American Regal by Farley
Kevin Farley and Fay Byrd Partner to Create American Regal by Farley Apparel
Comedic Actor and Director Kevin Farley, who starred in the 2008 David Zucker (“Airplane!”, “The Naked Gun”, “Scary Movie 3 & 4”) comedy “An American Carol”, has partnered with business woman, actress, and model Fay Byrd to create a new clothing line called American Regal by Farley.
American Regal by Farley will focus on the underserved demographic of ‘bigger guys’. Citing difficulties finding clothing that ‘fits’ properly, Farley and Byrd have been working with a number of designers to develop clothes that are cut wider to properly fit frames for bigger or taller consumers, while maintaining a ‘hip and cool’ vibe to their line. Their primary focus is addressing the needs in men’s apparel, with a future initiative in a women’s line down the road.
Byrd is no stranger to the fashion world; she was previously represented by Next Canada, and recently represented with acting and modeling agent Select Models and Talent. She has modeled for GUESS, worked in New York for Valentino and Bergdorf Goodman, and later worked for GUESS.
Farley and Byrd are excited regarding the future for American Regal by Farley. According to Byrd, meetings with retail industry executives have gone well, and Farley and Byrd are currently in discussions regarding agent representation for the line. American Regal by Farley anticipates sponsoring professional athletes and actors that fit the ‘big and tall’ category.
One of American Regal by Farley’s goals is to combine affordability with European flair. Price, fit, and fashion will join forces - ultimately resulting in fewer people just ‘settling for blah’.
I spoke with Kevin Farley and Fay Byrd about American Regal by Farley where they discussed the inspiration for the line and the company’s plans and goals.
Betsy: Kevin, tell me about American Regal by Farley.
Kevin: This is a business endeavor that Fay and I are committed to; we’re launching a line of clothing - with a focus on denim and t-shirts to start, that are geared towards bigger guys like me. It can be a production sometimes going into a clothing store and finding big enough shirts for me that are hip and cool.
Betsy: Fay, how did you get started in the fashion business?
Fay: I began modeling when I was 18. When I moved to Los Angeles, I met Paul Marciano of GUESS, which led to a GUESS photo shoot. From there, I moved to New York to pursue my dream of working on the other side of the business with the aspirations and goals of one day creating my own clothing line. In that regards, I worked for Valentino, Bergdorf Goodman, and Theory, later becoming an editorial and personal stylist.
Betsy: What was the inspiration for the line?
Kevin: We recognized a niche, based on personal experience. It was difficult to find bigger sizes for guys, (shirts, denim) - I’m a very difficult person to fit and I can’t exactly go into a store and buy ‘off the rack’.
Fay: When I lived in New York, I was married to then New York Rangers defenseman, Jason Doig. I found it challenging to go out and shop for the ‘average-sized’ athlete, and I didn’t want to give up or settle for wardrobe malfunctions! So early on, I met with the CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue to talk about creating a trendy, hip line for bigger guys. There’s an immediate void in this particular category, nationwide, and with our relationships and connectivity in the sports world and comedy realm we will help carve out an image for bigger guys who can shop, dress, and feel the confidence that average size people do. . .imagine if a bigger guy could walk into a major department store and have a space dedicated exclusively to their needs - an edgy, trendy, affordable alternative to combat the pre-existing “khaki pants and dull t- shirt universe”!
Betsy: Unfortunately, the same problem applies to women, as well. If you’re not a size 12 or below, it’s next to impossible to find anything classy or wearable. It’s like they say, ‘let’s cut it out and maybe it will fit’.
Kevin: I think that ultimately we’ll go with girls as well, because I think you’re right. They get frustrated too, bigger-size girls. And it’s not so much that they are even bigger-sized, it’s just that they don’t necessarily have the right cut. There are a lot of girls and guys out there who, if they just had a more flattering cut, would look slimmer in their clothes. With me, I get the wrong shirt and I look like a blimp because it’s the wrong fit; if I had a little wider cut, I wouldn’t look bad at all. . .much more complimentary to my build.
Betsy: Fay, how did you and Kevin combine forces?
Fay: After my divorce, I moved back to Los Angeles. I did a photo shoot for GUESS by Marciano and ultimately started working for Guess, after that. It was during this time, I introduced Paul Marciano to musician Bryan Adams who is not only a talented musician but an incredible photographer as well! Bryan ended up shooting GUESS by Marciano’s 2008 spring campaign tribute to fashion icon Sophia Loren, which was incredible. I was more determined than ever to create my own clothing line.
In L.A., I met Kevin, and about a year later we talked more about the clothing industry and the void in this particular market - one that we both had a passion for. Our goal was to combine forces and ideas which fortuitously resulted in American Regal by Farley for ‘bigger guys’.
Betsy: I think it’s a great idea! I have always wondered why this hasn’t been addressed, because not everyone in the U.S. is skinny, or even thin.
Kevin: And it applies even if you’re a different size, like 5’ 10” and a little wider. . .I think we just need better, hipper clothes for bigger people.
Betsy: I think you’re right. The designs are definitely hip and I think it will be really well-received. . .I love the ‘crest’ logo.
Kevin: That’s part of our family crest! Right now, we’re working in conjunction with different artists and trying to assemble just the right team - which at this moment is about dotting the ‘i’s” and crossing the “t’s”.
Betsy: Where do you think you’ll end up ultimately selling the line?
Kevin: All major department stores and online, as well. Currently, we are working in conjunction with ‘über designer’ Joe Kontrabecki who has worked with the likes of Gene Simmons, Sony Electronics of America - Joe is in his underground lair - furtively creating the online environment - wringing his hands like a mad scientist!
Betsy: How long do you think it will be before you get some of the key questions answered?
Kevin: Very soon. We are in contact with the former CEO of Macy’s - every day we’re getting more and more positive feedback. You have to know it’s the right idea first and then you have to get the right people involved. That takes a little while. You have your false starts and setbacks, but you keep plowing away.
Starting a clothing line is a lot like starting a movie. You just have to keep focused, stay positive - create a little buzz - and maybe people will jump on board and get excited about your film - no different than a clothing line. And like I said, I think it’s a great idea and I think other people will agree and jump on board. Once we get the right group together - all the elements in place, we’ll be clear for takeoff.
Betsy: Kevin, do you think your background in business has helped you successfully diversify into these other areas? Not specifically as a comedian and actor, but with your directing and writing?
Kevin: Absolutely. It took me a lot to get to where I am today. I have a business background and I have a Master’s degree in Marketing. It has definitely assisted in understanding everything. Whether you’re in showbiz or the clothing biz, it’s still a business. Everything I’ve garnered educationally has definitely come into play in my life, that’s for sure. And I was lucky to have a great dad who made it a top priority that I get a good education. . . I was lucky .
More Information About Kevin Farley and Fay Byrd
On Twitter -
Kevin Farley: @kevfarls
American Regal By: @americanregalby
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