Tailors in Melbourne: The Differences Between Bespoke, Made-to-Measure, and Tailor-Made

When it comes to finding expert tailors in Melbourne, understanding the differences between bespoke, made-to-measure, and tailor-made garments is essential. Many clients use these terms interchangeably, but knowing what each means can help you get the perfect fit and value for your investment. In this article, we explore what customers actually need from their tailoring experience to make confident and informed decisions.


Understanding the Terminology: Bespoke, Made-to-Measure, and Tailor-Made

When searching for professional tailors, many customers often use the terms ‘bespoke’, ‘made-to-measure’, and ‘tailor-made’ interchangeably. However, these phrases refer to different garment-making processes, each with unique implications for fit, cost, and overall expectations.

Bespoke traditionally means a fully custom suit created from scratch, with patterns drafted specifically to the customer’s measurements. This method involves multiple fittings, allowing precise adjustments to achieve a perfect fit. Bespoke tailoring represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and personalisation but comes at a premium price point and longer production times.

Made-to-measure garments are created by adjusting an existing base pattern to better fit the customer’s measurements. The process includes fewer fittings and less custom pattern drafting. Many Melbourne clients favour this option because it balances improved fit with quicker delivery and lower costs compared to bespoke tailoring.

‘Tailor-made’ is often a broad term sometimes used synonymously with ‘bespoke’ or ‘made-to-measure’. However, it can also imply garments that are altered or modified by a tailor to fit better. Understanding this distinction is crucial so customers visiting tailors can set realistic expectations about the level of customisation involved.

Why Terminology Differences Matter for Fit, Cost, and Expectations

Knowing the difference between these tailoring terms can significantly impact the outcome of your final garment. Fit is the most visible factor affected by the choice between bespoke, made-to-measure, and tailor-made. With bespoke tailoring, the extensive pattern drafting and multiple fittings ensure a flawless fit unique to your body shape. Melbourne clients who prioritise fit and individual style often choose bespoke tailoring despite the higher cost and longer wait.

Made-to-measure suits, while not as customised as bespoke, provide an enhanced fit over off-the-rack garments. Since made-to-measure uses a base pattern modified to your size, some fit compromises remain, but most customers find this option satisfactory, especially given the faster turnaround and more affordable pricing.

‘Tailor-made’, depending on the interpretation, can refer to either a tailored alteration or a custom garment, which sometimes creates customer confusion. Ensuring clear communication with your tailor about your expectations helps avoid misunderstandings related to fit, delivery time, and price.

Cost differences often stem from the complexity of the tailoring process. Bespoke requires more skill and time, increasing labour costs. Made-to-measure leverages existing patterns and is less labour-intensive. Tailor-made garments (alterations) typically cost less but depend on the nature of the adjustments.

Common Misconceptions Customers Have Before Visiting Tailors

Many first-time customers visiting tailors in Melbourne come with misconceptions about what bespoke, made-to-measure, and tailor-made services entail. A widespread misunderstanding is assuming all custom suits have the same level of personalisation with similar prices. In reality, bespoke suits demand a greater financial and time investment than made-to-measure or tailor alterations.

Another frequent misconception is that “tailor-made” is synonymous with bespoke. While sometimes true, for others it simply means an altered off-the-rack item. Clarifying service details before booking can help align expectations. Customers also expect immediate turnaround times, which is rarely possible with bespoke tailoring due to the multiple fittings and detailed craftsmanship involved. Tailors typically outline lead times upfront to help manage scheduling effectively.

Lastly, some clients underestimate the importance of clear communication. Discussing budget, fabric preference, desired style, and fit helps tailors deliver a garment that meets or exceeds expectations. Comprehensive consultations are a hallmark of quality tailoring services.

For men looking to explore bespoke and made-to-measure options in Melbourne, please visit our men’s suit page.

What to Expect During Your Visit to a Tailor

Visiting professional tailors usually involves a straightforward and informative process designed to deliver the best fit and experience. First, you will have an initial consultation where the tailor discusses your style preferences, occasions, fabric choices, and budget. Precise body measurements or adjustments to existing patterns are then taken to start the customisation.

