P-K-L
Distinguished Member
- Joined
- Mar 6, 2008
- Messages
- 1,169
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On my recent trip to Napoli I decided to try out a new shirtmaker since I had some difficulties with my old one - his shirts are great but the waiting time between the ordering and the receiving was a bit too long for me. I always like to read reports from other members, so I tried to give it a shot myself...
After having talked to a fellow member I got the hint that there is a shirtmaking operation on Via A. Ciccone, right opposite Cacciopoli, in the same building as G. Volpe.
I went there last Saturday and the street looked just like on the picture above. We were standing in front of the door bell panel and were searching for the right bell when a voice from the balcony on the first floor asked whether we are looking for Gianni Volpe - I replied that I am looking for the camiceria and as it turned out, these ladies were the actual shirt makers. From Monday to Friday there is a concierge working in the building, so it will be easier to find them.
We went in and were greeted in a very friendly way by Maria/ Mary, the one who runs the operation, with home-made coffee and some chitchat. Both my friend and I wanted to order shirts, however the difficulty was that my friend was leaving the next day. We came to the solution that they copy and slightly modify the bespoke shirt he was wearing, which already had a good fit. I was able to go through the whole fitting process, but I will write more about that later.
Next up we started to choose the fabrics - due to the physical proximity to Cacciopoli she has lots of fabric books from them. She is very transparent about the pricing, as she charges separately for the work itself and the fabric cost on top. The offered fabrics range from €11 to ~€40 per meter. She said that she does not stock any Riva since it is not very high demand with her clientele and the tied capital would be too high for that.
After that we made the next appointment for me on Monday, wished each other her a nice weekend and went for a Pizza lunch - Da Michele and Trianon are nearby in case you leave the place very hungry.
On Monday I returned to the place and my fitting was ready - the sample shirt was made of (I suppose) old overstock and had one sleeve and a real collar attached. I guess they use that collar for all 39cm necks.
During the first stage of the fitting Maria worked on the defects which she saw, then ripped the shirt apart, recut and re-sew it.
Next I put the shirt on again and talked about my preferences, I had her enlarge the chest a bit and gave her some further direction, after which she ripped the shirt apart again, recut and re-sew it in order for me to try it on for the third time. Overall I was very satisfied with the fitting process.
Now she promised to finish the shirts within the next 2 weeks and they will find their way to me. Once I will get them, I will post further pictures of the fit and finishing of the shirts.
One thing should be mentioned though, she cannot organise international shipping, so it is either up to the client to arrange shipping or - as in my case - she will get in touch with your tailor who will ship it all together.
Unfortunately I did not take any pictures during the fitting process, I guess I was too concentrated on the process itself, haha! Nevertheless I would like to show you some more pictures of the camiceria:
Entrance Area
The workshop:
Me and the ladies (disclaimer: the seemingly short jacket sleeve on the first picture is just ridden up...)
Contacts:
I hope that you enjoyed my little field report!
After having talked to a fellow member I got the hint that there is a shirtmaking operation on Via A. Ciccone, right opposite Cacciopoli, in the same building as G. Volpe.
I went there last Saturday and the street looked just like on the picture above. We were standing in front of the door bell panel and were searching for the right bell when a voice from the balcony on the first floor asked whether we are looking for Gianni Volpe - I replied that I am looking for the camiceria and as it turned out, these ladies were the actual shirt makers. From Monday to Friday there is a concierge working in the building, so it will be easier to find them.
We went in and were greeted in a very friendly way by Maria/ Mary, the one who runs the operation, with home-made coffee and some chitchat. Both my friend and I wanted to order shirts, however the difficulty was that my friend was leaving the next day. We came to the solution that they copy and slightly modify the bespoke shirt he was wearing, which already had a good fit. I was able to go through the whole fitting process, but I will write more about that later.
Next up we started to choose the fabrics - due to the physical proximity to Cacciopoli she has lots of fabric books from them. She is very transparent about the pricing, as she charges separately for the work itself and the fabric cost on top. The offered fabrics range from €11 to ~€40 per meter. She said that she does not stock any Riva since it is not very high demand with her clientele and the tied capital would be too high for that.
After that we made the next appointment for me on Monday, wished each other her a nice weekend and went for a Pizza lunch - Da Michele and Trianon are nearby in case you leave the place very hungry.
On Monday I returned to the place and my fitting was ready - the sample shirt was made of (I suppose) old overstock and had one sleeve and a real collar attached. I guess they use that collar for all 39cm necks.
During the first stage of the fitting Maria worked on the defects which she saw, then ripped the shirt apart, recut and re-sew it.
Next I put the shirt on again and talked about my preferences, I had her enlarge the chest a bit and gave her some further direction, after which she ripped the shirt apart again, recut and re-sew it in order for me to try it on for the third time. Overall I was very satisfied with the fitting process.
Now she promised to finish the shirts within the next 2 weeks and they will find their way to me. Once I will get them, I will post further pictures of the fit and finishing of the shirts.
One thing should be mentioned though, she cannot organise international shipping, so it is either up to the client to arrange shipping or - as in my case - she will get in touch with your tailor who will ship it all together.
Unfortunately I did not take any pictures during the fitting process, I guess I was too concentrated on the process itself, haha! Nevertheless I would like to show you some more pictures of the camiceria:
Entrance Area
The workshop:
Me and the ladies (disclaimer: the seemingly short jacket sleeve on the first picture is just ridden up...)
Contacts:
I hope that you enjoyed my little field report!