[London Edition] The Struggle of a Bespoke Tailor Part 4
What is the best outfit
I think there are similarities between tailoring and programming.
In the process of construction, there are rules to some extent, and within those rules, we build from scratch and always evolve with the times.
I liked programming classes when I was in technical college, so maybe I was unconsciously attracted to them.
As long as you know the order of assembly, the possibilities are endless.
I think that both are deep fields.
One day, I asked my mentor, Pino, "Which one is the best bespoke dress you've ever made?"
Pino, on the other hand,「Next one」I answered.
"Taylor is a lifelong study." When.
The best one for Pino is constantly being updated.
I think Pino's age at that time was already close to 80 years old.
Based on the idea that there is no end to the tailor's learning, my heart trembled with the attitude and unstinting effort to pursue the highest quality.
While spending my days training under Pino, I was able to successfully graduate from the London College of Fashion.
second master
After training at Hardy Amis for two years, there is a connection,KilgourI'm going to have you introduce me.
I took the entrance exam and successfully passed it, so I decided to work at Kilgar from now on.
What I met in such a new world, Kilgar
demon master stanleywas.
《A photo from that time.Stanley on the right, Molly on the left.》
Stanley not only worked for Kilgour,HuntsmanorRichard James)、Gieves & HawkesIt is a popular tailor who receives requests for work from famous tailors such as.
Actually, that famous spy action movie,"Kingsman"He is also one of the people who make the costumes for
Stanley was a teacher who was so strict with his work that you could not imagine from his seemingly kind appearance.
I was yelled at every day, and things (scissors, rulers, etc.) were thrown at me.
Even if I had learned the basics of tailoring, I had to relearn Stanley's methods from scratch and follow them because each craftsman has their own way of doing things.(This also feels like programming)
Of course, there was no such thing as kindly teaching me step by step.
Stanley and Craftsmanship
Speaking of craftsmen, there is a stereotype image of stubbornness and poor talk.
"Why don't craftsmen teach me how to do it?"
"Isn't it a waste of time to watch and learn?"
I think there are doubts and dissatisfaction with these craftsmen.
As an answer,
Craftsmanship does not consist only of superficial techniques that are taught by word of mouth.
It all starts with imitating the line of sight and posture, the way things are placed, the timing, the speed, and so on.
This is the starting point after being able to do it.
Stanley's technology was cultivated through many experiences.
It wasn't something that happened overnight.
Arakawa understood this in his training at Stanley.
First, imitate.
And to do a number and accumulate experience.
Unable to endure Stanley's rigorous training, and ignoring his colleagues who quit one after another, Arakawa devoted himself to his daily training.
Stanley issense of speedwas also important.
Some people may have an image that bespoke is made slowly and carefully, but actuallyMomentum, flow, and concentration are important for a tailor's workis.
Stanley's powerful bespoke had a three-dimensional effect and power.
Bespoke is exactlyPowerful manufacturing that breathes life into itThat's it.
It takes guts to become a craftsman.
It can be said that it is a fairly suitable occupation.
Despite the tough training days, Arakawa never once thought of quitting.
I've always liked making things, and Stanley was scary, but above all, he was a very skilled and reliable teacher.
Besides, Stanley was a very kind person outside of work.
A famous Chinese restaurant in London after work,WangKeiWe often went out to eat together.And on weekends, going out to the pub for a drink was the norm.
In addition, he invited Arakawa to his house and treated him with a meal.
《It's the most delicious, but the customer service is rough, and it's still my favorite Chinese restaurant.》
Stanley has two lovely daughters, the eldest of whom works as a tailor.
He is a great tailor who is respected by his daughter.
Many memories with Stanley will never fade.
《Photo from August 2018.We are still good friends.》
After meeting two completely different types of craftsmen, Pino and Stanley, Arakawa became more and more attracted to the charm of bespoke.
In this way, I chose the path of becoming a bespoke tailor.
A tailor, Pinot「Life」As a「Job」Each spirit is still rooted in Arakawa's life and work.
Continue.