Get ready to dive into the exciting world of Arlo Mott, a sportswear brand that's making waves and leaving a lasting impression!
The Rise of Arlo Mott
Arlo Mott, a contemporary sportswear brand founded by the dynamic trio of Alex and Karen Drexler and Susan Woo, is on a rapid growth trajectory. In just one year, they've doubled their wholesale business, expanding from 15 accounts to an impressive 40 specialty stores across the country. From Capitol to Tootsies, Kirna Zabête to TNT boutiques in Canada, and even Max in Colorado, Arlo Mott is making its mark.
But here's where it gets interesting: the brand's nameplate has a personal touch. Arlo, a name originally considered for the Drexlers' daughter, Frankie, and Mott, a reference to Mott Street, where they discovered new brands, come together to create a unique and meaningful identity.
The Power of Collaboration
The three co-founders bring a diverse range of skills to the table. Susan Woo, with her expertise in design and product development, Karen Drexler, who excels in design, merchandising, and sales, and Alex Drexler, a business and startup guru, combine their talents to create something truly special.
Karen and Susan became friends through their children's preschool, and together, they work out of the Drexlers' apartment in TriBeCa. It's a true family affair, with a powerful trio at its core.
"It's the three of us, and I'm so grateful for that. Starting a company is no small feat, and having multiple minds and skill sets is invaluable," Susan Woo shared.
Karen Drexler took a five-year break after the birth of her child in 2018, focusing on motherhood. But when COVID hit, she found herself ready for a new chapter, and with Susan by her side, Arlo Mott was born.
"Our skill sets are so complementary. Running a company is a massive undertaking, and yet, each of us brings a unique expertise to the table," Susan added.
A Contemporary, Yet Timeless Aesthetic
The Arlo Mott collection is a perfect blend of contemporary sophistication and timeless elegance. "It's a sophisticated contemporary brand with a refined aesthetic," Susan explained.
Karen Drexler emphasized their focus on timeless pieces, saying, "We're not about trends. We want clothing that stands the test of time. My love language is a poplin shirt - versatile, crisp, and comfortable. It's a piece that makes you feel put together, no matter the occasion."
The brand sources European fabrics and produces most of its garments in New York, with knits made in China.
A Personal Touch
For their first fall season, Arlo Mott wanted to keep distribution tight, working with a limited number of specialty stores. The feedback from these stores was invaluable, and Karen Drexler noted that the sell-throughs were excellent.
"Working with specialty stores is incredible. You get instant feedback, and that touchpoint is so valuable. I can pick up the phone or visit Tenet in the Hamptons. It's a wonderful rapport with the salespeople," she said.
Beth Buccini, founder and owner of Kirna Zabête, with seven stores across the US, is bringing Arlo Mott on board for spring. She raves about the collection, saying, "Karen has an impeccable style and truly understands a woman's needs. The collection offers a fresh, modern take on uniform dressing with sophisticated essentials."
A Growing Customer Base
The brand's first season saw poplin shirts and knitwear perform exceptionally well, with reorders placed. Susan Woo explained that they realized people wanted to dress up again post-COVID, and Arlo Mott aimed to create versatile pieces that could be dressed up or down comfortably.
"We add new fabrics and color palettes each season to keep things fresh. We're getting better with every season as we grow and learn more about our customers," Susan added.
T-shirts retail at $125, sweaters at $395, poplins and pants at $365, and jackets start at $450. For fall, they're offering 50 unique styles, with sizes ranging from small to extra-large and bottoms from 0 to 12. Expect shirtdresses, leather jackets, draped trousers, and poplin shirts with ties.
In addition to wholesale, Arlo Mott has developed an e-commerce business, bringing their collection directly to customers.
A Personalized Experience
The executives show their collection in their apartment, offering buyers a unique and personal experience. "We want to put our best foot forward. Showing the collection out of our home adds a special touch, and it resonates with our customers," Susan said.
Susan also highlighted the challenges of launching during tariff chaos, but their small size allows for flexibility. "We can adapt and be fair to our company and customers. It's a unique advantage for a small business like ours," she added.
And while Alex Drexler's dad, Mickey, isn't involved in the new business, he's a supportive presence.
So, what do you think? Are you ready to embrace the Arlo Mott experience? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