For bespoke suits, expect multiple fittings during the creation process. Made-to-measure garments generally require fewer appointments, mostly a measuring session and a final fitting. Throughout the process, high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail ensure garments meet customer expectations. The tailor will also explain care recommendations and any follow-up services like minor alterations after delivery.

Professional tailors maintain a clean and safe environment adhering to hygiene standards. After completing your garment, proper packaging ensures your suit arrives neat and ready to wear.

Why Choose Local Tailors for Your Custom Garments?

Partnering with local tailors offers several advantages beyond fit and style. Working with tailors nearby supports the local economy and allows easier communication and appointments. Local tailors can provide personalised services specifically for Melbourne’s climate, lifestyle, and fashion trends. Clients also benefit from quicker turnaround times for adjustments or follow-ups compared to overseas services.

For personalised advice and to schedule your first fitting, please reach out today via our contact form. Visit our Google Business page for client testimonials and location details.

Why Custom Tailoring From a Tailor in Melbourne Is Worth the Investment

Finding the perfect outfit in Melbourne’s vibrant fashion scene can often feel like a compromise. You see a stunning jacket in a shop window, but the sleeves are too long. The trousers fit your waist, yet they pinch around the thighs. This is where engaging a skilled tailor in Melbourne transforms your wardrobe from a collection of near-misses into a suite of garments that feel like a second skin. Investing in custom tailoring isn’t just about luxury; it is a practical decision that saves you money, time, and frustration in the long run. For the discerning individual, whether you are a corporate executive, a groom-to-be, or simply someone who appreciates quality, the value of a made-to-measure garment far exceeds its initial price tag.

 

The Hidden Cost of Off-the-Rack Clothing

Most men and women in Melbourne have become accustomed to off-the-rack sizing. These garments are designed to fit a standardised body shape that rarely exists in nature. Consequently, you often pay for expensive alterations after your purchase, adding $50 to $150 to the cost of a suit. Worse, some areas like the shoulders or the rise of the trousers simply cannot be altered economically. A garment maker like Adriano Carbone eliminates this gamble. By starting from scratch with your unique measurements, you avoid the endless cycle of buying, returning, and altering. Statistics from the Australian fashion retail sector indicate that nearly 40% of purchased menswear is returned due to poor fit. Custom tailoring reduces that waste, offering a sustainable and economically smarter path.

 

Unmatched Fit and Personal Comfort

When you work with a professional, the primary benefit is fit. A custom suit doesn’t just sit on your body; it moves with you. Off-the-rack jackets often pull across the back or create an “X” crease around the button. Custom trousers will never require a belt to hold them up because the waist is perfect. For individuals who spend long hours in corporate settings or attending events, this comfort is non-negotiable. An expert tailor assesses your posture, shoulder slope, and even your dominant arm to ensure the garment hangs correctly. This level of detail prevents fabric bunching and ensures you look sharp from 8 am to 8 pm. Because the process is hands-on, you get to choose the canvas weight, the lining, and the stitch type, resulting in a garment that breathes with Melbourne’s unpredictable climate.

 

Occasions That Demand Excellence

Melbourne is a city of events. From the Spring Racing Carnival to intimate winery weddings in the Yarra Valley, and from high-stakes boardroom meetings to gallery openings on Flinders Lane, your appearance speaks before you do. For weddings, a custom suit from a garment maker ensures the groom and groomsmen look cohesive without the boxy, rented look. For corporate events, a well-fitted blazer commands respect and signals attention to detail. Even for fashion-forward everyday wear, custom chinos or a tailored sport coat elevate your street style. Unlike fast fashion, which looks dated after one season, a classic bespoke or custom garment stays relevant. You dictate the lapel width, pocket style, and vent type, ensuring the piece aligns with your personal aesthetic, not a department store buyer’s trend forecast.

