About the Project

On Saturday, November 7, 2009, four Interactive Journalism graduate students from Washington, D.C.’s American University set out to create a multimedia presentation. They decided on a never-before-seen interactive profile on the infamous George de Paris, a French immigrant better known as the unofficial “Tailor to the Presidents.” Students LaToya Egwuekwe, Michael Flynn, Brian Krist and Cameron Nordholm visited de Paris just as he was making final touches to his latest design – a “modern classic” black cashmere wool suit for President Barack Obama.

Journalist LaToya Egwuekwe edited and created “Presidential Fashion,” a look back to the designs and styles of each of de Paris’ nine presidential clients. Egwuekwe also created “You be the Tailor,” an interactive Flash game which allows users to play tailor to the presidents for the day.

Non-profit Communications Director & former broadcaster Michael Flynn provided “George de Paris: The Story,” an overview of de Paris’ life and journey into presidential tailoring. The article is sprinkled with video clips, a Google map, and images that he embedded.

Freelance producer, web designer and multimedia director Brian Krist contributed his shooting and video editing skills to the opening and main video pieces.

And, broadcast digital producer Cameron Nordholm created “Inside the Shop,” a photographic profile of de Paris’ store located just blocks from the White House. Nordholm also created “Obama’s Suit,” a tribute to the slacks and jacket duo de Paris would soon deliver to the president.