The London Lounge

Gentlemen,

In the past twelve years, many of my suits were made by two tailors somewhere east of Vienna - one of them retired four years ago at the tender age of 82, but continued making trousers for me. Another one, used by a good friend in the past, took over with some commissions.

A year ago, a made a large commission with the latter - two suits and a tweed coat with LL cloth plus several linen trousers. Two fittings during visits followed, the last one in spring this year. When I called a few days ago, the tailor told me he was unable to work anymore. He was in serious health troubles for about two months and couldn't use his fingers anymore. We met yesterday, and I met a deeply affected and sad man. I collected everything - the trousers will be an easy fix with just the buttons missing. The rest will require a creative solution . I hope to see him recovering, but chances are not very good.

I had another pair of trousers to collect from the first tailor, who didn't respond to phone calls for several weeks. So I went to ring at his home. His partner opened the door and she told me that her lovely man died after an accident a few weeks earlier. But she thought we might find the trousers somewhere. She had a big box of tailoring material, cloth cuttings, tailoring books, scissors - we spent 15 minutes searching the box without finding the trousers. I left, very sad about the old man's fate, and called a taxi when she called me again, saying she found the trousers. I will wear them in his honour.

It is quite unlikely that I will find another tailor in this town again. The art of tailoring has disappeared with the two men and within only 6 weeks.

Use your tailors while they are in good health!

David

David,

Thank you for this moving post. Sorry to hear the sad news about these two talented craftsmen. A good reminder to appreciate our tailors as long as we have them.

Tim

Thanks for sharing your touching story David.

I share your sentiment, we should use our tailors while we still can.

For my part, a tailor I've been using for almost ten years and consider a friend is 79. He has a few health issues, one of which led to surgery earlier in the year. He thought he might have to retire. Fortunately, he's doing better now and is more cheerful.
He works because he enjoys it not because he needs to. It contributes to his mental wellbeing.

He's now making me a DB flannel suit with the new LL Premium flannel. After a gap during the pandemic, I'm trying to get a few garments made. This forum certainly helps in encouraging the making and enjoying of great clothes.

My own tailor retired at the end of last year at the age of 81. I initially thought he would not be able to enjoy his retirement as he had worked 6 days a week for over 60 years. But he actually never seemd happier than in the last few months. Having built up a personal friendship - despite a 30 yr+ age difference - I occasionally still bring him minor alterations, mainly to stay in contact. Even though he only does reapir hob nowadays I am happy for him and enjoying to wear the many pieces he had made for me over the past 15 years.