The journey from family business to bespoke tailoring in Miami
The reviewer introduces Joseph Benlolo, partner at The Bespoke Club, as a creative entrepreneur whose path to luxury tailoring began with a family background in the service industry. Originally from Venezuela, Joseph’s family built a network of hair salons globally before relocating to Miami at age 13. This early exposure to service and franchising shaped his business mindset, but it was his wife’s initial role at The Bespoke Club that sparked his entry into fashion. After experiencing the product firsthand and identifying operational challenges, Joseph acquired the brand, bringing on Simone, the Italian founder, as a partner. Their combined vision and complementary styles laid the foundation for a new era at The Bespoke Club.
Transforming the business model with memberships and Italian craftsmanship
One of the most significant changes Joseph and his team introduced was a membership-based model for tailor-made clothing. Recognizing the limitations of traditional retail—especially the need for extensive inventory—they shifted to a system where every garment is custom-made for the client. This approach not only streamlined operations but also fostered deeper relationships with customers.
- Entry-level membership: $350 per month, providing a new bespoke piece each month (e.g., pants, shirts, polos, or a suit over the year)
- Premium tier: $1,500 per month, delivering a complete custom suit monthly
- Fabric focus: Heavy emphasis on Loro Piana—one of Italy’s most prestigious fabric brands, known for its superior quality and breathability
- Production: All garments are designed in Miami and crafted in Italy, ensuring a blend of local style and European craftsmanship
This model has attracted a dedicated clientele, with about 30 active members currently, and has made the business more predictable and sustainable.
The bespoke tailoring process: from consultation to final fitting
The channel details the personalized experience at The Bespoke Club. Clients begin with a comprehensive measurement session, followed by a collaborative design process where they select fabrics, buttons, and styles. A dedicated stylist guides each customer, tailoring recommendations to their lifestyle—whether for business, casual, or special events. Once the design is finalized, measurements and specifications are sent to Italy for production. After about a month, the finished piece arrives for a second fitting in Miami, where any final adjustments are made in-house to ensure a perfect fit.
Popular choices among Miami’s elite include more casual, Miami-style suits made from Loro Piana fabrics—lightweight, breathable, and suitable for the city’s climate. The reviewer notes that the club’s approach allows for a wide range of styles, from classic to street-inspired, reflecting the diverse personalities of its founders and clients.
Connecting padel passion with luxury fashion and community
Joseph’s enthusiasm for padel is a recurring theme. Introduced to the sport by a friend, he quickly became hooked, appreciating how padel allowed him to compete with former tennis-playing friends and build new social connections. He credits Peter Alonso for teaching him proper technique from the start, which helped him progress quickly despite early setbacks.
The Bespoke Club’s involvement in the padel community extends beyond personal interest. The brand has sponsored padel tournaments—providing Loro Piana suits to winners and exhibition players—and regularly collaborates with local padel clubs such as Reserve and Solia. Joseph admires Reserve’s world-class facilities and the vibrant community it fosters, likening the club’s philosophy to his own approach to bespoke tailoring: both are about experience, exclusivity, and building lasting relationships.
Plans for sportswear and collaborations in the padel world
While The Bespoke Club currently specializes in luxury menswear, Joseph reveals ambitions to expand into athletic and padel apparel. The team is developing a ready-to-wear collection, aiming to offer resort-style clothing—think linen shorts and lightweight pants—crafted from premium fabrics. The goal is to launch limited seasonal collections, available both online and through pop-up events in destinations like Aspen, Los Angeles, and New York. Collaborations with padel brands and clubs are also on the horizon, reinforcing the connection between sophisticated fashion and the growing padel lifestyle.
Tailoring as an experience: philosophy and future direction
The reviewer highlights Joseph’s belief that true luxury is about more than price—it’s about craftsmanship, personalization, and a sense of belonging. The Bespoke Club positions itself as a community, not just a retailer. Clients are encouraged to enjoy the process, take their time, and invest in pieces that reflect their identity and values. This philosophy, Joseph argues, mirrors the appeal of padel: both attract individuals who appreciate detail, quality, and social connection.
Looking ahead, the business is moving away from franchising and traditional retail, focusing instead on curated experiences, pop-ups, and exclusive memberships. The Miami showroom, located in the heart of Brickell, is by appointment only, emphasizing privacy and personalized service. The space itself is modern and energetic, a departure from the stereotypical dark, old-school tailor shop.
Key takeaways from the interview with Joseph Benlolo
- Entrepreneurial vision: Joseph’s creative approach transformed a struggling business into a thriving luxury brand by focusing on service, community, and customization.
- Membership model: Predictable revenue and stronger client relationships through tiered monthly subscriptions for bespoke clothing.
- Italian craftsmanship: All garments are made in Italy, with a focus on Loro Piana fabrics for quality and comfort.
- Padel lifestyle integration: Active involvement in Miami’s padel scene, including event sponsorships and plans for sportswear collaborations.
- Philosophy of luxury: Emphasis on experience, personalization, and building a community of like-minded clients.
- Future direction: Expansion into ready-to-wear collections, pop-up events, and continued partnerships with padel clubs and luxury venues.
The interview offers a compelling look at how business creativity, passion for sport, and a commitment to quality can intersect to create a unique luxury experience in Miami’s evolving fashion and padel landscape.
