The London Lounge

Why do you think that it is that there is so much business for traveling tailors?

What I am trying to say is why does ,for example ,Chan or Solito, do business or find a market in London?

I think we here largely agree that it's best to choose a tailor as nearby as possible …

And why in a city like NYC, probably the largest global market for bespoke (?), are there so few local tailors and why would I choose a traveling tailor over a NYC based tailor.

Just wondering …

Replace a Madison Avenue storefront and a Second Avenue workroom with a few days in a hotel plus three or four plane tickets, and you're looking at a potential cost advantage.

Concordia wrote:Replace a Madison Avenue storefront and a Second Avenue workroom with a few days in a hotel plus three or four plane tickets, and you're looking at a potential cost advantage.

Do you specifically weigh things from a cost perspective; what happens when timeliness and convenience are involved? I've been working with a European tailor the past two years trying to fix the kinks in the jackets he's made. I don't get to wear them as often as I would like because they are constantly being shipped back and forth. I'm not even sure if it's worth the hassle anymore and I'm starting to question a new order I just made.

I was referring to the tailors' costs, which relate to their price. Not their value to you.

Very true, LS.
Working out fit kinks, shipping delays, hassle of back and forth - I think we've all experienced the downside- even with the best, most conscientious,tailors

Wouldn't it be nicer to just hop a local cab and get things sorted out pronto. ?

uppercase wrote:Why do you think that it is that there is so much business for traveling tailors?
…

Mr. Brian Lishak and Mr. Peter Smith (from Richard Anderson) were in Washington DC at the end of last week. 36 hours at the Willard Hotel gave this city´s bespoke aficionados access to a level of tailoring that simply does not exist here any more. For many, including me, that is worth all the hassle involved. I´ve never been a fan of the travelling tailors, preferring locals and even accepting lower levels of craft. But in absence of the old time artisans, and for certain garments,the choice is clear.

hectorm wrote:

uppercase wrote:Why do you think that it is that there is so much business for traveling tailors?
…

Mr. Brian Lishak and Mr. Peter Smith (from Richard Anderson) were in Washington DC at the end of last week. 36 hours at the Willard Hotel gave this city´s bespoke aficionados access to a level of tailoring that simply does not exist here any more. For many, including me, that is worth all the hassle involved. I´ve never been a fan of the travelling tailors, preferring locals and even accepting lower levels of craft. But in absence of the old time artisans, and for certain garments,the choice is clear.

Are you saying there are NO bespoke tailors in DC? William Field is about as close to British Tailoring as one can get.

lordsuperb wrote: Are you saying there are NO bespoke tailors in DC? William Field is about as close to British Tailoring as one can get.

The state of bespoke tailoring in DC is dismal. Particularly taking in consideration the size of its metro area and the formality of its affairs. Despite recent higher sophistication in taste, we haven´t kept alive –if we ever had one- the tradition of dressing well in a suit. And we don´t have the financial wizards, the Russian tycoons, the celebrities, nor the sartorial tourism to support a critical mass for that segment of the industry (something similar happens with our opera).
When I said that SR traveling tailors provide access to a level of tailoring that does not exist anymore in our city, I didn´t mean to criticize any present tailor in particular, least Mr. Field. I knew his father from back in the nineties, and more recently my son and I have used their shop (walking distance from home) for tricky alterations with very good results. I know Mr. Field Jr. has continued the good work and understands about the English drape and putting together a suit by hand.

UC

I too would always prefer to work with a local tailor. But it is not always possible especially in the US. The traveling tailors who have been at it for awhile have got things figured out and can deliver an excellent product despite the time lag etc.

New York clients have the best of both worlds as there are still great tailors working locally like Frank Shattuck and Len Logsdail. They keep very busy so that opens the door to the travelers.

If one deals with top names from among the traveling tailors chances are there will be few problems of an ethical sort. But in the past we have seen a flotilla of SR and Neapolitan pirates on our shores, taking deposits, making promises and never being seen again. Caveat Emptor. If you are not absolutely sure of the business practices and integrity of the traveler, stay away!

I personally enjoy 'sartorial tourism'.
That's the fun in it for me.

For god's sake, who really needs more clothes??!

New experiences, yes.

That's the fun, that's the enjoyment.
It's not a project.