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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.