CEO Insights Magazine

When it comes to shaping the success of a retail enterprise and dictating the direction and ethos of brands in a highly competitive marketplace, an efficient leader plays a pivotal role. At the helm of such organizations, CEOs hold a unique and significant responsibility to steer the company towards sustained growth and innovation. Paris Maranan, CEO of Fort & Tailler, embodies this dynamic leadership paradigm with exceptional prowess. Maranan's journey from a finance professional to a fashion entrepreneur showcases his visionary and strategic approach to business. He started Fort & Tailler while working as a broker and consultant, driven by his passion for well-fitted suits, which ignited a transformational venture. His unwavering commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship and elevating local artisans culminated in the birth of Fort & Tailler in 2019.

By leveraging Filipino talent and craftsmanship, Maranan aims to redefine the retail landscape, offering consumers locally-crafted, high-quality products with global appeal. This approach not only supports local economies but also brings unique, culturally rich products to the international market.

Let’s dive into this one on one interaction with Paris Maranan to hear more about his inspiring journey and innovative strategies.

How do you characterize Fort & Tailler as a company and its present standing within the market?

Originating as a company centered on men's fashion, Fort & Tailler emerged with a mission to introduce authentic traditional tailoring to its local audience. Our commitment lies in perpetually enhancing the quality of our products, harnessing the rich heritage of Filipino craftsmanship to produce garments that epitomize a seamless blend of elegance and durability.

Presently, we are embarking on a transformative journey, broadening our product range to embrace a holistic lifestyle concept. This strategic evolution underscores our determination to solidify our market footprint and captivate a broader demographic, spanning both domestic and global spheres. By embracing this comprehensive approach, we aim not only to meet but also to exceed the expectations of our discerning clientele, fostering enduring connections and solidifying our position as a leading force in the fashion landscape.

Please share insights into your leadership philosophy. What principles or methodologies guide your approach as a leader?

As a visionary leader employing a transformational approach, my foremost commitment revolves around revitalizing our company through a steadfast dedication to traditional craftsmanship. Ensuring the utmost quality in our offerings is paramount, and we steadfastly eschew any shortcuts in our processes. I foster an environment where our team is encouraged to embrace calculated risks, drawing upon their expertise in our domain to fuel innovation and uphold excellence. Upon attaining mastery in our craft, my aspiration is to transition towards a laissez-faire leadership style, empowering our team members to emerge as leaders in their own capacities. This entails granting them the autonomy to make decisions independently, thereby propelling the company forward with confidence and initiative.

By adopting this approach, I position myself to concentrate on steering the business towards broader avenues of growth, allowing for a more expansive trajectory while instilling a culture of self-reliance and collective achievement within the organization. This strategic shift not only enhances our internal dynamics but also prepares us to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving market. Encouraging individual leadership within the team fosters innovation and resilience, ensuring that we continue to excel and push boundaries. Ultimately, this philosophy of empowerment and dedication to craftsmanship defines our path to sustained success and industry leadership.

Throughout your professional journey, which milestones have brought you the greatest sense of satisfaction, both on a personal and professional level?

Since our inception as a startup in 2019, our primary focus has centered on elevating product quality, particularly within the realm of menswear. Notably, there exists a conspicuous absence locally of master tailors or comprehensive tailoring schools that align with the precise cut and craftsmanship we envision for our products. This gap in the market has driven us to prioritize the development and training of our own skilled artisans, ensuring that each piece meets our exacting standards of quality and design.

As a cohesive team, we've collectively attained a noteworthy milestone where my direct involvement in every aspect of the product creation process is no longer imperative. This achievement holds profound significance for me, considering my role in initiating this venture from the ground up. It liberates me to contribute more strategically to the advancement and expansion of our business, enabling me to channel my efforts towards fostering its growth and development in a broader capacity. This shift allows me to focus on strategic initiatives, such as exploring new markets, forging partnerships, and driving innovation within our product lines. Ultimately, this evolution marks a pivotal point in our journey, as we continue to strive for excellence and redefine the standards of menswear in the industry.

Where do you see yourself headed in the future?

Confident in the exceptional quality of our products at present, we are embarking on an expansive journey to transform our brand into a comprehensive lifestyle destination. This evolution involves strategic collaborations with handpicked local brands that synergize perfectly with our offerings, amplifying the spotlight on Filipino craftsmanship as an inherent value-add. By partnering with these local brands, we aim to create a unique and immersive shopping experience that highlights the rich cultural heritage and artisanal skills of the Philippines.

Concurrently, we are laying the groundwork to expand our online presence to cater more effectively to our international clientele and inquiries. Enhancing our digital infrastructure and e-commerce capabilities will allow us to reach a wider audience and provide seamless shopping experiences for customers around the world. With unwavering dedication, our aim is to significantly augment our footprint in the global market by the culmination of this year, reinforcing our commitment to excellence and innovation every step of the way. This ambitious expansion plan is a testament to our vision of becoming a leading name in the global fashion industry.

Given your extensive experience in the industry, what counsel would you offer to emerging leaders in the field?

It's paramount to never outsource your primary products. Your brand's identity is intrinsically linked to the products you offer, and retaining control over their production is crucial for actualizing your vision. Outsourcing can jeopardize quality and undermine your brand's distinct identity, leading to inconsistencies that may disappoint your loyal customers. By maintaining oversight of the creation process for your core products, you ensure that every detail aligns with your standards and expectations. This approach not only preserves the authenticity of your brand but also builds trust with your customers by consistently delivering on the promise of excellence. Staying faithful to your vision by controlling the production process is essential for sustaining the integrity and reputation of your brand in the competitive marketplace.

Paris Maranan, CEO, Fort & Tailler

Paris Maranan, CEO of Fort & Tailler, is a visionary leader driving innovation in menswear. With a deep passion for traditional craftsmanship, he revolutionizes the industry by seamlessly blending Filipino artistry with contemporary style. Maranan's strategic acumen and commitment to quality have propelled the brand to new heights, epitomizing excellence and sophistication. Under his leadership, Fort & Tailler continues to set new standards, making a significant impact on the global fashion landscape.