Fashion
April 8, 2015
UNITED ARROWS Introduces "MILLER'S OATH," a New Brand Carrying on Family Legacy
UNITED ARROWS
An Interview with Kirk Miller
A New Brand Inheriting Family Legacy: "MILLER'S OATH"
Kirk and Derrick Miller, brothers who garnered attention as fashion darlings for their popular shoe brand "Barker Black," launched their new menswear brand, "MILLER'S OATH," last fall. The brand name embodies the spirit of OATH—a pledge—to the history of the MILLER'S family, the shop their great-grandfathers built. The pickaxe in the brand logo represents a symbol of the gold rush. We spoke with Kirk Miller, president of "MILLER'S OATH," about the brand.
Text by OPENERSPhotos by Mizuho Takada
I Saw Photos of the Original Store for the First Time at a Family Gathering
In 1906, six Miller brothers opened a menswear shop called "MILLER BROTHERS EXCLUSIVE MEN'S CLOTHEIRS" in Groton, South Dakota. At the time, the store became renowned for its skillful hand tailoring, high-quality, thoughtful designs, and stylish accessories, establishing itself as a key tailoring destination in the American Midwest. However, it disappeared after World War I. Its name, tradition, and style were preserved and passed down within the Miller family.
Now, 103 years later, the new brand "MILLER'S OATH" has been launched by brothers Kirk Miller and Derrick Miller, the great-grandsons of the founders.
—How old are you, Kirk?
I'm 31 now. It was about five years ago that I started "Barker Black" in partnership with Barker, the long-established shoemaker based in the UK. My partner, my brother Derrick, is 37.
—What prompted you to start "MILLER'S OATH"?
About seven or eight years ago, during a family reunion, someone had a photograph of the original "MILLER BROTHERS EXCLUSIVE MEN'S CLOTHEIRS." After that, I spoke with my father and did some research, and discovered it was a menswear store with a very clear concept.
—So, that led you to consider launching the brand?
My father was a stylish man who took my brother and me to London's Savile Row to order suits. There, I learned about suit tailoring and observed styling, absorbing the essence of masculine dandyism. I never imagined, however, that suits would connect me to my great-grandfathers.
—Why did you choose the brand name "MILLER'S OATH"?
We wanted to imbue the brand name with the legacy built by our great-grandfathers and the "promise" we make to our customers who will wear "MILLER'S OATH" going forward. While respecting tradition, we aim to create something new and refined.
—Where is the suit factory located?
They are handmade in America. It was important for "MILLER'S OATH" to be made in America. We researched factories with tailoring expertise, and it took us five years to achieve a finish we were satisfied with.
—What were the challenges?
Creating the silhouette was challenging. Explaining details like the jacket length and the cutaway front hem—a classic British style with a significantly scooped front—to the factory was difficult. However, we've achieved a perfect result for "MILLER'S OATH."
—You opened a retail store in New York in May, didn't you?
Yes. We opened a store on Greenwich Street offering both ready-to-wear and bespoke services. Currently, "MILLER'S OATH" is available at our New York store and at UNITED ARROWS.
—What are your impressions of UNITED ARROWS?
The Harajuku Main Store is a superb establishment, and "MILLER'S OATH" suits fit perfectly here. I also believe the team, including buyer Mr. Kogi, are all professionals with a wonderful sensitivity and understanding.
—What is the joy of wearing a suit for you, Kirk?
For "MILLER'S OATH," tuxedos are an important item, and I love them. When you wear a suit or tuxedo, your posture naturally improves, and you feel more invigorated. That sense of "attitude" is the true pleasure of dressing up.
—Finally, a message for the fans of the Miller brothers?
The unique details, such as the collar lining of "MILLER'S OATH" jackets, are crafted with purpose. Please take a close look at these points and enjoy styling them.
UNITED ARROWS Harajuku Main Store Men's Building
3-28-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel. 03-3479-8180
www.united-arrows.jp

