first journey into bespoke

[Frederic Leighton]

[...] If you don't really know what you want the outcome to be, better to look at styles/shapes/fits through photos etc that could approximate to a "self image". [...]

Aston, I really liked your overview of the journey!

Recently, Bruce Boyer appeared in Permanent Style with a contribution that I found more meaningful than the usual fashion-blog noise:

My feeling has always been that a man should get to know himself, set his style, and then work at perfecting it.

[C.Lee]

All the advice shared is well-meaning, and backed by experience. But what if one lacks experience, or forgoes it; does the lesson get lost without the journey?

I am of the thought that any first-hand experience is valuable regardless of choices made. One can learn without regret.

[graysonhenryrussell]

Guys, I can't thank you enough for all the sound advice. You folks have went above & beyond on helping me. I am 67 & I have to experience this before I die. I am going look all three over & go back to the hotel & study on it as my grandfather used to say. I think from all the advice that I will get the suits at one tailor & the overcoat at one of the others. You are at great bunch of gentleman & again you have my gratitude. Grayson

[culverwood]

Have a great time.

[Frederic Leighton]

[...] I am 67 & I have to experience this before I die. I am going look all three over & go back to the hotel & study on it as my grandfather used to say. [...]

You know what, Grayson: Alfred Eisenstaedt (1898–1995)* would probably recommend you to go for a young tailor and enjoy the next 67 years of fun

* Eisenstaedt in1932 (in London), in 1935, in 1960 (with Nixon), with Malilyn and in 1993.

[hectorm]

Guys, I can't thank you enough

Yes, you can.
Just let us know how it goes.
Good luck!

[DFR]

One question I forgot to ask. How big a deal is it for all the work to be done in house as opposed to sending the garment out for sewing? Thanks. Grayson

That's a pretty arbitrary distinction, as much as some internet denizens would like to think otherwise. Most individual tailors in London are technically freelancers, even if they do most of their work under one firm's roof. In fact, they'll even bring work from other shops into their main studio, and hope that nobody else notices or cares. A&S used to send my coats out to an older guy 60 miles from London-- he was the same tailor who did Chuck's stuff. Sadly, he retired when John Hitchcock did. One of the main guys now used by Steven Hitchcock is someone who also works for Huntsman. Making friends and not annoying people counts for a fair bit in that industry.

HRH The Prince of Wales is neither commonly nor politely known as "Chuck".

[gegarrenton]

Ha.

[smudger]

Dear Grayson.

Welcome. I don't get in here as often as i'd like but thought I would throw my tuppence in to address your question. I would recommend you seeing one of the following three cutters only. Joe Morgan, David Ward or Malcolm Plews. These are considered to be three of Savile Rows heavyweights and I don't men in size. They are three astounding cutters who have/do, make my suits and seem to have received less of a name check to your question, yet are recognised by many as the cream of the craft and are sought out by those in the know. You can find their information quickly via a google search i'm sure.

Best

Smudger