Anderson & Sheppard Prices

[Guest]

No, my dear, not a troll at all.

Don't be so quick to dismiss an experienced comment regardless whether it suits you.

Have you actually used A&S?

[Guest]

Oh, please. If you want to throw bricks, take your act outside.

And yes, I think you'll find that there are several satisfied (and well-informed) A&S clients on the board.

[Guest]

Better leave A&S alone. It is a sacred cow in LaLa land.

[Guest]

Curious how well-meaning persons with such firm convictions who only want to share their “experience” consistently omit to sign their posts. Misusing the “Anonymous” status in this way goes against all underlying principles of the LL (as a host) and shows little respect to one’s interlocutors. But this is is a rhetorical reproof because, after all the mud that has been thrown from behind the curtains into the fan’s blades, does anyone really care to know who it is that keeps haunting this topic?... It only puts into the right light the claims for credibility of the anonymous detractor(s), regardless of the matter at hand.

Costi

[Guest]

While calling any one a troll in a forum is plain churlish, indeed trollish, I think the anonymous poster was provoked. The following is grossly unfair--and rude to A&S customers:

There is no need to consider A&S any longer.

Just refer to some of the photos here in London Lounge of their poorly designed sack suits.

I don't understand who has an interest in perpetuating the A&S myth; they are living on past glory, some 70 years past.

Best look elsewhere, regardless the price.

Why can't members of this forum simply accept that tastes vary? I can see why some people like more structured clothing, but I own 9 A&S suits and a couple of odd jackets, and they never cease to delight me. As they age and buckle, I only love them more. I can see why a more American taste would find my suits almost-pretentiously discreet, if not who-should-say shabby. I own one grey pick and pick that looks positively tramp-like--as though I had slept it in it. Yet it is my favorite sui. However, I do not expect any one to share my pleasure.

Please, let's show eachother a little more courtesy. Bespoke is meant to speak to the individual taste.

[Guest]

There must be room to critique in this forum without let or hindrance.

There is no need to cheerlead. Nor to disparage. Nor to dismiss out of hand. That is boorish.

As an AS customer, I am not offended in the least to hear commentary on AS; indeed it is welcome, regardless the view. I wouldn't consider it trolling until proven otherwise.

Additionally anonymity has its merits; it is curious how shackled we become , how cautious, how limited we become when our identities are stated.

But commentary is really best written by objective, balanced chaps who have some experience with the tailor, negative or positive.

I would welcome more photos because that is always the proof in the pudding. Who is to say that AS is good, bad or ugly unless we have something concrete to comment on.

But alas, so few photos are available.

THe AS mystique continues as there are so many disparate views.

I can say however that AS is certainly the most discussed, and divisive tailor and silhouette.

I appreciate the comments of the poster above with the 9 AS suits who seems to honestly comment on his affection for his suits with all of their character and idiocyncracies.

[Guest]

It's quite amusing that A & S has mythic status in this and the other fora.

In the other fora many of those who uphold the myth have never purchased an A & S garment! Similarly, there are many in the A & S enemy camp who also have never crossed its threshold and bought as much as pair of socks.

I have heard from some London insiders that A & S is the most successful bespoke house. It certainly has a certain mystique or "buzz."

My old boss used to wear A & S. Old world dresser and a little haphazard in his manner. (Frayed tied, droopy socks) Not spruce. He had the old money and power look. I liked his clothes, and I had the nerve to ask him where he bought his suits. He told me A & S. As a Brooklyn boy I thought that he was referring to its department store, Abraham & Straus. I told him that his suit didn't come from A & S on Fulton Street. He told me that his A & S was on Savile Row. That is the first time that I heard of Anderson & Sheppard.

The myth lives on . . .

[Guest]

The mythic aspect is certainly a one-off, and not a simple matter. You have the Scholte pedigree, the famous clients from the 30s, and then their steadfast refusal to update their style through the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Also, their unwillingness to talk to the press. To some degree, the splitting off of Tom Mahon, et al., have called attention to their uniqueness. A perfect storm.

But that is just the myth. At the end of the day, they've got to produce good tailored clothing, and that they do. For my taste, there is no better DB cut for my figure (and I'll stipulate right now that mine isn't yours, nor should it be). Their trousers for me are also among my favorites. I had one SB suit made (2-button), which I don't like at all. They could do a better job of it now that my DB pattern has been dialed in. I'm anxiously awaiting a 3-button tweed jacket, and we'll see how that goes. It might end up being the basis for a series of SB suits, or might be just another failed experiment.

Either way, they are a serious establishment. They're like the girl who's really good-looking if you also like her personality. Not for everyone, but hardly worth the obnoxious and anonymous jabs thrown above.

Concordia

[Guest]

Hear hear

For the record -- my A&S SBs are some of my favorites

Smooth Jazz

The mythic aspect is certainly a one-off, and not a simple matter. You have the Scholte pedigree, the famous clients from the 30s, and then their steadfast refusal to update their style through the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Also, their unwillingness to talk to the press. To some degree, the splitting off of Tom Mahon, et al., have called attention to their uniqueness. A perfect storm.

But that is just the myth. At the end of the day, they've got to produce good tailored clothing, and that they do. For my taste, there is no better DB cut for my figure (and I'll stipulate right now that mine isn't yours, nor should it be). Their trousers for me are also among my favorites. I had one SB suit made (2-button), which I don't like at all. They could do a better job of it now that my DB pattern has been dialed in. I'm anxiously awaiting a 3-button tweed jacket, and we'll see how that goes. It might end up being the basis for a series of SB suits, or might be just another failed experiment.

