Confidence Looks Good On Them

Lake Street Works graduates get tailored suits from Milbern Clothing in Saint Paul

What do construction, Minnesota Timberwolves star Jaden McDaniels, and a family-owned suit shop in Saint Paul have in common? 

They came together to create a special night for some high school seniors. 

It started with Jaden McDaniels, who has supported Urban Ventures' work for years. While getting fitted for a new suit at Milbern Clothing, he mentioned the kids he's met at Urban Ventures.

Andrew, a fourth-generation clothier at the shop, saw a chance to bring McDaniels' "look good, feel good" philosophy to life. (McDaniels previous efforts have including gifting winter jackets and providing fresh haircuts for students Urban Ventures' Athletics programs.)

Milbern connected with Urban Ventures, and together they made a plan. 

Every Lake Street Works graduate would get a custom-tailored suit, free of charge.

The students headed over for their fittings not sure what to expect. A few were quiet at first, but once the jackets came on, the energy changed. Smiles spread. Friends started high-fiving and hyping each other up.

“I was a little nervous because I’ve never had a suit,” one student said, “but it was actually pretty chill.”

Another student came out of the dressing room in his full suit. 

"You look like a million bucks," someone told him. 

"I look like I could make a million bucks," he shot back, smiling. 

The suits will be used over and over: job interviews, weddings, and other special occasions. But most of suits made their premiere at a very important occasion, prom. 

"I wasn't going to go to prom because I couldn't afford something to wear," a student confided. "Now I'm going to be one of the best-looking guys there!" 

It was an incredibly generous gift. Not just the suit, but the confidence that comes with them. 

And both look good on these young men.