Meet the Bard
In Medieval times Bards were storytellers, hired by nobility to sing songs and write epic poems about grand achievements.
Matthew Banever founded Bards out of two passions: storytelling and clothing. A history graduate from Marist College, Matthew began his career in a national retail organization, quickly advancing through management roles in corporate retail and specialty boutiques. Along the way, he discovered his talent for personalized service and innovation. In his last position, he led the custom department, where he identified a growing demand for high-quality, American-made products. Driven by this vision, he took a leap of faith in June 2020 to launch Bards, blending craftsmanship with creativity to help clients tell their unique stories.
As a modern-day Bard, Matthew is passionate about learning your aspirations, achievements, and personal values. Together, he’ll help translate your goals into expertly crafted garments that speak volumes about who you are. In a world where online presence defines so much of how we’re perceived, your clothing becomes a critical part of your personal brand. Whether it’s a shirt for the weekend or a perfectly tailored sport coat to pair with jeans, your wardrobe should work for you—representing your story with style and confidence.
Our mission: Tell your story.
Why the importance of
“Made in America”
From the outset, the fifty-seven-year-old George Washington was determined to strike a happy medium between regal dignity and republican austerity. Resplendent with a ceremonial sword at his side, he also wore a plain brown suit of American broadcloth woven at a mill in Hartford. A special message for Alexander Hamilton's future was encoded in this outfit: that America should encourage manufacturers, especially textiles, an industry dominated by great Britain. Washington hoped it would soon "be unfashionable for a gentleman to appear" in any dress that was not of American origin.
Hamilton, Ron Chernow
1) Where did this desire originate?
After leaving corporate retail, I joined a local boutique and discovered that shoppers value the story behind small businesses. Joining the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, I experienced community firsthand.
4) What’s so significant about making clothing here?
I dove into the history of clothing production and uncovered some startling facts: In the 1960s, 98% of local clothing was made here; now, only 2% is. Local spending recirculates 2-4 times more, boosting community services. By law, the last country of production is listed as the origin—so many garments labeled “Made in Italy” are actually made in Asia.
2) But why “Made in America”
This boutique sourced clothing globally, yet clients specifically sought American-made pieces, while Italian designs were merely admired. I realized rarity deepens our connection to our story.
5) Why did you limit products only be made here?
I visited one of New York’s top factories—a family-owned shop founded by an emigrant tailor with a dream. The skilled, immigrant workforce showed me that clothing can tell both your story and theirs.
3) What was your first exposure?
We offered a custom New York line priced three times higher than our other garments. Though customers hesitated at first, they soon recognized its quality—much like a farm-to-table dining experience.
6) What is the impact you hope to achieve?
I'm honoring George Washington's vision by supporting American manufacturers. While overseas clothing travels thousands of miles, local goods build a sustainable ecosystem. I believe in "Buy Less, Buy Better"—our prices reflect the craftsmanship of our fellow citizens, so quality replaces quantity. As one of the biggest clothing consumers, America deserves to control both production and consumption. Our company tells a new story: clothing entirely made in the USA.