For beginners: an introduction to bespoke

Three Things
1 ● Trunk shows this month
2 ● For beginners: an introduction to bespoke
3 ● One man loved the pilgrim soul in you

1 ● Trunk shows this month

Divij Bespoke will be in New York City from December 8th to December 11th at the New York Hilton Midtown. With roots tracing back to a custom tailoring shop founded in Hong Kong in 1962, Divij Bespoke has perfected the art of tailoring with meticulous attention to detail. Their semi-bespoke suits start at $1,550, while full bespoke options with basted fittings begin at $2,300. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or new to bespoke, Divij delivers garments that are as flattering as they are timeless.

Emiko Matsuda, carrying on the London West End shoemaking tradition, will be in Tokyo from December 19th to December 23rd. Known for her exceptional craftsmanship, Emiko creates bespoke shoes, boots, and belts tailored to each client’s specifications. Her work exemplifies the precision and artistry of traditional shoemaking, ensuring every piece is both elegant and enduring.

These trunk shows are the perfect chance to experience bespoke artistry firsthand. Don’t miss your opportunity to meet the makers and craft something uniquely yours.

2 ● For beginners: an introduction to bespoke

"Bespoke" gets thrown around a lot. From custom furniture to artisanal coffee, everyone's claiming the b-word. But when it comes to clothing, bespoke means something specific—and it's not just another word for "fancy."

What Bespoke Actually Means

Think of bespoke as the opposite of off-the-rack. It's clothing created entirely from scratch for you, considering not just your measurements, but your style preferences, lifestyle needs, and pretty much any sartorial dream you can conjure up. The term comes from "bespeak"—literally ordering something into existence through conversation with a master craftsperson.

The Pretenders: Know Your Terms

Before you drop serious cash, understand what you're getting:

• Made-to-measure: Takes an existing pattern and tweaks it to your size. Better than off-the-rack, but not truly bespoke.

• Custom: The fashion world's equivalent of "natural" on food labels—technically true but doesn't tell you much.

• Couture: The feminine counterpart to bespoke, typically for women's fashion.

The Shocking Truth About Cost

Here's where things get interesting: If you're already shopping designer labels, bespoke might not be the bank-breaker you imagine. Take a high-end men's suit jacket. At a luxury department store, you're looking at $1,500-3,000, plus tailoring costs. A bespoke jacket from a respected tailor? Often in the same ballpark.

The difference? Instead of paying for a designer's name and mass-production overhead, you're investing in:

• Expert craftsmanship (often passed down through generations)

• Superior materials (real ones, not synthetic blends)

• A perfect fit that considers your actual body, not some idealized form

• The ability to choose every detail, from buttons to lining

The Process: Yes, It Takes Time

Fair warning: If you need something for this weekend's wedding, bespoke isn't your answer. The process typically involves:

1. Initial fitting and pattern creation

2. 1-2 follow-up fittings

3. Final adjustments

Total timeline? Usually a few months. But consider this: While your friends are replacing their wardrobes every few years, your bespoke pieces could become family heirlooms.

The Bottom Line

Bespoke isn't just about flexing—it's about investing in clothing that's made specifically for you, by actual humans who care about their craft. In an age where fast fashion dominates and AI designs our t-shirts, there's something revolutionary about clothing that's made just for you, stitch by careful stitch.

Is it for everyone? No. But if you're already spending serious money on designer clothes that don't quite fit right, you might find that bespoke isn't just accessible—it's the smarter investment.

3 ● One man loved the pilgrim soul in you

WHEN YOU ARE OLD by William Butler Yeats

When you are old and grey and full of sleep,
And nodding by the fire, take down this book,
And slowly read, and dream of the soft look
Your eyes had once, and of their shadows deep;

How many loved your moments of glad grace,
And loved your beauty with love false or true,
But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you,
And loved the sorrows of your changing face;

And bending down beside the glowing bars,
Murmur, a little sadly, how Love fled
And paced upon the mountains overhead
And hid his face amid a crowd of stars.

We have also made a number of enhancements to our trunk show calendar website. You can now follow individual trunk shows (by clicking the bookmark next to the dates). If the dates change, you will automatically be notified.

If you enjoyed this issue, please recommend us to a friend.

See you next time.

—Editor