Tim Marvin is a multi-state man of the world, and my oldest Internet friend. After sharing our aesthetics via Tumblr in the early 2010s, we finally met in person over ten years later, and Tim’s effortlessly relaxed manner readily put my preppy posture at ease. Since buying my first cotton GLOR coat when the line launched, it’s been my go-to for spring and summer, either for dog walking or flexing at a high-end antiques show.
Growing up near Buffalo, N.Y. and currently living in Northern California, when he’s not jet-setting out to New York City, Tim's sartorial style is akin to mid-career Paul Newman. Catch him wearing a tailored linen suit one day and a tee shirt with cutoffs the next, often in the same weekend. It’s this continental ease paired with Bay Area bohemianism that gave rise to his clothing and accessory line, GLOR.
Tim started GLOR after a trip to Morocco in 2019, where he found a colorful striped blanket and was struck with an idea: its vibrant colors and classic pattern would lend itself nicely to clothing. The shop merchant referred him to a nearby tailor, who patterned Tim’s favorite French chore coat to make a copy with the blanket fabric. Every time he wore this coat it caused a stir, so Tim imported enough blankets to make18 coats– they sold out within three days.
Over more than two decades building a career in non-profit advocacy, Tim’s passions were always style, clothing, and vintage. These progressive politics shaped Tim’s personal consumerism habits and has informed the kind of company he wants GLOR to be. The source materials are bought for a fair price, and the talented people who make the coats are paid above living wages for the quality they bring to each unique piece. All of GLOR’s textiles hold untold stories, and Tim is excited to give them a renewed life so more stories can be born.
GLOR coats were recently added to the illustrious list of guest brands stocked at Sabah at 56 Bleecker Street. Get them while you can as each of these coats, and other goods, are one-of-a-kind! We caught up with Tim for a few questions via email.
What does "Glor" mean?
GLOR was named after my maternal grandparents, Donald and Viola Glor. They meant the world to me and it feels good to put their name out into the world. Using the name represents values I hold dear and allows me to keep the memory of them actively alive
What Please describe your personal style.
Menswear while microdosing.
What are your summer "must haves" and "absolutely nots?"
Must haves: vintage 501's, a bike, poetry, music, a good hat, high rise trousers with room to move, short shorts, a roomy shirt, champagne, and a viola bag. Absolutely nots: cargo shorts, bad shoes, and ska.
Glor products pass through a few pairs of hands before completion, please describe that process.
We import textiles, mostly from Morocco (but now from all over the world). I hand pick every textile for its interesting patterns, colors, and feel. Then we cut and sew everything locally in Santa Rosa and Oakland, CA. Most of the textiles I choose have lived a life and have a secret story buried in their yarn. When folks buy a GLOR piece they are building their own story on top of those deeply held secrets.
What are your summer "must haves" and "absolutely nots?"
People with a far away glint in their eye... the bon vivant, the traveler, the secret artist, the quiet one with a raging spirit. It's truly amazing to me the different kinds of peoplethat are drawn to GLOR. Because every coat is one-of-a-kind, everyone has a differentprocess for picking out which coat is right for them. Some people are drawn to a coatlike Arthur to Excalibur... others will try them all on over and over and over winnowing itdown. It really does feel magical going through that with another person.
What's next for Glor?
I am overflowing with ideas and there never seems to be enough time. We are importing twills and denims from England now that are the perfect match for the vibrant vintage textiles. I am excited about that. We are going to do another collaboration with my friend Joel Baca who will hand paint GLOR jackets. And I am hoping to be in more stores around the world. We are currently in NYC, Long Island, Japan, and California. GLOR products can be found at www.shopglor.com, where you can sign up for their mailing list and Instagram @glor_coats for exclusive notice on new drops.
Z. G. Burnett
Z.G. Burnett is a New England-based writer who specializes in history, fashion, and material culture. She is a contributing editor for Antiques and the Arts Weekly, and her work has appeared in Ivy Style and The Vintage Woman Magazine. Burnett is currently editing her first book, The Preppy Witch Primer. Find more at www.zgburnett.com
Image credit: Annie Minicuci Photography.
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