spoon tailor -hong kong bespoke operation in San Francisco - Page 2

You didn't go that route? They asked me to come back with a shirt, instead of taking my measurements. I was a little put off by that, actually. Are you satisfied with the fit?

Placed an order for their 799 suit and just went in for the first fitting. I have to say, the service has far exceeded my expectation. First of all, the jacket is truly basted, i.e., not sewed up at all. Everything can be moved. Only one sleeve was attached so I can see the size/shape of the armhole on the other shoulder. Both lapels were open to reveal the canvas. The master tailor was there and we changed a lot of things: the lapel shape (width, curve shape, button stance, notch position, etc), armhole size and position, shoulder shape and padding. He told me to go in for a second fitting, and confirmed that the second fitting would still be done on the basted shell, not a suit that's already been sewn up. So far, I think for 799 you really can't beat this service -- two real fittings (not the kind of MTM alteration "fittings") before the entire thing is put together. Hopefully these guys will stay in business and keep their price levels.

The reason for that, I suppose, is to figure what kind of fit you like. Taking measurements only gives them the idea of the ballpark numbers, but someone might like it fit closers than others. Measuring your existing perfectly-fitting shirt allows them to get it right the first time.

cool! thanks for sharing otheme

Second fitting today -- lifted the lapel notch, and elevated armhole as high as possible. Last time I explained to the tailor that this suit is for "ballroom dancers" and pointed to a picture of Fred Astaire -- he immediately understood the idea

Here are the pics from the second fitting. Note that the lapel shapes were different in the first pic -- it was done deliberately so I could compare and choose the shape I liked. Construction I believe is full canvas but half stitched -- a common practice among Asian tailors.

Can you expand on this?

The canvas covers the entire front, but only the part that's behind the lapel (perhaps also in front of the chest, I'm not entirely sure) is stitched. I believe this is the so-called "full canvas" construction.

You should check if there is anything under the canvass. If there is nothing under, it is fully canvassed.

I was there yesterday, and asked about this issue. Their concern is that they don't feel like their tailors have the skills to build a proper full-canvas jacket. The senior tailor (Andrew's father) is, but he is based in SF to do the cutting, fitting and final adjustments. Maybe over time they'll develop or hire these skills, Andrew seems to be very anxious to find somebody either in the US or Hong Kong who will be able to provide this. He commented that the current generation of HK tailors grew up making fused jackets, while the older generation has mostly retired, or is well ensconced somewhere like WW Chan or Gordon Yao, and there hasn't really been a knowledge transfer down to the younger generation.

Andrew has also just gotten in a set of swatches from Alumo and is trying to set up a relationship with them, he's taking suggestions for bolts to purchase and keep in stock.

They're also opening another location, in the Westin St. Francis.

Will they be selling fabrics? Another location? Business must be good.

Tailor spooning. the only way to get him to add 2 inch buttoned cuffs on your trousers.

How do you mean "selling fabrics"? I don't think he intends to sell lengths direct to the public, if that's what you mean. My impression is that business is very good - every time I've been in there he's had appointments before and after me, and had a steady stream of curious passersby stopping in. There's definitely demand for bespoke at an entry level price point. I expect they'll raise their prices to get close to parity with Chan once they're able to deliver on all of the Chan extras - full canvassing, hand sewn buttonholes, etc - Spoon's prices for comparable fabrics to Chan are not a lot cheaper today: the suit I just ordered from Chan for $1450 would have run me $1300 at Spoon (H&S Cape Kid High Twist / 2 piece).


But will he hold on to your pants for 2 years?

Are you serious?