Castro residents and visitors in search of custom-made suits now have a new place to order one.
Custom suit shop Klein, Epstein & Parker (KEP) opened earlier this month at 2331 Market St., formerly flower shop Ixia.
KEP moved from Hayes Valley where they had been since 2013. Most recently the storefront was briefly occupied by a private event space company Canopy 415.
Klein, Epstein, and Parker is now open at 2331 Market St. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Miray and Jeroen Bik founded KEP in Los Angeles in 2011, to offer a highly individualized custom-suit experience. KEP currently has locations in Los Angeles, New York, and Paris.
"Our mission is to make our customers look and feel great," said Jeroen. "We want to give them an unrivaled experience so when you come in it's fun."
KEP offers a variety of custom-made suits, shoes, denim, and knitwear along with ready-to-wear sunglasses, shoes, and accessories.
"Our target group is anyone who has a sense of fashion and wants to look and feel great," said Jeroen.
Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Jeroen Bik tells Hoodline that the store is named after the recording artists managers of the Rolling Stones, Beatles, and Elvis Presley. "They made fantastic musicians into icons," says Bik. "It's an homage to finding your voice and creating your style and brand," said Jereon.
Each customer plays the role of designer by selecting the fabric, lining, buttons, and details. KEP then measures each customer and styles the suit for a custom fit.
"The first thing we do is talk about who you are and who you want to be," says Bik, regarding how they help select each customer's style.
Customers select the suit material, lining, style, and more. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
Every suit can also include custom embroidery, such as this piece of text hidden under the flap of the suit's collar.
All fabrics are sourced from manufacturers in Europe, which the company prefers due to their higher quality. Once an order is placed with KEP, the suit design is sent to Europe, where the suits are custom-made. Once the suit is complete, it's shipped back to KEP, and any additional alterations are done locally.
Two-piece suits start at $1,000, sport jackets at $700, and dress shirts at $248.
KEP's custom shoe kiosk. | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
For new customers, Bik says, "Start small and buy one or two pieces, and take it from there." He adds that many regular customers come in every few months and slowly build their wardrobes.
Stopping by the store, customers might come across MIray and Jereon's two rescue dogs, Freddie and Harley, who you might find napping underneath the tables.
KEP's store dogs Freddie (front) and Harley (background). | Photo: Steven Bracco/Hoodline
In selecting the Castro, Bik explained that their lease was up in Hayes Valley and they were ready for a move.
"We believe this location is better," said Jeroen. "It's in the heart of our target group, more vibrant, and it's double the space."
Klein, Epstein, and Parker is open Wednesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for walk-ins and appointments.