 

The Melbourne Tailoring Market and Adriano’s Expertise

Melbourne has long been considered Australia’s style capital, with a tailoring market that has seen a 15% growth in bespoke services over the last five years. Locals are moving away from international chains in favour of local artisans who understand the Australian physique and lifestyle. A reputable tailor understands that a Melbourne lifestyle requires durable yet elegant fabrics. At Adriano Carbone, the expertise is tangible. Located in the historic Block Arcade, Adriano brings Italian craftsmanship to the heart of Melbourne. Every consultation focuses on the interplay of fabric, function, and form. His philosophy is simple: a garment should be an investment in your confidence.

 

The Process: What to Expect

Ordering custom clothing might seem daunting, but the process is straightforward and rewarding. First, you book a private consultation with a bespoke specialist. You discuss the occasion, the desired silhouette (e.g., Italian slim vs. classic British), and fabric selection. Next, precise measurements are taken. Unlike standard sizing, this includes length, girth, and posture checks. A basted fitting (a temporary stitch version) may occur if you opt for full bespoke. Finally, after several weeks of meticulous hand-finishing, you attend a final fitting. This is where the magic happens. The garment fits perfectly, requiring no further tweaks.

 

Why It Is a Financial Investment

Many argue that custom tailoring is expensive. However, consider cost-per-wear. A $1,500 custom suit worn 100 times over five years costs $15 per wear. A $600 off-the-rack suit plus $150 in alterations ($750 total) that wears out after 20 wears costs $37.50 per wear. The custom option is cheaper, looks better, and lasts longer. Furthermore, a tailor can repair and maintain the garment over its life, replacing linings or tightening buttons, which extends longevity. For individuals needing a reliable wardrobe, the arithmetic is clear. You are paying for superior fabric, better construction (half-canvas or full-canvas), and a fit that makes you look slimmer and taller. That is a return on investment no fast-fashion receipt can match.

 

Your Next Step for Perfect Style

Stop settling for “good enough.” Whether you are preparing for a wedding, a boardroom promotion, or simply want to experience the luxury of a shirt that fits your neck and arms perfectly, the solution is clear. A professional tailor turns fabric into an extension of your personality. You will never go back to elastic waistbands or baggy sleeves.

Are you ready to experience the difference? Contact us today to schedule your private consultation. Invest in clothing that works for you, not against you. Your wardrobe, and your confidence, will thank you.

Best Summer Wardrobe Essentials for Men: Advice From Tailors

As the Melbourne sun intensifies, the struggle to stay both cool and polished becomes all too real. Off-the-rack summer clothing often falls short, leaving you with garments that are either too baggy, uncomfortably clingy, or simply not suited to our unique climate shifts. This is where the expertise of tailors in Melbourne becomes invaluable. By investing in key pieces that are expertly fitted or crafted, you can build a summer wardrobe that prioritises comfort without compromising on sophistication. Let’s delve into the essential items and fabric wisdom that top tailors recommend for navigating a Melbourne summer in style.

Mastering the Summer Fabric and Fit

The foundation of any great summer wardrobe lies in the fabric. Natural, breathable materials are non-negotiable. Seek out lightweight cotton, especially Egyptian or Sea Island cotton, for its superior softness and breathability. Linen is a summer hero, prized for its ability to absorb moisture and allow maximum air circulation. For a more refined look with similar benefits, lightweight wool or wool-silk blends are exceptional choices for tailored items, as they naturally regulate temperature. The crucial factor, however, is fit. A bespoke suit or shirt from skilled tailors in Melbourne ensures the garment sits perfectly on your body—allowing for airflow and preventing the fabric from sticking to your skin in the heat. This precise attention to detail is what separates a comfortable garment from an oppressive one.

The Indispensable Summer Suit: Lightweight and Unlined

Every well-dressed Melbourne man needs a versatile summer suit. The modern approach favours a lightweight fabric in a half-canvas construction, which provides shape without weight. For ultimate comfort, consider an unlined or partially lined jacket. This allows air to flow freely, making a world of difference during a warm day. A trusted tailor in Melbourne can craft this piece in a neutral like mid-grey or a sophisticated navy, ensuring it works for business meetings, weddings, and garden parties alike. The perfect fit achieved through tailoring means the trousers will sit comfortably at your waist without a belt, and the jacket will move with you, avoiding any restrictive pull.

