culverwood, thank you for your kind words, I have to agree with you, haha!
David, you made me laugh quite loud in a noise restricted area (think library) when I read about my physical shape. I come from quite far and am now almost like the rowing student I was 20 years ago, so yes, I did consider to change my first name to Apollo, after the modern, young Greek god: handsome, slim, athletic and broke.
I'm still optimistic of making it to the Olympics this year. No sport has picked me out yet and the opening event is coming closer and closer, so I may have to volunteer as spectator, but given the number of Londoners fleeing their city, I may have a chance at that. Still looking for a sponsor, though, like all true amateur sport professionals have nowadays. For any athlete, self knowledge is vital to reaching peak performance and I am no exception in that regard.
Actually, I live in Kazakhstan, and although there are similarities with the Netherlands, like the number of inhabitants, the differences are larger, such as larger climate extremes, endless skies over the steppes, beautiful mountains reaching 7,000 meters and beautiful pieces of female art, to be appreciated both in their natural habitat (shops, bars and restaurants) and elsewhere (in the streets, in their convertible cars).
Because in winter there is no outside time, unless a deliberate hike is organised and appropriate hiking gear is donned, it is just a simple moving from building to car to building, which renders the need for warm suitings rather limited.
I've been wearing flannel suitings and odd jackets in worsted and tweed indoors here, but especially at public events I literally float out of my jacket. So I'm a little bit reluctant to follow the route you propose. The only thing I could indeed see is that the weave of my jackets is tighter than you propose and the lining and padding is also something that can be limited on.
On that subject, the 2 suitings have no sleeve lining and I'm somewhat surprised how not noticeable it is when putting arm in sleeve or actually wearing the jackets. There still seems to be a natural 'flow' when the arm moves, something that with the Irish linen especially should not be taken for granted.
All in all, with some previous RTW suitings, I had a very strong feeling of wearing a second skin. For me, those came from La Vera and to a lesser extent Caruso; Attolini and Kiton somehow never gave that same comfort. These first bespoke projects have made me realise that in fact those suitings should be more compared to neoprene diving suits: anaemic, but following the body closely (I exaggerate here to make the point, obviously). Now I know what a real second skin feels like: it is alive, has its own character, but is willing to work with you to help you do whatever you want to do. Almost like a good work horse or dog with a strong personality.
Finally, a tall body needing soft tailoring I can agree with, but I may consider a change of profession. As security guard or bouncer, I will need a hard silhouette, don't you agree?
I need to thank you for bringing me to such wonderful thoughts.
And here endeth my morning thoughts...
