The guy was a brilliant marketer. I remember going by the shop on 5th Ave with it's "By Appointment Only" sign. The only person I ever knew who bought clothing from him went from having mansions to living in a 2 bedroom rental apt . He attracted a lot of guys who were into flash, but he sure knew what he was doing and how to work it.
He was probably the single greatest marketer that has ever walked the planet!
Forget about "selling the sizzle", he sold the concept!