A Breath of Fresh Air - Part 2

My first experience with bespoke tailoring was a breath of fresh air. I can be discerning on matters of clothes and cloth. And whereas the current retail environment allows for choice so long as it is available, the bespoke experience is very much defined by the wishes of the customer.

So as I set out to define my first bespoke coat, I had a selection of cloth and linings to choose from. And when I was done, my measurements were taken. I proceeded to specify how I would like the sleeves and lapels to be cut, how the inside of the coat would be faced, what the pockets were to be, and on to other matters.

Through it all, tailor and customer had a dialogue. Wishes, wants and needs were accomodated. At no point was there hesitation, or a need to settle or make do. In short, it seemed all was possible. A fresh experience indeed.

A Breath of Fresh Air

With Spring knocking, there is a lot of wardrobe planning (read: purchases) to be done. This is especially so for tailored clothing as the start of the spring/summer and fall/winter seasons bring with them trunk shows, made-to-measure events and tailor visits. On the latter, Vancouver has been sorely missing. Not quite New York, nor San Francisco, Vancouver has been left out of the trip itineraries of Europe's best bespoke tailors and artisans as they visit North America.

Hopefully there will be better things to come for Vancouver. Already, London-based bespoke tailor Jonathan Quearney has been visiting Vancouver as part of his North American travels for the past two seasons. And maybe if Vancouver is ready for excellence, service, comfort and fit more bespoke tailors will find reason to add it to their lists of cities to visit.

Workhour

Shades of Gray

Glowing Endorsement

During the Noon Hour Rush

Mid Day

Want - Part 2

What is better than one cookie?

I like asking people who are visibly stuck with a choice and having to make a decision the above question. The answer I get back, without fail, is two cookies.

I like the concept of being able to surround ourselves with simple luxuries and things which make us happy. When faced with a choice, instead of picking one option over the other, we can choose both.

Now, as to my next sportcoat...

Want - Part 1

Sometimes just wanting something is good enough.

The picture is of a silk square I bought many years ago when my knowledge or means did not warrant it. Did I need it then? No, but I did not feel the need to rationalize my decision to buy either. What I did feel was the square speak to me. Its color, weave and weight took hold of my heart when I first saw it. Out of all the squares I own today, this one remains my favorite.

You can buy for love.

Seeing Red

Two of a Kind

Shirt Detail

On Broadway

Saturday, 4:53 p.m.

Dynamic duo: Champagne, cameras, lights, and lineups welcomed Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED² fame into town.

So Much to Love

Windswept 2

Genteel

Windswept 1

That Color

At the Train Station