder. Everything is made in America but the fabrics are imported because as Kirk told me, America doesn’t have any fabric mills left which is a shame.
Kirk Miller isn’t just some fly by night menswear designer either. He started off at another bespoke tailor Seize sur Vingt before heading to Paul Stuart which is where he really learned the tailoring trade.  It was at Thom Browne that he saw the more creative side of menswear. He went out on his own first with his brother Derrick Miller, who you may remember from a Domino apartment feature, to create bespoke shoes under the name Barker Black until leaving to start Miller’s Oath in 2010. 
While all this experience was the backbone of his education, it was his father’s own closet of English suiting that was the true inspiration.  A family album that his father created also led to the discovery of his great-grandfather’s store in Groton, South Dakota that has also led to further inspiration.  It was successful because it was along the route west for the gold rush and is part of the reason for the pickaxe insignia of Miller’s Oath. A symbol of hard work that still stands up today. Now if we could just get those men from Midtown into the shop.
Miller’s Oath
510 Greenwich Street
New York, NY 10013
212-219-9965
www.millersoath.com

Kirk Miler 

The space used to house a restaurant and they uncovered the fireplaces in the renovation process.

The signature Miller’s Oath collar but they do offer other styles. 

Tweed is also a bit of a signature.

I think I might have to have a jacket made after my shirt and shirtdress.  Kirk told me he’s made some custom suiting for a few female clients that really looked great. 

This photo is of his great-grandfather’s store in Groton, South Dakota. 

A bespoke coat in progress for a client. 

Kirk told me a funny story about this photo.  When they had just finished the first stage of renovating and painting, Kirk heard a knock at the door.  One of their neighbors on the block had been watching the transformation and said he would be right back because he had something for him.  He came back with this photo because he said he felt like it belonged in the space. The mat is a perfect match for the color of the walls of Miller’s Oath and it’s such a great New York story. 

Kirk’s father is a custom book binder and made this family album that served as inspiration for Miller’s Oath. 

Alice and Kirk’s son Grey Miller stopped by for a visit and to supervise. Baby Elliott was too young for a visit but I look forward to meeting her soon. 

Kirk makes custom clothes for Grey who could not be cuter. I wasn’t sure we were going to get along when he told me girls can’t wear jeans but the almost five year old won me over when he told me he liked my jewelry. 

I feel like Grey Miller could pay for college with some child modeling. 

Most of the photos of Grey are a little blurry because he never stopped moving but I couldn’t resist posting this one in anticipation of Father’s Day.

Did I mention that Kirk Miller was also a professional soccer player?  At the end of the day he played around with Grey while still wearing his bespoke suit. If that’s not the sign of a great dad, I don’t know what is!  
Happy Father’s Day to Kirk and all the great dads out there including my own! 

All photos by me. 

13 Comments
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  1. Karen Albert June 14, 2013 | 1:31 pm

    Heather, The Miller’s are a very talented and diverse family. The clothing and fabrics look so luxe!I hope that Reggie sees this post. At the least he and Boy could stop in for a visit to see Kirk! You must post a photo of you wearing your bespoke clothing! Cute, cute child, he will have stories to tell when he grows up!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena
    Giveaway by Splendid Sass

  2. joeinTO June 14, 2013 | 1:35 pm

    Oh Heather, you a cultural anthropologist of cool retail stores! A great post leading up to Father’s Day, thank you.

  3. always chic June 14, 2013 | 2:37 pm

    Thanks Heather for posting this
    “must go to shop” on my next visit
    to NYC. I agree..baggy suit gentlemen need to re-check their
    wardrobe.
    BTW..Mr. Miller is quite handsome
    and so is his son! Great post..

  4. ArchitectDesign™ June 14, 2013 | 6:34 pm

    Looks wonderful! LOVE that coat with the fur collar.

  5. Jennifer@ClassicStyleHome June 14, 2013 | 10:52 pm

    I love a tailored suit on a man. I wish my husband would take note! I also have a five year old and I’m trying to picture him in that outfit, lol. I think it’s funny he said women can’t wear jeans. He must have picked that up somewhere. The things kids say!

  6. parisbeekids.com June 15, 2013 | 9:55 am

    Wow, what chic men’s looks. Love a beautiful man’s suit! Wish they would dress like this more often!

    xoxo PARIS BEE kids blog

  7. JWF June 15, 2013 | 11:56 am

    I already should know the answer to this question; however, I’m going to ask it any way. How much do custom suits cost? (I know, I know if you have to ask, too much)
    But if you could indulge me…

  8. MJH Design Arts June 15, 2013 | 12:00 pm

    So sweet, I love stories of Great Dads with their children. Miller Oath looks like an amazing throw-back store….wishing them all of the best for this new venture. The space is fantastic–would love to have a shop with those steel windows and BLACK door.
    Have a great week-end.
    Mary

  9. La Maison Fou June 16, 2013 | 1:58 pm

    Hello, long time following but not chatting or commenting…..in a while. Luv this post, so very daddy day worthy!
    Leslie
    La maison fou blog

  10. Slim Paley June 16, 2013 | 3:08 pm

    Looks like such a great shop Heather.
    I will definitely be forwarding this on to a certain cool young NY dude 🙂

  11. Handpicked by Ron and Chris June 17, 2013 | 2:31 am

    dandy and delightful! what a wonderful post for Father’s Day!

    Chris & Ronald
    Manila, The Philippines

  12. Good Morning Style June 17, 2013 | 3:18 pm

    I’m in love with this post and also with your blog!

    http://goodmorningstyleall.blogspot.com.es/

  13. sybarite June 25, 2013 | 6:37 pm

    Thanks for sharing this… love the look of this shop and I’m definitely bringing all the men in our family! -Dee Marksberry