What with all the excitement about the fothcoming Royal Wedding and all the curiosity and excitement about what the female guests will be wearing, not to mention the Bride’s dress I thought I would take another angle and write about what the male guests might be donning for the occasion. There was a really good article in The Sunday Times Life and Arts section published on 9th April entitled “Fit for a (furture) King”. The article was about bespoke British tailoring. The Saville Row Tailor Gieves and Hawkes is rumoured to be producing the military outfit that William will wear on the day, but who knows it is still a well kept secret. Is this an opportunity to sing the praises of our world renounded British Tailoring. I had the privilage of visiting Benson and Clegg a Bespoke Tailors in Piccadilly Arcade, just off Jermyn street and talking with the owner and head Tailor a couple of weeks ago. It was a great experience watching him take the measurements for a suit and help the customer choose exactly the right weight and colour of clothe to suit their requirements. The attention to detail was amazing, nothing was overlooked from the exact width and style of the lapel to the insert of a tiny pocket on the inside of the trouser waistband, just large enough for a credit card and a folded up bank note (if you did not want to carry a wallet when going out in the evening). This is a major investment, a bespoke suit goes not come cheap, however if looked after should last the owner 20 years or more, provided they do not change shape to any great degree.
I love all those old tailors, the quality and attention to detail are amazing.
Men can choose the fabric, then receive expert, attentive advice about the tailoring that flatters them. And what do we get, that we can wear with pleasure for 20 years? I would happily pay for that.
Le Duc’s tailor also does alterations at no charge.