The Tailored Short-Sleeve Shirt and Smart Trousers

Move beyond casual polo shirts and embrace the tailored short-sleeve shirt. A bespoke version, with a collar that maintains its structure and sleeves cut to the perfect length, elevates this piece immensely. Pair it with tailored trousers in a light fabric for a sharp, heat-friendly ensemble. For your trousers, consider colours like stone, olive, or light grey. They are versatile and reflect sunlight, keeping you cooler. The expertise of tailors in Melbourne ensures these trousers are cut for comfort—with just the right amount of ease through the thigh and a clean break at the shoe—making them ideal for transitioning from a sunny day to a cooler evening.

Seasonal Colour Palettes and Layering for Transitions

Summer colour palettes should work harmoniously with our environment. Think neutrals like sand, stone, and white, which reflect heat and pair effortlessly. Pastels such as sky blue, blush pink, and mint green are also excellent choices for injecting subtle colour. The goal is to build a cohesive wardrobe where every piece complements another. When the infamous Melbourne cool change arrives in the evening, smart layering is key. A lightweight, unlined blazer in linen or tropical wool is the perfect companion. It adds a layer of sophistication without bulk. This is where the advice of tailors in Melbourne is critical, as a bespoke blazer will be cut to layer smoothly over your shirts without adding unnecessary warmth during the day.

Essential Outerwear and Accessories

Don’t be caught off guard by a summer breeze or cooler night. A well-made, lightweight field jacket or a Harrington jacket in breathable cotton is an essential outer layer. It provides just enough protection without causing you to overheat. Accessories matter too. A quality woven leather belt from a local craftsman, paired with breathable leather loafers or clean sneakers, completes the look. A panama hat offers both classic style and sun protection. Each of these elements, especially when your core garments are perfectly fitted by reputable tailors in Melbourne, contributes to a wardrobe that is both functional and exceptionally stylish.

Get Beautiful Pieces From Top Tailors in Melbourne

Building a summer wardrobe that can handle Melbourne’s whims is an exercise in smart choices and superior fit. By focusing on breathable natural fabrics, a cohesive colour story, and garments tailored to your exact measurements, you unlock a new level of seasonal comfort and confidence. The team at Adriano the Master Tailor specialises in creating these essential, climate-conscious pieces that transition seamlessly from day to night. Ready to elevate your summer style with garments designed by our trusted tailors in Melbourne? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference true craftsmanship makes.

Hiring Professional & Reliable Tailors in Melbourne, VIC

Finding the perfect fit, style, and quality in clothing can be a challenge, especially when it comes to tailoring. If you’re searching for tailors in Melbourne, VIC, who offer professionalism, reliability, and unmatched craftsmanship, this article is for you. Whether it’s for business suits, formal wear, or everyday elegance, understanding what bespoke tailoring truly means and how master tailors work will help you make an informed decision. While businesses like Adriano Carbone Master Tailor specialise in delivering exquisite custom garments, here we’ll focus on the key aspects that make hiring expert tailors a worthy investment.

What Does “Bespoke” Truly Mean, and Why Does It Offer Unmatched Quality?

When tailoring, the word “bespoke” is often tossed around, but what does it genuinely mean? Bespoke tailoring is the art of creating garments entirely from scratch for each individual client. This isn’t about off-the-rack adjustments or ready-made suits altered to fit. Instead, it involves hand-cutting fabric based on detailed measurements, personal style preferences, and specific body shapes.

Bespoke represents the pinnacle of quality because every stitch, seam, and cut is carefully considered to ensure the garment complements your unique physique perfectly. This level of personalisation ensures you don’t just wear a suit—you wear a piece of craftsmanship designed solely for you. It’s the reason discerning clients seeking tailors continue to demand bespoke services rather than opting for mass production.

