Bay Rum cologne is a classic fragrance with a long history and is currently experiencing a resurgence in popularity as men are looking for classic and timeless products. St. John’s Bay Rum, the best of all varieties due to the specific climate and water of St. John, has survived since its creation in 1838 by Albert H. Riise, a Danish scientist, despite some “near death” moments:
An ad for Old Bay Rum
1921 – Prohibition restricts the production of bay rum, bringing the industry to a virtual halt. In order to comply with the act, manufacturers begin to use salicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin) as the denaturing agent. Word quickly spreads that the new bay rum is not only drinkable but will relieve aches and pains.
1952 – John Webb and Joe Felix, a native of St Barth, create a new look for St Johns Bay Rum by using the traditional “fish pot weave” made from Tyre palms on the bottle. The new packaging creates a new industry on St Barth, which thrives until 1995 when Hurricane Luis destroys all the Tyre palms on St Barth.
1995 – Hurricane Marilyn delivers a crushing blow to both the Virgin Islands and the West Indies Bay Co. The factory and much of the company’s inventory is destroyed, but thanks the dedication of the tireless employees, shipments to U.S. accounts resumes within two weeks. Sadly, many of the accounts in the Virgin Islands and throughout the Caribbean are lost forever.
Today – The vision of making St Johns Bay Rum an internationally known product is fulfilled through the internet. The product is currently sold to accounts in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. St. John’s Bay Rum makes a wonderful gift for the Holidays and Tuttle is pleased to offer it this year on our website, http://tuttlecatalog.com/holiday.cfm.
Clotheshounds like to know more about the philosophy, construction and future plans as they relate to their favorite designer labels. Recently we had a discussion with the folks at BUGATCHI UOMO and have summarized it in a Q&A format.
Q: What are the roots of your company and where are your HQ? A: BUGATCHI UOMO was established in the early 1980’s in Montreal, Canada, and quickly expanded to the US market with points of sale in all the major chain stores across the county . Within a decade, BUGATCHI UOMO moved its operations across the border, relocating first in New York , then in Florida. Our headquarters are located in Boca Raton, Fl with a corporate showroom in New York City. Q: What Is the fashion philosophy of BUGATCHI UOMO? A:BUGATCHI UOMO is about cool and classic elegance in any occasion. Our mission is to design clothing that is trendy and affordable using the finest fabrics with special attention to detail and fabrication. In both our Men’s and Women’s collections, detail is strong , yet sophisticated to add the perfect touch of elegance.
Q: What is the relationship between the Men’s Golf Collection and the Men’s Sportwear Collection? How are these different? A: Unique design and color are the main threads linking both collections. Patterns that allow our customer to stand out in a crowd but is always appropriate in any occasion. Bugatchi Golf can be either “ golf with the boss… or golf with the boys “ while our Sportswear Collection offers a style that is confident by not boastful and reflects a man in control of his own personal style.
Q: What is unique or noteworthy about the fabrics, construction and style of BUGATCHI UOMO’s offerings? A: We use the finest European fabrics: poplins, yarn dyes, jacquards, prints and embroideries. Cotton sateen and soft cotton blends are the primary fabrics, but we also offer seasonal qualities such as linens, and sandwashed, textured microfibers. The emphasis is always on the quality and softness of the handfeel. Our golf and resort collection also offers 70’s 2 ply triple mercerized cotton which is the ultimate in comfort and performance, as well as intricate European intarsia and jacquard patternwork.
Q: Can you describe the typical Bugatchi Uomo customer? A: BUGATCHI UOMO style is all about being comfortable in your own skin. The Bugatchi Uomo customer is fashion savvy and wants to be noticed without being obvious.
Q: What can we expect from BUGATCHI UOMO in 2010? A: Bigger, stronger, broader… a true view of the Bugatchi lifestyle in all classifications plus new product categories – outerwear, swimwear, hosiery, leather goods – while strengthening our consistent style point of view and the best price-value relationship in the fashion industry.
Certain icons and luminaries have had significant impact on the fashion, apparel and retailing scene. Today’s passing of Don Fisher, creator and driving force behing The Gap, reminds us that we can never know the impact we will have … the main thing is to keep doing the best we can with what the talents and time we’ve been given .
Don Fisher, 1928-2009
Donald Fisher, a retail industry legend and longtime entrepreneur who co-founded Gap in 1969 without any previous retailing experience, has died. He was 81.
Don’s death followed a long and courageous battle with cancer. He died Sunday morning, September 27, 2009, at his San Francisco home. His wife, Doris, and family were at his side.
Don and Doris founded and then transformed a single store in San Francisco stocked with Levi’s, records and tapes into a thriving, nearly $15 billion global business with more than 134,000 employees, more than 3,100 stores and a permanent place in pop cultural history. He’s been credited with inventing the specialty retail category, though Don was equally known for his commitment to philanthropy and civic work.
For the complete story of Don Fisher, click on the image to go to GAP’s tribute.
Folow Zach Johnson, staff player for Dunning Sportswear, as he competes in the 2009 91st PGA Championship. Access the leader board by clicking on Zach’s picture.
Zach Johnson
Tuttle is pleased to offer the Dunning Golf line of golf apparel worn by Mr. Johnson. Our selections can be shopped at TuttleCatalog.com.
Dunning Sportswear is a golf lifestyle fashion label. While appealing to competitive golfers, the technical aspects of the fabric make living any lifestyle more comfortable. Watch Fairway Steve test this stuff and give it a 5 star rating!
Tuttle Distinctive Sports is now carrying these styles. Visit http://www.tuttlecatalog.com for the latest Dunning styles for late summer and early fall.
Today – The vision of making St Johns Bay Rum an internationally known product is fulfilled through the internet. The product is currently sold to accounts in Europe, Asia, Australia and South America. St. John’s Bay Rum makes a wonderful gift for the Holidays and Tuttle is pleased to offer it this year on our website, http://tuttlecatalog.com/holiday.cfm. 
