The London Lounge

I might be the only Melbournian on the board, but frequent visitors, expats and Sydneysiders are also welcome to reply.

I'm hoping to explore my options for both MTM and bespoke in Melbourne - something not too outrageously priced, and ideally somewhere that will work with the ever-mounting swag of interesting fabrics that I collect.

Anyone have any recommendations?

On the previous board, Charles Maimone came recommended, and I will look into his work.

Other options I have encountered:
Anthony Squires;
Berensen Tailors;
Carbone Tailors;
Tony the Tailor on Smith St.;
Sarti;
Emmanuele Dakis;
Prinzi;
Raftopoulos;
Nikolas K.

Anyone have good or bad experiences with these, or any others?

Borrelli MTM is definitely out of my price range, and Zegna MTM is a maybe, but I'd really prefer a place that will take my fabric.

Thanks, gents.

Sydneysiders indeed!

Well, I'm not one right at the moment, but shall offer my two cents.

Zegna MTM is not going to even begin to replicate the bespoke experience, it's simply a factory made suit the same as the RTW, with slight alterations to the measurements. Unless your build is particularly unusual, you'll be better served by buying an off the peg suit and having it altered by a good tailor to fit as closely as possible - at least then it's modelled on your body, not according to a form.

I would not recommend Anthony Squires for the same reason, plus the fact that their RTW isn't even very nice.

I'm not familiar with all the others, but to my recollection Raftopolous is the store in Collins and Elizabeth or thereabouts? I was not impressed by their quality, and somewhat concerned by the aggressiveness of their staff in exhorting me to have something made.

There were two that I visited that had potential, and I am struggling to remember exactly where they were. There was one Italian gentleman who specialised in shirts (Sarti perhaps?) which I think was in Little Collins Street in the vicinity of the Kenzo store, or else just around the corner?

There was another quite well hidden away somewhere near the Parliament House end of town near Bourke Street, maybe? In the vicinity of the store called "American Tailors" or something in that vein. While on the topic, I understand that store will have suits made to a good quality, as well as stocking Crockett and Jones shoes and such. Harrolds in Collins Street also are agents for MTM - Corneliani and some others I think - and maybe also a bespoke tailor.

I'm typically never in town long enough to have anything made, but next time I shall keep my eyes open!

Kind regards,

Eden Bird

I can highly recommend a tailor in Melbourne - Adriano Carbone (web: www.adriano.com.au, phone: (03) 9600 2422). He has a workshop on Elizabeth Street, City. He has made 2 bespoke suits with the works for me from 11oz H.Lesser Golden Bale. The suits he makes are exceptional.

He can make bespoke and made to measure.

Whats more, him and his wife are great people to deal with.

Cheers, Jason

BirdofSydney wrote: There was one Italian gentleman who specialised in shirts (Sarti perhaps?) which I think was in Little Collins Street in the vicinity of the Kenzo store, or else just around the corner?

There was another quite well hidden away somewhere near the Parliament House end of town near Bourke Street, maybe? In the vicinity of the store called "American Tailors" or something in that vein.

l've only used Adriano so far to do significant alterations (ripping the suit apart and completely rebuilding it). l'll post some of his work soon. Actually, i'm seeing him on Monday. He is very good. Adrian is a great believer in clean cut suits, he's not really into drape.

l haven't heard good things about Sarti or American tailors. l haven't used them but a certain Master Tailor claims that some of those guys cut suits very poorly when they worked under him. American Tailors can be quite pushy too.

l'd be very wary of Harrolds in Collin Street. l'm also pretty sure they don't have a bespoke tailor.

Mr JRM wrote:I can highly recommend a tailor in Melbourne - Adriano Carbone (web: www.adriano.com.au, phone: (03) 9600 2422). He has a workshop on Elizabeth Street, City. He has made 2 bespoke suits with the works for me from 11oz H.Lesser Golden Bale. The suits he makes are exceptional.

He can make bespoke and made to measure.

Whats more, him and his wife are great people to deal with.

Cheers, Jason

Adrian does MTM, Bespoke and Custom Bespoke. All suits are made in his workshop. And yes, he and his wife are lovely people. No pressure either.

Bespoke = a machine sewn garment with an individual pattern.
Custom Bespoke = a totally handsewn garment with an individual pattern.

..........

Eugenio Nicolini and Tino ??? (American Tailors) are names I have heard since posted before.

Haven't heard of that fellow, sorry l can't help. One overwhelmingly positive thing l can say about Melbourne bespoke(s) is that many of the tailors don't farm out garments to outworkers [like so many other tailors seem to do around the world]. They do it all on their own bench.

There is supposed to be an amazing world class tailor in Melbourne somewhere. Unfortunately no one wants to mention him lol.

I would be interested to know the tailors that people use for bespoke in Melbourne. anyone care to share like me above?