Paris and Fittings at Charvet: Tips?

[mafoofan]

I'll be in Paris from November 4 through November 6 to get fitted at Charvet (they took my measurements almost a year ago). I've scheduled two fittings, to ensure they get the muslin as close to right as possible. I believe my shirtmaker is Katherine. The front person working with me is Natalie.

Any tips for getting better results? Also, anyone want to meet up in Paris during that time? My schedule is very open.

[Badden]

I have no tips re: Charvet, but I would suggest you take the time to stop by Cifonelli, Suzuki and Camps. They may very well tempt you beyond Naples...

[Mark Seitelman]

* * *

Any tips for getting better results? * * *

No tips except don't tell them what to do or how to do it. Just stand aside, and let them do their work.

[alden]

Mafoofan

Yes just let Charvet do you. And please report back with your findings.

Cheers

[Badden]

Sadly, restraint may be asking too much of young Foo. I expect an angry denunciation of Charvet in about 6-7 months!

[Rob O]

Sadly, restraint may be asking too much of young Foo. I expect an angry denunciation of Charvet in about 6-7 months!

I find Mafoofan's write-ups interesting and insightful. I don't think there's a need for such an uncharitable attack on his character.

[Badden]

I agree that is writing is interesting, and I did enjoy his old blog.

I do, however, find it suspicious when someone has multiple disputes with various makers which are invariably followed-up with scathing attacks on their character, business dealings etc.

We've all had a run-in or two, but Foo's have piled up at an alarming rate. That coupled with all his fights and petty arguments on the various forums, leads one to surmise that he isn't exactly the easiest chap to get along with.

[VRaivio]

I agree that is writing is interesting, and I did enjoy his old blog.

I do, however, find it suspicious when someone has multiple disputes with various makers which are invariably followed-up with scathing attacks on their character, business dealings etc.

We've all had a run-in or two, but Foo's have piled up at an alarming rate. That coupled with all his fights and petty arguments on the various forums, leads one to surmise that he isn't exactly the easiest chap to get along with.

...you don't say?

[Malandro]

Don't know the Foo personally but from what I read in Styleforum most of his disputes originated in a region which Italians north of Rome like to describe as "Africa". You should expect a clash of cultures and trouble if a lawyer from NYC meets businesspeople from there.

I guess there is little danger that the same might happen in Paris as well.

[mafoofan]

I do not micro-manage my tailors. The issues I've exposed online do not have to do with mistakes, but blatant dishonesty. Some of the artisans I've come out against are the very same ones I previously strongly advocated for.

The general lesson I've learned is that one man shops are riskier. You might get a smashing value on singularly amazing work, but you're also more likely to get cheated, or if nothing else, fall prey to poor business management. Maybe this issue is easier to mitigate when one lives near his tailors, but I do not.

Hence, I'd rather use places like Rubinacci or Charvet. I am new to the latter, but the former has proven reliable to a fault and provides me with excellent service. Nothing ever goes unfixed or unattended. Are there better tailors, or at least better deals, in Naples? Quite possibly. However, I'm willing to pay more for a great product that actually makes it to my door every time and which my tailor will stand behind.

[alden]

Foo

We all have blood curdling tales from Africa. I could entertain for days with stories of real commercial treachery. Its a bit of the challenge of S. Italy in general. That is why I steered Matt from SF towards Rubinacci many years ago, because it was the only place I felt secure about. You, unfortunately, discovered what many of us already knew. And sadly there are still guys making markets sending the unwary into clearly charted mine fields on the other forums. Buyer beware.

I expect you to have a fine experience at Charvet. Keep us up to date.

Cheers

M

[Concordia]

Charvet's workmanship is certainly fantastic. I just need to get my pattern updated-- at which time would Frittolini be a useful alternative? How would you compare the two?

[ballmouse]

Foo

We all have blood curdling tales from Africa. I could entertain for days with stories of real commercial treachery. Its a bit of the challenge of S. Italy in general. That is why I steered Matt from SF towards Rubinacci many years ago, because it was the only place I felt secure about. You, unfortunately, discovered what many of us already knew. And sadly there are still guys making markets sending the unwary into clearly charted mine fields on the other forums. Buyer beware.

I expect you to have a fine experience at Charvet. Keep us up to date.

Cheers

M

I agree; for something as precarious as bespoke clothing, peace of mind is invaluable.

[VRaivio]

Foo, if your mind is open to challenge the work of Charvet with a French contender, RJ's recommendation for Lanvin is full of praise:

http://asuitablewardrobe.blogspot.fi/20 ... uwers.html