From Kansas City Star
August 28, 2005

In a way, Tammy Ledet could be the Chiefs' mommy. She picks their clothes out for them, lays them out and organizes them before they go on a trip.

Of course, we're not talking OshKosh B'Gosh overalls here. The custom suits Ledet designs for the Chiefs run anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 each. They're made from the most elaborate fabrics, and each suit is different from any other.

Ledet, now that she's one of the Chiefs' tailors, will often make seven suits for her preferred customers, one for each day of the week. She sends them in a clothing bag from her Shreveport, La., home.

"When they go on the road, they pick up that bag and they're ready to go," Ledet says. "And they can wear it anywhere. I'll throw some in there for cooler climates, warmer climates. They can take that trip and have everything down to their undergarments, undershirt, cuff links, socks and underwear. It's personal service."

Ledet works with Eddie Kennison, Dante Hall, Trent Green, Casey Wiegmann, Kawika Mitchell, Larry Johnson, Kendall Gammon, Chris Bober and John Wellbourn on a regular basis. Ledet, who met Kennison through Lousiana connections, is also heavily involved in Kennison's annual charity fashion show. Last year, Ledet designed suits for 25 Chiefs, most of whom have continued working with her.

"Usually I target them twice a year," Ledet says. "I'd like to get them ready for the season; that way they don't have to worry about what to wear."

Ledet takes pride in the fact that she never misses a measurement, even for the brawny Chiefs players.

"I don't know if you've had a custom suit before, but once you go custom, it's tough to go back to off the rack," Ledet says. "Clothing off the rack is made for the masses. Those 32-32s can fit anyone from a size 30-34. When I measure you, that suit is made for your body type."

Ledet worked as a banker before following her heart into the world of fashion. She considers the Chiefs some of her best customers. She says the most important thing is not to be awestruck by them.

"I think the Chiefs are great," Ledet says, "but I don't carry on over them. I don't carry myself as a fan, even though I am a fan. As soon as I start acting like a fan, I'm out the door."

To reach J. Brady McCollough, sports reporter for the The Star, call (816) 234-7747 or send e-mail to jmccollough@kcstar.com

From The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, LA
June 16, 2005

You could say Larry J. Cooper was born with a needle and thread in his hands.

"I was raised with five sisters and a mother who always dressed fashionably and did a lot of sewing. Clothing has always been a passion for me," the 45-year-old Oil City native said.

Growing up as one of nine brothers and sisters, Cooper even made his first outfit -- a double-knit suit -- at age 10 using cut-out patterns "with the assistance of my sisters," he added with a chuckle.

So it seems logical that when Cooper left the area 27 years ago after graduating from North Caddo High School, he would make a career out of his passion. However, it wasn't until 1992 Cooper left his job as a hospital financial counselor in Los Angeles to make his dream a reality.

Now his company, Hanging With Mr. Cooper Custom Clothiers, features a clientele that includes every one from local ministers and television personalities including the Rev. E. Edward Jones and KSLA News 12 Executive Director Ed Bradley to sports stars including Shaquille O'Neal, Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Reggie Theus.

"A banker friend took me under his wing from the business side," Cooper said. Through that business relationship, he was introduced to the president of Magic Johnson Enterprises, Mark Scoggins, who at the time was banker for the Los Angeles Lakers. That connection helped Cooper become the official clothier for the Los Angeles Lakers among the other celebrities.

"I've been really blessed," Cooper said as he sat in his Shreveport home, dressed in one of his customized suits. The suit appears to be black with white pinstripes, but the pinsptripes actually are the word "COOP" streaming up and down the suit like stripes. It's the suit he wore for his wedding a year ago to childhood sweetheart Pamela.

"It took me three months just to make the fabric," he said.

Cooper says his success is largely due to the individual attention he gives for each suit he makes.

"Mr. Cooper is provocative. He has a very unique style which is his own style and it's amazing a guy from Oil City can develop a Beverly Hills type of reportoire," said Bradley, who first met Cooper nearly a decade ago.

Cooper typically meets with the client and gives a color analysis, takes measurements and gets a feel for their personal style. "We're not made to measure, our measurements are very precise and custom cut according to body type. We don't want you to see yourself coming and going." said Tammy S. Ledet, designer and vice president of Hanging With Mr. Cooper Custom Clothiers. "We do well in camouflaging imperfections and we design with the individual in mind."

Sometimes that means designing a suit using 7 yards of fabric for Shaquille O'Neal, as opposed to the average 3 1/2 or 7 yards per suit. "Shaq is my tallest client, but I've actually had to use more fabric than that for a minister," Cooper said with a laugh.

Even though his company's headquarters are in Newport Beach, Calif., and he has a star-studded clientele, Cooper's heart still belongs to his hometown. He still has a condo in west Shreveport and he conducts business here frequently. "Our bread and butter and the regular working people. Now anybody can wear our suits because it's affordable and competitively priced. You just might pay a little more because it's custom-designed."

Cooper said he uses high-quality fabrics only including Hugo Boss, Versace, Perry Ellis and Zegna brands. Suits can range anywhere from $650 to $5,000, depending on the fabric.

He also designs custom shirts, casual wear, shorts and walking suits and not just for men. "At least 25 percent of my clientele are women," he said, naming R&B legend Teena Marie among his female clientele.

"He's been a very good part of KSLA," Bradley said.

Through the years, Bradley said he and Cooper have not only had a business relationship -- Hanging With Mr. Cooper designs clothing for several news anchors -- but a friendship as well.

"Mr. Cooper is a wonderful guy, he's funny but on the cutting edge when it comes to designer clothing," he said.

As for the future, Cooper said he's looking to continue to grow and expand so everybody can "hang with Mr. Cooper," he said, without compromising his style, quality and customer service. And with his warm, easygoing demeanor, it's no surprise customer service is a top priority.

"That's the most important," he said. "Most of my clients are my friends."