A Tribute to Scott Barber
In 2020, we tragically lost our founder and leader Scott Barber in an automobile accident. To those of you who never met Scott, we wanted you to know a little more about him.
If you met Scott once, you felt like you knew him forever. Within the menswear industry, he was widely admired for his design talent, entrepreneurial spirit, humility, upbeat personality and wicked sense of humor.
He launched his self-titled brand in 1994 with little formal training other than working for a men’s store in Fort Collins, CO. “I didn’t study textile design; I just have an eye,” he told MR Magazine in 2007. “Ted Williams could hit fastballs; I understand fit, proportion, and color.” Scott’s natural talents were evident from his very first collection. Within a few years, the Scott Barber brand could be found coast to coast at the finest specialty stores across the country.
Unlike many in the fashion business, Scott was not in it for the attention. What he valued most were the personal friendships with each store owner and the relationships his brand forged with customers. Ironically, Scott built the brand without a passion for sales. Scott’s products sold themselves.
Outside of business, Scott was most passionate about his wife Tonya and two children, Amanda and Charlie. Scott’s penchant for design and adventure extended to motorcycles, vintage sport cars, boats, planes, skiing, outdoor adventure, animals, music and a dry joke. In an industry known for “over the top,” Scott was refreshingly laid back and down to earth. He was the guy you wanted to live next door.
Looking to the future, the greatest testament to a life’s work is that it’s worth preserving. This is exactly what we plan to do with Scott Barber. In Fall ‘21, we will debut our faithful evolution of the casually refined, easy going elegance of Scott Barber with new luxury performance fabrics, updated styles, inspired designs and finely-tuned detailing.
We are honored and excited to continue Scott’s legacy and hope you will join us. Thank you for being a customer and friend of Scott Barber.
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21 comments
Was first introduced to Scott Barber apparel years ago at Bingham’s Men’s Wear in Columbia, Missouri. The quality and look of Scott Barber clothing is unmatched. Class never goes out of style and Scott Barber knew that.
I owned a men’s specialty store in rural Missouri from 1972 until 1993. Scott was literally one of the last sales reps to call on me before I decided to close down shop. This was before he set out on his own. At that last meeting I expressed my frustration with the business and hinted I might be about to pull the plug. We had a great visit and lunch that day. More than anything what I remember about that day so long ago is Scott taught me the best way to parallel park a vehicle. I still use that method to this day. I have shared it with family and friends never failing to give Scott the credit. Fast forward to 2020. Through my oldest son who is a major Scott Barber fan I was more or less introduced to Scott’s shirts. I ordered a selection and upon receiving I realized I had purchased the wrong size. I wasn’t sure what to do so I called to speak with someone. The phone was answered by a cheerful girl who walked me through the process of replacing the shirts. Before we hung up I told her my name and that Scott was a sales rep of mine years ago and would she please tell him ‘hi’ for me. Apparently she did. Later that afternoon Scott called and we picked up where we left off all those years ago. Nice. Later I received a note from him, which I still have. This was only weeks before the accident that took Scott. This has had a profound effect on me. This fine man was everything he is portrayed to be. Just from this brief encounter I realized what great folks there still are in the world. I know he is missed. Thank you for letting me share this.
Ive know Scott got more than thirty years I bought suits ties and shirt I bought shirts from him in 1994 in Las Vegas at a trade show and after went to dinner with Scott and my self and brother in law Gordon Holmstead I love him he was fun he’s going to be missed
I met Scott many years ago, early on relative to his starting his own label. He was no doubt, one of the nicest gentleman you will ever met and work with. He was interested in supporting your needs in your business and always open to how he could help. Scott was one of the good guys, and is very missed.
I never had a chance to meet Scott, but if I had the chance I’m sure I would have considered him a friend. We had much in common; a penchant for nice clothes, vintage cars, and aviation, and even some friends in common. I was once in the clothing business, both wholesale and retail; and we shared some of the same customers. Dennis Dann is a neighbor and a longtime friend and a mutual customer. It was Dennis who told me of Scott’s tragic passing. Ironically, I had been in Ft. Collins many times to visit my son. Had I known of Scott at the time,I would have made a point of meeting him.
I am so impressed and pleased that the company which Scott worked so hard to establish is being carried forward.