Either way, they are a serious establishment. They're like the girl who's really good-looking if you also like her personality. Not for everyone, but hardly worth the obnoxious and anonymous jabs thrown above.

Concordia

[Guest]

I can say with certainty that I have bought into the A&S myth. By that I mean that as opposite as it may be from what I know I like on me (e.g., Dege), I feel that I have been shortchanging myself by not giving it a try. Perhaps I would conclude that as much as I like their cut in theory, it is not really what I want to wear. But still, I would want to try them. Some of that is a result of the myth around the house, some of that is the collector impulse (or less charitably, the magpie impulse) in me, some of that is the raving of satisfied clients and some is the fact that I do find the look attractive on some of its clients. What has held me back is that I live in NY and no longer travel to London. I have had enough experience to be wary of ordering a suit with a measurement, one fitting and then delivery, which seems to be the A&S method with overseas customers. If I lived in London, I would certainly try them, if only to satisfy my curiosity.

In the meantime, I have a "soft tailored" A&S style suit underway elsewhere that will give me a taste of what the fuss is about, I have begun a very satisfactory relationship with Desmond Merrion with one suit about to be delivered, have been very happy with the work from Raphael in NY and been happy, though at times frustrated, with a long standing relationship with Dege in London.

There are a lot of tailors out there, doing different things that suit different people and objectives. A&S is unique and alluring, and I can see the attraction for some. If I had nothing to do but fly around the world ordering clothes, I would certainly try them. I wouldn't be shocked, though, if I decided afterwards that it wasn't for me. In any case, thanks to iammatt, Rubunacci in Naples, which would be my first stop.

dopey

[Guest]

First, be sure that nobody can successfully copy AS.

Not HItchock, Mahon, Merrion, et.al.; don't think that you are getting an approximation of AS by using other tailors; you are not.

If you are curious about AS, you must walk through their London doors. And have your fittings there. I abhor the traveling tailor model. It does not work and is not satisfactory.

Let's not mince words. Fittings must be done at the tailor's shop and you must be able to continue returning, repeatedly, until your pattern is perfected and you are fully satisfied. Full stop.

Choose the silhouette and maker you prefer. Be prepared to have 3 or so suits made with one tailor before you are honestly and fully satisfied. If your tailor is overseas, be prepared to travel there; otherwise you are best off working with your local tailor.

AS is OK if you like the slouch shouldered silhouette. This is not attractive on most physiques. It works for some.

Ultimately, you must choose the maker who produces the most flattering suit for YOU.

Bespoke is an individual product; regardless of how much I might want to buy into AS, if it is not right for my body , I must pass.

Regardless, with bespoke , you need to put in the sweat equity, time and money.

There are no shortcuts but the rewards of bespoke vs. RTW or MTM will eventually make it worthwhile. Particularly if you are in this for the long term.

But if you want AS, go to AS only in London.

[Guest]

First, be sure that nobody can successfully copy AS.

Not HItchock, Mahon, Merrion, et.al.; don't think that you are getting an approximation of AS by using other tailors; you are not.

If you are curious about AS, you must walk through their London doors. And have your fittings there. I abhor the traveling tailor model. It does not work and is not satisfactory.

Let's not mince words. Fittings must be done at the tailor's shop and you must be able to continue returning, repeatedly, until your pattern is perfected and you are fully satisfied. Full stop.

Choose the silhouette and maker you prefer. Be prepared to have 3 or so suits made with one tailor before you are honestly and fully satisfied. If your tailor is overseas, be prepared to travel there; otherwise you are best off working with your local tailor.

AS is OK if you like the slouch shouldered silhouette. This is not attractive on most physiques. It works for some.

Ultimately, you must choose the maker who produces the most flattering suit for YOU.

Bespoke is an individual product; regardless of how much I might want to buy into AS, if it is not right for my body , I must pass.

Regardless, with bespoke , you need to put in the sweat equity, time and money.

There are no shortcuts but the rewards of bespoke vs. RTW or MTM will eventually make it worthwhile. Particularly if you are in this for the long term.

But if you want AS, go to AS only in London.

When you break it down, there is only one A&S.

Best Regards,

Cufflink79

[Guest]

There is indeed only one A&S. And it's future lies in the hands of its only coat cutter, Mr. John Hitchcock.

Does any A&S client, know if infact Mr. Hitchcock has a second in command or designated successor?

Also, does anyone know if the Breanish cloth continues to be available at A&S after the weaver has retired?

[Guest]

Also, does anyone know if the Breanish cloth continues to be available at A&S after the weaver has retired?

They still have it. Don't know for how long. I gather the weaver is still doing a few runs privately for them.

[Guest]

Coming back to the prices:

Check out this link, and you'll find that A&S are reasonably priced compared to others:

http://www.forbes.com/lifestyle/2004/11 ... peed=20000

According to this slideshow there are some producers, where they wouldn't pick up their measuring tapes for what A&S charges.
And still, paying more than $10,000 for a suit doesn't mean you'll get more out of it than from a $3,000 suit(the tailors are not better paid making the $10,000 suits than working on one for $3,000)!
About an A&S "copy": I found that some A&S "offsprings" stress the fact that they worked for A&S and use the same tailors, who also work for A&S, is at least a bit "overdone".
I'm sure it's good quality, but with almost the same pricing, one should go for the original instead.