Bring on the gimp

Beauty comes in many forms and the ability to appreciate stunning architecture, a fine wine, or, a gorgeous suit, is not just the right of the connoisseur. All our opinions are valid, and whilst experience in an area lends credibility, the gift of good taste and a sense of style is subjective, and cannot be…

Michelsberg Made to Measure

Ciao amici miei! The Michelsberg Italian Uber level has landed and here I am on a passeggiata outside Michelsberg HQ. As I mentioned in my previous blog, it’s the real deal, top of the tailoring tree. Suit porn for a sartorial connoisseur, absolutely everything hand-made, a work of art. The moment I slipped the jacket on, my…

“Made in Italy”

I’ve had an itch for some time. It’s been tickling me ever since my first trip to the International menswear show in Florence that is Pitti Uomo. It’s a condition known as Italophilia – “the admiration, general appreciation or love of Italy, its culture, society, arts and/or people.” For me, it’s their threads that I adore, and…

Dining with Giants

On Wednesday 12th February at 6.30pm, I was formally announced into the inner sanctum of the Merchant Taylors Hall in the City of London. Based at Number 30 Threadneedle Street, this has been home to The Livery Company of The Worshipful Company of Merchant Taylors’ since 1343, and tonight was their annual Benevolent Association Dinner.…

A ten inch rise

There aren’t many professions where you inform a customer that you’re going to give him a ten inch rise in his trousers. The ‘rise’ in the world of tailoring is the difference between the outside and inside leg measurements. In simple terms it’s roughly the distance between the top of the waistband and the bottom…

London Calling

It’s Saturday morning, I’ve just done my last fitting before Christmas, there’s a brass band playing carols in the Victoria Quarter and I’m feeling simply bloody marvellous. Whilst the bling-tastic Christmas tree outside is impressive, it’s nowt compared to the bright lights of London. Last Thursday I spent twelve glorious hours in our throbbing metropolis.…

Wilde Times Ahead

“I find that alcohol, taken in sufficient quantities, may produce all the effects of drunkenness.” (Oscar Wilde) Sprawled on my Chesterfield, a glass of tawny port in hand, I couldn’t agree more. For those of you who haven’t seen his biography, “Wilde” is a decent film. Whilst my wife, and no doubt Stephen Fry, enjoyed…