Conversation with Matt Banever
Matt Banever discusses how we can be more intentional in our choices as consumers and build a stronger connection between our values and the story we tell with clothes.
I was being fitted for some dress pants and a sports shirts some time ago. I had carved out a couple hours to devote to considering various cotton and wool fabrics and learn whether gaberdine was still “in” or not. All I know is the materials felt well-made and the person guiding me as I built out my wardrobe was a gentleman named Matt Banever. It is not a surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to nerd-out about clothing, its construction, and quality. But for those who are less familiar with me, it might be a surprise to learn that a sales associate—whom I happened to met at a local clothier once—and I would cross paths several times years later. Since then, I have gotten to know Matt. He actually reached out to me around the time I formally launched Curated CT and shared with me his own business venture, Bards Clothing. We kept in touch and in July 2022 I was invited by Nan Price to attend my first Sip Session. Imagine my surprise when she told me who would be giving the TED Talk-styled presentation: Matt.
Matt Banever, Bards Clothing founder and Connecticut native, sporting his safari jacket telling his origin story during the first in-person Sip Session (post-Covid) on July 14, 2022 at Spaces in West Hartford, CT.
This event is where I saw firsthand what drove Matt. It wasn’t fashion per se. It was that how we visually present ourselves can signal information about us to others whether we realize it or not. Our clothing tells a story and we might be wise to know how it can help you tell yours. Like any narrative, it can be controlled by you or by others if you let it—so one takeaway was more or less that it behooves us to be mindful of our attire. What stood out to me was how his message was one of empowerment, not about thumbing noses or about a particular design or look, but about communicating your values. In ten minutes, Matt weaved together a history lesson on various social and commercial trends, how our shopping habits have come to impact the environment, and the importance of connecting our clothing choices to our personal values—all catalyzed by a personal encounter in a parking lot while attending CCSU. It’s a story I think worthy of sharing. While our recorded conversation is not exactly a reenactment of his formal talk, I hope it gives you a taste and that you will come to find it is simply effortless to talk with Matt about—nerd-out over—so many things.
Show Notes
Places mentioned within our conversation:
Zahner’s Clothiers (Vernon, CT)
Originally posted on May 9, 2023. Last updated on May 11, 2023.
Be sure to subscribe to our complimentary Curated Insiders email newsletter for updates, announcements, and promotions as we strive to live local and feel good.
