Over the years, trends have come and gone, but one thing that has remained is the power of a proper suit. A well fitting suit is the uniform for the professional, the stylish, and the put-together. An ill-fitting suit, on the other hand, can imply exactly the opposite.
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Hollywood has done its part in highlighting the effect of a good suit. From the suave gentlemen of James Bond, Kingsman, and Crazy, Stupid, Love, to the criminally stylish in The Godfather, Reservoir Dogs, and The Goodfellas. They all mean the same thing: power, class, and sophistication. So what do the gentlemen in these films do when they need a suit that is made especially for their body? Enter: Bespoke.
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Custom garments can be traced back to the days when clothing would be made to order for British royalty. In time, this has evolved to encompass suiting, and now “bespoke” is synonymous with the sartorial world. The term “Bespoke” means “to speak for” or, specific to tailoring, “to be ordered to be made.” What this means is that no bespoke suit is started until all of the particulars are settled on. This used to be reserved for the upper echelon of society, where a powerful suit was part of every day life. The mecca of bespoke tailoring is known as Savile Row, in London, England, whose origins date back to the 18th century. Tailors flocked to the area to establish their fashion houses due to the influential and affluent residents, making for ideal clientele. But, as with any industry, increased competition and supply meant that each house had to find a way to tap into a more general market.
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Meanwhile, their continental cousins in Italy were creating an oasis of their own with their trademark sprezzatura style. This is characterized as a sophisticated nonchalance that belies the thought and effort put into a look. Whether it’s Rome, Milan, or Naples, the less rigid construction and closer cuts typify the easier nature of the Italian lifestyle.
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Originating in Britain and Italy, the realm of bespoke suiting has evolved and expanded, reaching all corners of the world. As a result, the influence of these iconic sartorial destinations has spread across the globe, making the Savile Row and sprezzatura experience more accessible than ever.
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No two people are built exactly the same, and at Style by Sarai, we believe no two Sarai Bespoke suits should be built the same. Each suit is custom made for every individual, using only the measurements and specifications from you, instead of any existing patterns or templates like Made-to-Measure. By taking over 25 measurements, we ensure that the suit leaves no doubt in your mind that it was made specifically for you. But what sets bespoke apart is not only the fit of the suit in the end, but the journey along the way. Taking inspiration from all over the world into account, we tailor each garment not only for your frame, but your personality and lifestyle, making it truly unique to you.
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Unlike other suiting outlets, our priority is to create an exclusive, personalized, and luxurious encounter. The process is meticulous, ensuring every detail is explicitly chosen by you. With over 17 distinctive books to choose world-renowned fabrics from, the experience begins with a story. Whether it is for work, weddings, or social wear, every fabric says something different, so we are careful to find the one that is on the exact same page you are. From there, every single facet of the suit is discussed and chosen (lapels, buttons, lining, etc.) to make sure that the final outcome is not only stylish, but also special to the wearer.
Once all components are selected, the suit begins its transformation. With cloths arriving from Italy and England from world renowned fabric mills from the likes of Loro Piana, Ermenegildo Zegna, Scabal, Ariston, Dormeuil, Huddersfield Fine Worsted, Gladson, Drago, Caccioppoli and more, it is tailored and produced in Italy. Full design, customisation and selection of fabric, lining and buttons occurs out our Gastown Bespoke Showroom. Bespoke garments are sent back from Italy to Vancouver to be ready for a second fitting approximately six weeks following the placement of the order and the initial bespoke consultation. At that point, we see if any adjustments need to be done in order to find the ideal fit for each client.
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So why choose bespoke? Any suit, regardless of the price, is an investment piece. It is a tedious garment to care for. It is a statement of intent. Why not make that statement a personal one? Not only will the fit of the resulting suit be tailor made for your body shape, but every detail will be chosen by you. It is a rewarding process that gives you a distinctive suit to wear proudly, knowing it will not fit anyone like it fits you.
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A bespoke suit that is made exclusively for you will make it hard to consider purchasing an off-the-rack or made-to-measure suit or tuxedo. This is evidenced by the number of referrals and returning client, not only for their sartorial needs, but the overall experience. At the end of the road, it is quality of product and interaction that creates trust between our clients and us.
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Our job as bespoke stylists is not to impose our style, but to act as engineers to create a tangible manifestation of your idea of the perfect suit. In doing so, we create a bond and friendship that enables us to help you become your own style icon.