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jefferyd

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But locally, I assume, there's probably some sharing of knowledge through trade associations (like the one formally set up for Savile Row) or a pubs (where tailors still gather, although I hear it's less than before).

There used to be. The trade associations still exist, like the CTDA, the IACDE, Savile Row Bespoke, etc. but not a lot of sharing goes on in the meetings anymore. There used to be practical work sessions during the meetings and conventions but as the trade has shrunk people have guarded their secrets more closely. Instead, we share among friends. I was in Chicago a few weeks ago so went and hung out at Despos' new showroom and we chatted about techniques for forward-pitched shoulders and how to make canvas and stuff. There was that episode where the head tailor/designer at Boglioli liked how I got my collar to fit so we traded- he made me a coat and I made him one; he's at Brooks Brothers now so when I was in the city he took me through the store to show me what he was doing over there. The guy at Saint Andrews invited me to go over to visit them and he will come visit us, to see what we are doing in our workshops.
 

Bromley

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There used to be. The trade associations still exist, like the CTDA, the IACDE, Savile Row Bespoke, etc. but not a lot of sharing goes on in the meetings anymore. There used to be practical work sessions during the meetings and conventions but as the trade has shrunk people have guarded their secrets more closely. Instead, we share among friends. I was in Chicago a few weeks ago so went and hung out at Despos' new showroom and we chatted about techniques for forward-pitched shoulders and how to make canvas and stuff. There was that episode where the head tailor/designer at Boglioli liked how I got my collar to fit so we traded- he made me a coat and I made him one; he's at Brooks Brothers now so when I was in the city he took me through the store to show me what he was doing over there. The guy at Saint Andrews invited me to go over to visit them and he will come visit us, to see what we are doing in our workshops.

Very cool.
 

dieworkwear

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Chatting about techniques for forward-pitched shoulders sounds like actually important and titillating sartorial observations.
 

Despos

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Chatting about techniques for forward-pitched shoulders sounds like actually important and titillating sartorial observations.

Jeffery was promoting the "stretch" and I was extoling the virtues of the "shift". It got pretty intense and lead to dirty martinis and dark spiced rum. No conclusion reached
 

jefferyd

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Jeffery was promoting the "stretch" and I was extoling the virtues of the "shift". It got pretty intense and lead to dirty martinis and dark spiced rum. No conclusion reached

Not to mention Nico's. That was pretty good.
 

Patrick R

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Jeffery was promoting the "stretch" and I was extoling the virtues of the "shift". It got pretty intense and lead to dirty martinis and dark spiced rum. No conclusion reached

Would have enjoyed joining you both!

Chris, I have some fun news to update you with respect to the growth of my business. I look forward to hanging out again soon.
 

Blake Stitched Blues

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I think there's some sharing of information. I don't know if you've read the book Nothing but the Best by Thomas Girtin (if you haven't, it's a wonderful book). It's about the sociology of bespoke tradespeople in and around London. One of the things that struck me is how all the tailors used to gather around the pubs. Most of these are very normal, working class folk who are just trying to relax at the pub -- like any other normal person, really. But in between the gossip and chit chat, my understanding is that a lot of information is often shared about how to improve some tailoring or cutting technique.

Thanks for the suggestion. It looks to be out of print but I managed to find a first edition on Amazon for a few bucks. I've found that I much prefer books that are nominally about clothing rather than dry, technical manuals like Flusser's writing. Peter Mayles' Acquired Tastes was a nice read too. Total fluff but very enjoyable.
 

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