The Step-by-Step Process Master Tailors Use to Create Custom Garments

Professional tailors follow a comprehensive process that guarantees precision and satisfaction. Here’s a general overview of the step-by-step approach:

1. Consultation and Measurement: The initial meeting is crucial. During this stage, tailors discuss the client’s style preferences, fabric choices, and intended use and take detailed body measurements to capture every nuance.
2. Pattern Drafting: Using the measurements, a custom paper pattern is drafted. This serves as a blueprint for cutting the fabric and ensures all proportions are correctly planned.
3. Fabric Cutting: Tailors hand-cut the fabric using the pattern. Accuracy at this stage is vital because it impacts the entire fit and flow of the garment.
4. First Fitting (Baste Fitting): The incomplete garment is loosely sewn and placed on the client for adjustments. This fitting phase helps identify any necessary alterations for the perfect fit.
5. Adjustments and Refinement: Tailors adjust and fine-tune the garment based on the first fitting’s feedback, paying close attention to balance, comfort, and look.
6. Final Construction: Once adjustments are complete, the garment is carefully hand-stitched and finished with attention to every detail—buttons, lining, hems, and more.
7. Final Fitting and Delivery: The finished product is presented to the client, ensuring satisfaction and addressing any last-minute tweaks.

This meticulous process illustrates why clients searching for tailors prefer those with masterful experience and dedication to the craft.

Why Clients Seeking Tailors in Melbourne Trust an Experienced Master Tailor

Experience is everything in tailoring. With decades in the industry, master tailors develop an intuitive understanding of fabrics, body shapes, and design styles that novices simply can’t match. They anticipate challenges and know how to overcome common fit issues before the client even notices.

Clients looking for tailors in Melbourne, VIC, value master tailors because they combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, delivering garments that are both stylish and timeless. Experienced tailors have also cultivated a trustworthy reputation within the community, which is often reflected in a loyal clientele, consistent quality, and personalised service.

Advantages of Choosing Tailors Who Handcraft Using Traditional Techniques

Hand-crafted tailoring using traditional methods provides advantages that machine manufacturing simply cannot replicate. In Melbourne, VIC, tailors who adopt these classic techniques can offer:

Greater Precision: Hand stitching allows for subtle adjustments impossible with machines, leading to a better fit and garment longevity.
Unique Detailing: Elements such as hand-sewn buttonholes, canvassing, and hand-padded lapels add exclusive touches that elevate your suit beyond ordinary.
Durability: Handcrafted garments are designed with structural reinforcements to maintain shape and wear over years.
Bespoke Personalisation: Tailors who commit to traditional craftsmanship often build stronger relationships with clients, understanding their preferences to tailor every garment’s unique signature.

This traditional approach is not only a celebration of old-world artistry but also a guarantee that your investment in custom tailoring will stay relevant and wearable for years to come.

Why Choose Adriano Carbone Master Tailor?

Adriano Carbone Master Tailor represents a benchmark for quality and dedication among tailors in Melbourne, VIC. With decades of experience honed in a bespoke workshop, Adriano brings a passion for fine craftsmanship that translates into every garment crafted. His commitment to traditional tailoring methods ensures clients receive a garment that is both a perfect fit and a work of art. Customers seeking reliable and professional tailors repeatedly choose Adriano for his careful attention to detail and client-focused approach.

Take the Next Step Towards Your Perfect Fit

If you’re looking to elevate your wardrobe with the unmatched quality of bespoke tailoring, don’t settle for anything less than professional, reliable, and experienced tailors in Melbourne, VIC. Embrace the artistry behind each custom garment and discover the confidence that comes with wearing something made just for you. Contact Adriano Carbone Master Tailor today to schedule a consultation and experience bespoke craftsmanship firsthand. Your perfect fit awaits!

