Quote:
Originally Posted by
DocHolliday 
I didn't miss your distinction, I just don't buy it. And, in your last sentence, you contradict it. You're paying for Rubinacci's taste, same as Tom Ford customers are paying for his. And, as the other Matt suggests, Rubinacci wouldn't copy Ford anyway. I can't imagine any tailor you'd consider using would. Imagine walking into A&S and asking for a copy of Ford. Or Gieves. Or Cheo or Shattuck. Who you gonna hire? Even if you found an extremely flexible tailor, would you be happy with the result? Imagine Ford by Poole. Or Ford by Chan. At best, you're getting a poor man's copy.
Again, why do you think Tom Ford would be that hard to copy? Put in another way: Tom Ford's suits just don't seem that remarkable. It's not like he's doing things other makers aren't doing or can't do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DocHolliday 
Similarly, we can simplify Rubinacci down to a handfull of hallmarks, just as you simplify Ford's. Surely any decent tailor can make me a soft coat with a bit of fullness in the chest and lightly padded shoulders? After all, the client is the one directing this show to get just the look he wants, right? Rubinacci has no exclusive right to these things.
From my understanding, drape in the chest and unpadded shoulders are not matters of mere aesthetic choice, but reflections of a unique approach to tailoring. So no, I don't think just any tailor could do would Rubinacci does. Otherwise you'd see a lot more of it and we'd all be Chan customers instead of going to Naples.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
DocHolliday 
Your entire premise seems built on an insult: That Tom Ford's stuff is entirely the product of "fashion" (as though all men's clothing isn't), and therefore he has no claim to the "taste" you're willing to pay for from Rubinacci.
Why is this an insult? Some people value fashion a great deal and don't understand why I choose to wear things that are so unfashionable.