Christopher Korey
Christopher Korey is the co-founder of the luxurious men’s tailoring label called Christopher Korey Collection (CKC) New York. He also has his own private label realty firm, CK Private Realty. While working as a realtor for many years Korey started styling his real estate clients, which evolved into his own men’s tailoring label. It was inspired largely by old Hollywood with a modern fit, which was something he couldn’t find in the marketplace at the time. CKC offers luxury clothing from formal to casual, from board room to a weekend getaway, but at a fraction of the normal luxury price. Korey emphasizes the importance and love of style in all forms to create something unique for everyone.
How involved are you in the creative process of the CKC designs?
Both my friend and business partner, Carl Cristiano, and I create it all. I design and Carl, who is a tailor, makes it. We liken it to an architect and contractor. I sketch it out and he builds it not with a hammer and nail but with a needle and thread. We are a two headed monster that somehow make it work.
Was it scary to make such a big career pivot when pursuing the styling industry? If so what kept you motivated?
I have to say it wasn’t really scary at all, probably because I didn’t think about it much. It just happened organically. After styling my clients for so many years the natural progression was to create what wasn’t readily available. It was a constant struggle finding things that I liked but didn’t love in the stores, so we would end up manufacturing them ourselves anyway. Once you start doing that on a regular basis it isn’t hard to stay motivated because you’re getting what you want and even more importantly it’s done in a way that’s authentic and fitting the way it should.
Where do you find inspiration for your style?
I am heavily influenced by the look of old Hollywood mixed with a 1970s New York vibe. Both of those eras had such amazing style but in different ways. I love the refinement and glamour of old Hollywood when men looked like men and women look like women in a very classic form. In the 1970s, especially here in New York, all those lines got blurred in a down and dirty way that I also love. It’s sort of old Hollywood and rock ‘n’ roll mixed with some R&B disco. The end result is the CKC signature style.
What is something many people don’t know about you?
That’s a hard one to answer because based on social media and the success we’ve had everybody makes their own assumptions, but probably it’s the fact that I’m a clown who just likes a specific look, and I guess the fact that I do all of the photography at CKC.
Did you always know you wanted to be the face of the brand? Or was it just something that happened on its own?
The last thing I wanted was to be the face of the brand when we started and even today. It just happened that way because I had some notoriety from social media, and it just evolved. In the beginning you don’t really have the budget to hire high-end models so you do what you have to do. I never thought or planned that it would be me, but let’s face it I work cheap. If I had to do it all over again I would certainly look to make someone else the face of the brand but we’ve been weirdly successful and fortunate the way it is. So, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, I guess.
You talk a lot about authenticity especially, in personal style, how would you describe your style?
I am the epitome of the brand. I am an odd mix in terms of old Hollywood meets the 1970s, and that’s just what’s authentic to me. I can sleep in it or I can go to work in it, it’s a second skin. It represents who I am internally so externally I wear it with ease. That’s really the goal with any style in any form and that’s what we try to stress to our clients. Even if it’s something crazy , if you can wear with ease, like a second skin then you found that place that is authentically you.
What do you like to do when you're not working?
Sleep! Free time is a luxury these days so spending it wisely is essential. Family and friends play an important role, and I cherish the time that I can spend with them and just laugh, eat, and have a good time. The rest of the time you will usually find me walking the streets of New York with a camera in hand. It’s my form of therapy whether it’s here in New York where I live, or on the streets of Paris or anywhere else in the world. It’s become a passion and I can spend countless hours doing it. It’s one of the few mediums where you can actually freeze time and in today’s fast paced world there’s something appealing about that to me. That and music fulfill my soul, and you really can’t ask for better than that.
Are there any celebrities you would want to see in your clothes?
We take the approach that every one of our clients is a celebrity if they’re well known or not. We have done a number of movie projects both film and television and have a couple on the way that, of course, we can’t talk about. It’s always gratifying to see anyone in your clothes who enjoys and appreciates them on the red carpet or just the carpet in their living room.
I guess the one person I would really like to create something for is Ralph Lauren. I would like to create it, have him wear it, and say “not bad kid.” Then I would retire.
What exciting projects do you have in the future?
We have a number of movie projects starting next month, which is always exciting because they take place in different periods of history. The rest of the time will be focused on expanding the business, which is happening much faster than we anticipated so there’s a lot on the plate right now.
Are there any collaborations you want to achieve?
We have been humbled and honored to be offered a number of collaborations, but right now we’re just focusing on what we have in place now, just on a bigger scale.
The one collaboration that we did say yes to and are very much looking forward to is with another brand using sustainable materials, which is something we are passionate about. I can’t really say much right now because it’s all being finalized, but we are looking forward to making that part of who we are.
Social Media.
Instagram: Christopher Korey
Article by Sahar Kariem, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
*All images are courtesy of Christopher Korey