Interview with Megan McCall App, Men’s Personal Stylist at Rodes For Him - For Her from Louisville

Fashion - Interview

by Melisa Kaya

Despite all these difficulties that have been experienced throughout the century, the brand's standing up is an indication that companies offering quality products and services can survive any kind of bad day. Rodes is a family business that has managed to do so and is now managed by the fifth generation. We always pay attention to be stylish. Fashion trends changes in every season and many of us may not be able to follow this up to date. In this case, professionals who follow the trend of fashion and who have a fashionable perspective can help us to choose the most suitable clothes for us. Rodes is a clothing store that has been presenting a wide range of brand and product on its shelves for 105 years. In Rodes, you can find all kinds of garment and accessories from watches to suits, shoes to ties. If you don't want to drown in the many options, you need to meet Megan McCall App, Men's Personal Stylist, to find the one that suits you the best. I talked with Megan McCall App about her career and Rodes For Him - For Her.

Before talking about Rodes For Him - For Her, could you tell us about yourself? How did you interested in the fashion industry and the retail sector?

I was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. I have a passion for my city, friends, family, and fashion. From a young age, I always had an interest in dresses, high heels, and putting together the perfect outfits.

My first job was as a hostess with 21C Museum Hotels. It was a great eye-opener to a fun, fast-paced environment. I learned quickly that you only have one chance to make a first impression and that clothing is the polishing detail to making the best first impression.

I moved to South Carolina for school and was constantly window-shopping Greenville and Charleston with my friends. One day I came across a boutique that I fell in love with, and I ended up working there for two years. It was my first experience in the world of retail. Everything from new styles, top trends, meeting customers, and sharing my personal eye with people became an electric combination that caused my roots to be planted in this industry.

Megan McCall App

Once I came back to Louisville, I spent time in the bridal and event industry. Long story short, I was in the right place at the right time when I bumped into the owners of Rodes, Howard and Susan Vogt, at a wedding. I knew them from our paths crossing multiple times in Louisville. We started talking about Rodes, and the rest is history. I was offered a job being a men’s personal stylist. At first, I was terrified since I didn’t have any experience in men’s fashion. But, I am so grateful to be a part of a team that took me in like family. Every day I tried my best to absorb as much as I could from the veterans around me.

As the Men’s Assistant Buyer, I have an opportunity to learn from Jim Porter, the Men’s Buyer. His eye for fashion and knowledge in this industry is unparalleled. I am so grateful to have such a great mentor and to be a part of this Rodes team. I have found my fashion home here at Rodes.

Rodes For Him - For Her

The history of Rodes For Him - For Her dates back to 1914. Could you tell us about Rodes For Him - For Her?

Rodes has a long, rich history, which began as a men’s haberdashery in Downtown Louisville on St. Patrick’s Day over 105 years ago. The company survived the Great Depression and the 1937 Louisville flood.

Rodes then endured two World Wars by selling officers’ uniforms to the U.S. Army.

After five generations, Rodes is still a family-owned establishment.

Rodes For Him - For Her

What are the brands and designers that you are working with?

I work with a wide variety of brands For Him. Everything from the custom-made classic clothing to fashion-forward contemporary apparel.

Some of which include: AG Jeans, Boglioli, Brackish, Canali, Ermenegildo Zegna, Eton, FahertyBrand, Gimo’s, Hudson Jeans, Isaia, J Brand, Jack Mason, Joe’s Jeans, Krewe, Maurizio Baldassari, Peter Millar, S.M.N., Samuelsohn, and Vince.

Rodes For Him - For Her

In Rodes For Him - For Her, customers can find special services for making their life easier. Could you tell us about the Experiences that you offer your customers? How do you helping your customer look their best?

We are here to make the shopping experience about you.

Come early or stay late, we are happy to be here for the convenience of our customers. We help our clients find the perfect fit, refresh their closet with the top new looks, by assisting with closet cleans.

Rodes For Him - For Her

When a brand that would like to work with Rodes For Him - For Her has contacted you, what are the most important features that you are looking for before deciding to work with this clothing or accessory brand?

We are always receiving inquiries from brands new and old who want to be a part of our store. Our brand list is constantly evolving due to changes in trends, quality, and style. But we pride ourselves on carrying the best of the best.

Rodes For Him - For Her

Nowadays, there is a great conflict between online and brick & mortar stores. What effects are currently being felt in the fashion industry? What do you think about the future of this conflict?

Online shopping has captivated some shoppers, but I believe that brick and mortar stores are vital to any shopping experience. You wouldn’t buy a car without driving it first. For me, I believe the same about buying your wardrobe. Walking into our store gives you the opportunity to talk with style experts, touch the fabrics, try on items, and experience personalized tailoring on site.

Rodes For Him - For Her

What do you think about social media? Do you experience the effect of social media on customer's behavior and preferences?

Social Media is very important. We live in a day in age when everything is at our fingertips. It gives us a chance to be a constant in our client’s lives. We stay connected by sharing news about upcoming events, posting images and stories on top trends and items, and being able to connect with our followers on a more personal level.

How can our readers follow Rodes For Him - For Her?

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @RodesLouisville

Thank you Megan for your time.

For more information, please click here to visit the website of Rodes For Him - For Her

This interview was conducted in a Question-and-Answer format. The answers were checked for grammar and punctuation and published without any additional editing. Friday, May 3, 2019. All photos are the property of their respective owners.