How a Tailor in Melbourne Can Transform Your Wardrobe

There’s something truly special about wearing clothes that fit just right. It’s not just about comfort, but also the confidence it gives you. A skilled tailor in Melbourne can help transform your wardrobe, ensuring that every piece of clothing flatters your body shape and suits your personal style. Whether it’s a sharp suit for the office or a casual outfit for the weekend, a tailored fit can make all the difference.

Melbourne boasts top tailors, with Adriano Carbone standing out. Tailoring is about more than fit—it is about creating a unique look. So, how can a Melbourne tailor transform your wardrobe?

The Perfect Fit – Tailored to You

One of the most significant benefits of visiting tailors in Melbourne is the impeccable fit. Off-the-rack clothing is made to fit the average person, but we all know that doesn’t account for the unique proportions of our bodies. A tailor in Melbourne takes precise measurements, ensuring your clothes hug your body in all the right places. This perfect fit gives you the freedom to move comfortably while also presenting you in the most flattering light.

Adriano Carbone’s expert tailors specialise in providing an individualised service, with each garment being made to your exact specifications. Whether it’s a pair of trousers, a blazer, or a custom-made shirt, everything is crafted to accentuate your best features.

Style and Personalisation – Make It Your Own

Tailoring goes beyond just fit; it’s about personalisation. A tailor in Melbourne understands that fashion is an expression of who you are. Customisation can include adjusting the colour, fabric, and even the style of the clothing to reflect your personality. At Adriano Carbone, the focus is not only on tailoring your clothes to fit perfectly but also ensuring they align with your lifestyle and fashion preferences.

Custom-made suits, shirts, and jackets can add a level of sophistication and elegance to your wardrobe that store-bought pieces simply cannot achieve. With access to high-quality fabrics and expert craft skills, a tailor in Melbourne can help you achieve a look that speaks volumes about your attention to detail and personal style.

Versatility and Durability – Long-lasting Wardrobe Staples

Tailoring enhances your wardrobe’s longevity. Custom-tailored pieces not only fit better but are made to last longer. Investing in expert tailoring, like from Adriano Carbone in Melbourne, ensures timeless style and durability. These high-quality garments become reliable staples for years, offering both sustainability and cost-effectiveness. With careful craft skills, your tailored pieces will remain versatile and durable for any occasion. Why Choose Adriano Carbone?

At Adriano Carbone, the team of expert tailors in Melbourne works to make sure every piece fits perfectly, feels incredible, and looks impeccable. Whether it’s a bespoke suit or a simple alteration, Adriano Carbone offers personalised services that cater to your unique needs. With years of experience and a passion for fine tailoring, you can trust Adriano Carbone to bring your wardrobe vision to life.

If you’re ready to elevate your wardrobe with professional tailoring, visit Adriano Carbone. Whether you’re seeking a completely custom-made suit or simply need some adjustments to your current wardrobe, our team is here to help.

Ready to experience the transformative power of tailoring? Contact us today and let Adriano Carbone’s team of expert tailors in Melbourne help you achieve the perfect fit. Whether it’s for work, special events, or everyday wear, we can create wardrobe pieces that you’ll love.

Meet The Client: Claudio Pt. 2

Client

Claudio and John

Client
Claudio in an iconic double breasted linen suit, featuring peak lapels and open buttonholed sleeves.


J: Speaking of your wardrobe, and what works for you, I am curious to know how many items would you have from Adriano?

C: Yesterday I collected 9 shirts, which would be in addition to the other approximately 20 that I have at home - so there’s about 30 odd shirts. Talking about suits, there are about 15 of them from at home. There are 4 linen suits, an assortment of other suits so roughly 45 garments from Adriano Carbone.

 

J: To this day, you mentioned that you haven’t gone to any other tailor or suit manufacturer, what are the reasons you don’t go elsewhere but return to Adriano instead?

