Whether it’s a uniform or a suit, there’s something to be said for the well-dressed man. As the owners of Harrell’s Menswear, Army veteran David Harrell and his wife, retired Air Force Reserve Master Sgt. Leola Harrell, know this better than most.
Based in Lauderhill, Florida, the company specializes in high-end blazers, tuxedos, and three-piece suits for the everyman.
Of course, the heat and humidity of South Florida isn’t exactly the most hospitable environment for a suit and tie. With that in mind, Harrell’s pieces prioritize comfort and breathability while maintaining the highest standards of luxury. Why? Two words: Dapper Seven — the motto Harrell created for his brand.
“Because you can look dapper seven days a week,” David said.
For David, putting on a perfect suit is about personality, class, and confidence. It’s about discovering the endless possibilities of your unique style no matter where you are in life.
Before opening his store, David had a career as a professional model and model coach. Now, as a designer and business owner, he is combining his passion for fashion with his love of helping others.
“The first impression should be the best impression,” he said.
Leola says that starting the business was a leap of faith.
“My husband had a dream and a passion that was strong enough for us to go get it,” she explained.
Together, they built the business while balancing Leola’s career and parenthood.
“We did as much as we could with our bare hands,” Leola said. “We made it happen.”
When Harrell’s first opened its doors, the couple traveled the country to curate top-quality products from the best men’s apparel shows. And while they continue to offer designs from around the globe, they now also offer a line of pieces designed exclusively by David himself.
Sharp and stylish, David’s suits have earned the brand a massive following across Florida and the country, with celebrities like Nick Cannon commissioning outfits for television appearances. Their high-quality luxury menswear “transforms the everyday man into the well-dressed man” with a keen eye for style.
More than that, however, David and Leola are helping men curate their own signature style. Yes, this is high fashion, but David is adamant that high fashion can be for everyone. That’s why each visit to Harrell’s comes with a complimentary personal styling session.
“I stand [the customers] in front of 10-foot mirrors,” he said, “and I put a jacket on them. It might be their first time wearing a jacket. And when they see themselves, they’re grinning because they didn’t know they could look that good.”
“It’s about educating our customers on what works for their body type so they can stand tall,” Leola added.
Giving back to the community is key for the couple and they incorporate philanthropy into their brand. The company regularly donates suits and supplies to local veterans experiencing homelessness, incarcerated persons in their community, and underserved youth who need suits for prom or job interviews.
David visits the youth detention center to help residents plan for the future. “I tell them, ‘A little hiccup in the road is not going to stop you. You need to think about what you need to do moving on.’”
“My husband is a man who loves helping people,” Leola said.
The company has also enjoyed hosting essay contests and fashion shows to donate suits to young adults scheduling job interviews.
“These kids come [to the shop] in jeans and a T-shirt,” David said, “and when they put on that suit, they’re a different person. They’re ready for the world.”
You can find this story and more in our April issue of Military Families Magazine. Download it here.
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