As part of an ongoing collaboration with Tailors of Distinction, I’m happy to announce the second part to this very sartorial story.

For part 2 I will be designing a summer blazer, using their stockpile of gorgeous cloths, this project will again span the entire process of constructing this jacket…from the first fitting to the last final finished piece.

You can see the overall look of the jacket from the artwork above, I have eyed a cloth already…but that will have to wait for the next post!

Ive been wearing my Tailor Project Suit almost every day in the past few weeks. Over the next few posts ill be changing the suit up..wearing it with a few different things with a few different combos. The great thing about having a beautifully made suit, is that it becomes one of the most versatile items you own.

Here I wore

Jacket – Tailors Of Distinction – Beskpoke
Shirt – Topman – XS
Denim Jeans– Jack London – 28
Brogues – Grenson – Size 8

Here I wore:
 Waistcoat – Tailors Of Distinction –  Size: Custom Made
Wool Tie -  Tailors Of Distinction
Shirt – Asos.com – XS
Shoes – Grenson – Size 8

Mens Jewellery - www.merrinandgussy.com 

Here I wore:
Suit Jacket– Tailors Of Distinction –  Size: Custom Made
Trousers – Tailors Of Distinction –  Size: Custom Made
Shirt – Asos.com – XS
Shoes – Grenson – Size 8

I am wearing an amazing pair of sunglasses courtesy of http://johnruvin.com/

Mens Jewellery - www.merrinandgussy.com 

Well…the moment everyone has been waiting for is here, the suit is pretty much done and ready to be picked up. The process has been long and very rewarding to witness and document here. The suit is way more intricate and detailed than I had ever imagined. I cant quit describe the feeling of how well this suit actually fits…it feels snug, but at the same time comfortable. Since Andrew is a perfectionist (like all good tailors should be) there are a couple of small alterations that still need to be done to the suit…since its hand stitched from top to bottom, naturally things can be slightly off…but in my opinion its one of the best things about having a fully bespoken suit like this, is that it was made by hand!

Over the course of the next few weeks ill be posting this suit a lot…I will also be doing the first “5 ways to wear” post on this blog

I would like to personally thank both Andrew and Jason of Tailors of Distinction for providing me with this suit..and the chance to share the process with you all

This project is a collaboration with

So we are here! At the first fitting.

When you have a suit bespoken the tailor takes your measurements to the cutter who translates this to the cloth you picked at one of your first meetings. The cloth is then cut to your personal paper pattern and then passed on to the tailor who stitches your suit together but only to the baste stage. The baste stage is a half made suit temporarily stitched together by white threads so that it can be taken apart easily. It’s an amazing organic process that evolves over time…I was really shocked to find that a bespoke suit is more of an artistic creation.. molded to fit over your particular frame…the suit isn’t made from a template on a machine..it’s made by hand. The entire initial process takes approximately 4-6 weeks, after which your suit will be ready for a baste stage fitting.

The baste stage fitting normally takes around half an hour where Andrew went on the attack, armed with a chalk, some pins and a measuring tape. He adjusted the suit (pants and waistcoat) to better mold onto my body to ensure a comfortable fit..and to make sure it adheres to his high personal standards of fit and quality.

This project is a collaboration with

So the suit is almost ready for my first fitting, so I thought id write a quick post about some of the details I’ve chosen to have on my suit.

Two button Jacket - I’ve always preferred either one or two button suit jackets..this is for the very simple reason that I’m short…and they work for my height

Patch pockets –  This is probably the detail that I am most excited about, patch pockets are something that can make a suit instantly more relaxed. I almost always put my hands in my pockets and i just find that patch pockets can make the whole “hands in pockets” thing more flattering as the jacket holds it shape better. It also breaks up the clean straight lines of a suit jacket and puts forward a message of..”I don’t care”

Slim lapels –  If you read my blog often..I love slim 60′s fits, there is also some reason behind this…since I’m short and skinny..I need to watch the proportions of what i wear, full cut suits with wide lapels will only make me look shorter

So its come to one of the most important steps in the process of making this suit. The measurements! When getting a suit made by a reputable tailor, you will be required to go in for a thorough measurement session with them..this is a great chance to chat with them about your suit and what you expect/want from it. Its also a great chance for them to get to know you too! since the process involved in having a suit made is a collaboration between you and your tailor.

Typically the session consists of anywhere from 25 to 30 unique measurements, while doing this you will also choose the details of your suit (ie pockets, vents, buttons etc.)

When scheduling a session with them, make sure you have the time free….its a rewarding process and one that should be enjoyed and not rushed through.

I made a short video to go a long with this post, so you can get a bit more of an idea of what went on at the measuring session

NEXT WEEK: DETAILS! DETAILS! DETAILS!

We shot it over the course of a couple of afternoons. I always love collaborating with various artists and creatives. I realise this is also the first time you have heard me speak…so enjoy!

I have also included some behind the scenes images of the making of the video. We wanted to capture something that shows the process as well as the core ideas behind why I dress the way I do. The video was partly shot at Tailors of Distinction’s gorgeous retail store and a few other local locations.

Next week: Taking my Measurements!

So what did I pick?

I went for a gorgeous mid blue cloth made by Ariston of Italy. Its a super 130′s cloth made from 100% wool. (The Code for the cloth is A833/17 for those that might want to look it up) Since the suit I’m getting is more of a summer suit…I wanted a colour that is versatile and easy to pair with basics.

Andrew and Jason were very helpful when it came to choosing the final design…We sat down with a drink in hand and discussed what I was looking for, what colours I was interested in, they had some of their own suggestions as well. I could instantly feel their passion for a well made bolt of cloth. We spent a long time going through all the books they had of all the various different style and possibilities…its a long process..but it should be! Since this is a suit that with care..will be with you for the rest of your life. Ariston makes some of the most cutting edge and beautiful suiting cloths…as a designer I was instantly drawn to the level of complexity each cloth had…the amazing craft work that had gone into making some of these deigns was awe-inspiring.

 Jason and Myself going through cloth designs.

I asked Andrew and Jason to share with me some of their personal thoughts about Ariston and what they mean to them.

Jason: “I just love working with Ariston. The cloth is contemporary and exciting while retaining the history and integrity of the company’s roots. The coastal essence of Naples is one of the fundamental characteristics that is woven into the cloth. It evokes images of the sea and light onshore breezes as couples stroll sandy beaches of red flecked coral in casual Italian luxury.”

Andrew: “ Ariston represents the very best of modern luxury Italian suitings and jacketings. With new collections every season, Ariston is not only leading the way but is also a natural choice for us and the perfect cloth with which to make up our full canvassed bespoke suits. ”

 Next Part: Behind the scenes of a short video about Bespoke suits. 

This project was produced in collaboration with Tailors of Distinction