Why go bespoke?

When asked what I do, people are generally intrigued, often some find it fascinating and want the gossip - how many bridezillas have I encountered?! (answer none!), can you make me a dress? (of course, sir), others demand to know why in this day and age anyone would order a bespoke outfit.

And this is what I say…

Very few of us have an off-the-peg size / figure. In fact, occasionally I’ve wondered if some brands have a house-model as some garments don’t appear to fit anyone (if the model can’t make it work what hope is there for us mortals?).

Going bespoke or custom-made starts with detailed measurements, a pattern is drafted to fit your figure and proportions. A toile is made (a mock up in muslin or calico) – at this stage we work on style, shape and fit. We check the proportions are right for you.

Yes there are several fittings at key stages in the manufacture stages and it can be a lengthy process as this isn't fast fashion, but at the end of it you will have a beautiful hand crafted garment. The most important aspect of the bespoke process is It Will Fit.

Fabric, colour, sleeves, pockets, the choices are endless and all down to you. Your mood board includes dresses and shapes that are all sleeveless but you need arm coverage – no problem with bespoke.

You want a stunning maxi or jumpsuit but you’re too short / long in the body – no problem with bespoke.

You want pockets in your trousers, you don’t want trouser pockets, whatever the spec going bespoke you're in charge of design features.

Each design is handcrafted to suit your figure and the choices are all yours.

“Our best seller” or “back in stock” are headlines which, for me, are heart-sinking phrases. Ok, maybe not if it’s your favourite night cream back in stock when you’ve almost run out, but if it’s a beautiful jacket, or stunning dress and you’re heading somewhere special, what are the chances that another guest / attendee might be wearing the same thing? After all, you’ve got amazing taste so do others.

When it comes to bespoke, nobody else will have the same combination of fabrics / colours, or style. What’s more, you can make your garment truly unique with a funky lining, additional pockets or quirky buttons. Whatever strange and unconventional colour combination, style idea you have in mind, it can be accommodated. In fact, in my studio, it’s positively encouraged.

I’ve spent the past twenty plus years building up relationships with some of the leading suiting and silk suppliers in the country.

Whether you want the finest silks from Italy, a delicate French lace, a lightweight suiting from Huddersfield, a colourful boucle tweed from Carlisle, or a robust tweed from either Hebrides or my native Yorkshire, I can source it.

The quality is far superior (in most cases) to items you can pick up on the high street. Using traditional tailoring methods, my garments are made for longevity.

For the majority of customers, this is their first taste of bespoke and should be a wonderful experience. From the excitement of selecting fabrics, trying the toile and seeing the whole process unfurl over a short space of time, it should be joyous.

There is also my twenty-five plus years of experience. I’ll advise what will or will not work, what looks most flattering and what will work best (if I say it can’t be done trust me, it can’t).

After all that, you will have a garment designed to your measurements, it will fit and flare when and where it should, it will be a flattering length, it will be in the colour and style of your choice, hopefully include some of your personality and individuality, and when you put it on you will feel A-mazing!

Why go bespoke? To be truly individual.