In time, as he educated himself to manufacturing and materials, he began to develop a full line of tailored clothing and accessories to appeal to a traditional customer who longed for the classics that had become increasingly difficult to find in the high-style 1980s. The tailored clothing was recognized for its authentic American style.

Over the years, Mr. Prenner’s deepening relationships with British and European cloth and knit mills for silk, cotton, woolens and cashmere allowed him to create a full collection of clothing and accessories. High quality and craftsmanship became his standard, as he learned more about various aspects of the manufacturing process. Mr. Prenner personally oversaw every product in its development and added merchandise that he nostalgically recalled from his past, and had enjoyed wearing, but could no longer find. Of course his love of authentic British striped ties resulted in the largest selection of striped silk neckwear in the world. The shearling coat that he had worn as a young man and could no longer be found in the marketplace, and though it took several years to perfect, became a signature item. He developed what he thought was the perfect blue jean and began offering that during the pandemic period, when many customers remained at home. The jeans, along with other casual wear, broadened the collection.

Perhaps nothing became his signature as much as his demi-blond eyewear frames, made exclusively for the collection since 1997. Strangers had commented on his personal frame, which was no longer available for sale, and he decided to produce these with Lafont of Paris. The frames, now offered in multiple sizes, have fitted the faces of over 25,000 people. Typical of Mr. Prenner’s sense of humor is that he said that wearing the demi-blond frame lifted the wearer’s IQ by 50 points.

A business that had begun as an adventure into self-expression, had become a brand, allowing Bob to find his passion producing classically styled apparel and eyewear. The Ben Silver Collection is recognized as a tribute to classic style and has captured the enthusiasm of a distinguished clientele with refined and tasteful clothing.