by Traci McBride
Once upon a time our fine city had its share of frumpy days, treated like the inappropriate guest that showed up to a decadent event at The Ritz wearing flip-flops and cut-off jeans. For decades Cleveland was disrespected and was the butt of the joke on every late-night talk show. The city resigned itself to this outside view. It started wearing sweat suits, the over-sized shirts that hid it. The city played small and believed what others said about it.
But not so long ago a few smart people started talking about Cleveland’s image and tagline and how it was time to evolve the city. They enlisted other like-minded individuals and hired the right organizations and professionals to elevate the city’s brand.
The city’s goals were established, then measured; soon the city was fitted with tailored suits and dresses made of the finest fabrics on a budget the city could manage. Garments that, when worn, communicated what the city really wanted people to know at a glance: that Cleveland is modern, ageless, educated, friendly, relatable, and welcoming, and has a great sense of humor.
As the City of Cleveland embraced the new image, other cities and organizations from afar took notice and came to visit. Businesses began investing money into the city with new jobs. Condos and apartments began filling with people wanting to be a part of Cleveland’s new image. Articles in national newspapers and magazines were published about Cleveland being the “comeback city.” Soon everyone wanted to be in Cleveland to witness its reinvention, even if only for a quick visit for its 219th birthday, a convention for politicians, the Gay Games or to see a hometown guy play basketball.
The city of Cleveland is now bursting with confidence, has an improved posture and a whole new wardrobe made just for it to stand out from the crowd for all the right reasons. Gone are the flip-flops and cut-offs, replaced with color and texture and tailored styles chosen just for them. Cleveland is proud to show off its newly embraced shape and size – evolving with a newfound self-love, self-respect, and confidence that cannot be shaken.
Rebranding is an ever-evolving opportunity for cities and the individuals that love them. As Cleveland is elevating, are you ready to step into the spotlight? Are you ready to visually communicate the best of who you are?
ABOUT TRACI MCBRIDE
Traci McBride is the wardrobe stylist of TeeMcBee Image Consulting and is a longtime supporter of nonprofit Dress for Success-Cleveland. She encourages readers to subscribe to her timely newsletter, schedule a style strategy call, or request Tee Speaks to infuse your staff or organization with a passionate professional punch of style to elevate and benefit everyone. Visit www.STYLEDbyTee.com to connect and be inspired.
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