Suggestions for becoming a Bespoke tailor?

[The~Vamp]

Hi Gentlemen,

for someone who began to love the idea of bespoke and dreaming to become a bespoke tailor but still doesn't have any experience with tailoring or anything related to the field,,, Would you suggest him:

studying tailoring courses.
or
working with a bespoke tailor and getting knowledge through experience.

and if you suggested the first choice, what colleges or schools would you recommand??

and for who agreed with the second choice, please give me adresses and numbers of bespoke tailor (in London) that would offer such a job?



I really seek your advice so don't pass by without a comment,,



Regards,

[HappyStroller]

If you may allow me to, I recommend a read of the book Savile Row AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY [1988] bublished by RIZZOLI NEW YORK and written by Richard Walker.

I was very surprized Savile Row establishments are basically small businesses with incomes in the order of up to a million pounds or two at the most. The author projected a quite pessismistic future for Savile Row tailors due to ever increasing rentals and a dwindling customer base. The financial burden of stocking adequate stocks and overheads have reached a stage where even the establishments are most likely businesses owned by investors rather than the tailors themselves.

Apparently, the SR tailors are relying more and more on foreign customers, and may be compromising on their bespoke standards for such oversea customers.

[schneidergott]

Hello, The-Vamp!

I would advice to start with local courses, just to check and find out if you have talent and you really enjoy the craft! And check your bank account, because you won't earn a lot of money during the apprenticeship, which may last several years. It won't get much better afterwards!

To check out Savile Row tailors:

http://www.englishcut.com/archives/000029.html

Good luck!

SG

[couch]

The-Vamp:

If it's the London tailoring tradition in which you want to work, you might begin by contacting the Savile Row Bespoke Association, which is a trade organization representing many of the established firms and dedicated to advancing and preserving the craft of fine tailoring. They have established academic training programs with two London colleges including pre-apprenticeship work experience. My impression is that today, while an apprenticeship is still mandatory, some academic preparation and basic experience are strongly encouraged.

Contact information is here:

http://www.savilerowbespoke.com/Communi ... g_Schemes/

[Kate]

Hi The Vamp,

I am currently on a apprenticeship working for a Bespoke Tailor and have just recently joined the london lounge. I know it is a while since you posted this question but I was just wondering if you had any success in gaining a place on a training programme of working with a Bespoke Tailor?

Kate