Barrett Cernis nets creative for men's retailer

Peter Werth, the fashion retailer for men, has picked Barrett Cernis to handle the creative on its pounds 1 million-plus account as it extends its ad presence beyond lads' mags and into outdoor media.

The company, which targets fashion-conscious men aged between 18 and 35, aims to raise its profile by avoiding the advertising 'clutter' of magazines and putting more emphasis on posters.

Barrett Cernis, which won a four-way pitch orchestrated by the AAR, takes over the business from Quiet Storm. Media arrangements have yet to be finalised.

With shops in London's Covent Garden and King's Road, as well as a presence in independent fashion stores throughout the UK, the 25-year-old Peter Werth profile has been limited and the agency has been briefed to raise it significantly.

Its products, including suits, shirts, trousers, knitwear, coats, and a soon-to-be-launched shoes range, aim to match style with affordablity.

'Peter Werth sells to men who might pay up to pounds 50 for a shirt but wouldn't go up to pounds 100,' Justin Cernis, the agency's managing director, said. 'These clothes aren't for plumbers who get togged up every Friday night to go and get pissed.'

He added: 'This account is right for us because it needs clever thinking and advertising that tells you more about the company. We won't be showing a couple of guys dressed in the gear with a Lear Jet in the background.'

Peter Werth, the company's eponymous founder, said: 'My brief to the AAR was a high degree of creativity but mixed with a real understanding of my core target. Barrett Cernis has a real sense of where my brand belongs.'

This article was first published on Campaign