Where we've been,
where we're going...

bernard's formalwear had it's humble beginning in a small shop on Buchanan Blvd., just off Club Blvd. in 1971. This area of Durham, N.C. was bustling with activity as the busy Northgate Shopping Center, just across the street, began it's expansion into an enclosed mall. Tuxedo fashion styles of the day included a red crushed velvet jacket known as the "Prince Edward" coat.

With the beginning of a new decade came an expansion into the Wholesale Tuxedo market and a move to a larger building on Ninth Street. The new location was conveniently located within sight of the famous stone wall surrounding the East Campus of Duke University. In 1985 a Ninth Street landmark, Dailey's Hardware Store, closed it's doors and a new opportunity opened for the growing business. Tuxedo styles of the time were taken from popular television shows, "Dynasty" and "Miami Vice"

Major renovations were required to convert the old hardware building and it's adjacent appliance store into the beautiful Formalwear showroom and warehouse that it is today. Our facility includes it's own dry cleaning operation, shipping and receiving areas and an alterations department. Our most popular styles are creations of such famous designers as Ralph Lauren, Perry Ellis, Liz Claiborne and Geoffrey Beene.
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