C: Well one of the first things is why tamper with something that isn’t broken? That’s my first reason. The second is, there always has to be a reason for you to look elsewhere, and until that reason is presented, why would you? So far, nothing he has done for me has dissapointed me. I mean there’s been a few funny moments along the way. One of the first things was he made me a suit and I asked him “do you do shirts”, and he told me he did. The first lot of shirts that he gave me, I went home and I put them on and the cuffs came up to here [Claudio points midway up his forearm]! I came back and I said, “I think there’s a bit of an issue with these shirts”, so he sent them back and we did a second run and the same thing happened a second time. So it made me think, “uhh maybe there’s an issue here” - so then we got the shirts right, and the suit was perfect. The fact that I’ve tried other places, and with the one exception of Stefano Ricci, but then again for that indulgence with which you pay an extraordinary premium, and so youve got two options - you find someone else that does made-to-measure suits, or buy stuff of the rack that will need to be altered. Now, it doesn’t matter how expensive that off-the-rack suit it is, it’s a standard cut, the length issue is always going be prevalent, and body shape will always require alterations. So why would I go to find an off-the-rack product that’s never going to be right? And to find another tailor, why would I do that? It’s a little bit like martial arts, everybody can do the basics, but there are little ammendments and refinements along the way and he has done that for me. From the first suit he has made me, he’s been doing this consistently. So I am comfortable. And the other thing is, why would I go and change? He presents me with a variety of fabrics, and he’s been extremely generous to me. Who else can do that? He’s given me free coats, he’s given me a dinner suit for nothing, he’s looked after my grandchildren. I think there’s a place for loyalty, particularly when they’re loyal back to you and I don’t know where there’s anyone else who would be as passionate, meticulous and precise as he is, and expose you to a whole range of things that you normally wouldn’t. The reality is if you go into another tailor, they’re going to offer up what they want to sell you as opposed to saying genuinely assisting you in getting what you’re looking for and working with your vision in mind.

 

J: It’s a very big alternative to a, primarily, sales-driven tailoring industry now, based on what they have on hand versus what the opportunity offers them to create.

C: Correct! It’s an expensive hobby to experiment with, with something that could fail. So, you actually need someone that’s passionate, is conscious of what works and doesn’t. If I went up there and said I want a suit with stovepipe pants, I suspect he will say “I’ll make it for you, but I’m not sure that’s your look”. I think that’s important as opposed to, the sentiment of, “well it that’s what he wants, i’ll give it to him”. I’m sure he has customers like that anyway, where in spite of his best advice, they insist further.

J: At the end of the day too, if someone insists, then that is what they truly want so we have to accommodate that as well.

C: I say i’m conservative with the way I dress, he says I’m not. I think that’s a point of contention between us [Claudio chuckles].

J: Conservative in fundamental attire choice, perhaps. Not many people wear suits nowadays.

C: Which is unfortunate, it’s a bit like not many people wearing ties these days, which I also think is unfortunate, because that does create a finished product.

 

J: Last question, I promise and then I’ll get out of your hair. What you wear today harkens back to an older time when people wore suits more often, and I believe we’re starting to see a resurgance of such attire today, even amongst the younger generation. If there was anything you’d tell anyone who’s looking to start out on their own custom sartorial journey, what advice or wisdom would you offer them?

C: Be comfortable in defining what is your style, and avoid fashion trends, because you are likely to spend a lot of money following fashion trends, but those trends will never define you as an individual, because you’re actually being ‘defined’ by someone else. Being conscious of the fact that just because something looks good on someone, does not mean it will look good on you or someone else. So be comfortable in defining your own style. Work out what looks good on you based on body type, and stick to it! Don’t worry about what other people, or your friends are wearing - be comfortable in what you are and what your style is, because ultimately that’s your trademark. When you walk in somewhere, everybody knows that that’s you. And the other thing is, if you don’t define your particular style and you tend to go with trends, you’re going to waste a lot of money and never be satisfied. It’s a bit like shoes, the progression of shoes over the years has been enormous, but some of the styles have been horrific. You wouldn’t say that the styles have been elegant, and elegance is important. So it’s important with your clothing, to define your style and have a sense of elegance about the way you dress and the way you portray yourself and present yourself so whatever you wear is a reflection of your personality.