ST. LOUIS (KTVI) — A viral TikTok showing Philadelphia Eagles tight end Kylen Granson wearing a white cloak at his wedding has ignited a conversation about men’s self-expression in formal wear — and it all started in the Chicago home studio of fashion designer Josh Kercher.
The clip, posted by bride Daisy Foko Granson, has racked up over 5 million views at the time of this story. While some viewers debated whether the garment was a “cape” or a “cloak,” Kercher said the real significance was the statement it made.
“It’s sort of a cultural signal,” Kercher said. “We’re in a moment right now where men can get more attention. Men can kind of step into a bigger role. That’s what’s really exciting about it.”
Kercher, who designs bespoke pieces for clients ranging from actors and rappers to politicians and everyday customers, compared his work to directing a movie — crafting garments that let clients embody a role or energy for important life moments.
Granson, a lifelong fan of fantasy, sci-fi and anime, approached Kercher with the idea of creating a cloak. The pair bonded over shared interests and developed a minimalist, custom-fit piece from heavy white twill. The design featured a sterling silver clasp to support the weight on Granson’s shoulders and avoid veering into costume territory.
“On the wrong person, this could feel gimmicky,” Kercher said. “But on Kylen, who embodied it so perfectly, it ended up being the perfect thing.”
Kercher said the viral attention has brought an influx of inquiries for wedding cloaks, though the bespoke nature of his work means the garments require a significant investment. While some might view the style as flamboyant, he believes it represents confidence.
“There’s nothing more masculine than being comfortable in your space…to fully express yourself,” he said.
Despite the buzz, Kercher doubts cloaks will become a widespread wedding trend, predicting they’ll remain rare outside of high-profile events and red carpets. Still, he hopes the moment encourages grooms to consider their own style and story.
“Think about this moment that you’re about to have,” Kercher said. “If Kylen can wear a cape or a cloak, then you can do whatever the heck you want.”
Kercher’s work can be found at joshkercher.com and on Instagram at @joshkercher.
Editor’s note: All photos used in this article and video were taken and provided to by Abby Jiu. You can check out her work at: abbyjiu.com