Ongoing Bespoke Projects

[Despos]

He does "Skype Fittings" (he did a few for European customers). He gets some measurements/photos from me over Instagram dm and ships out the fittings to me. I live in NY state as well so shipping is still within 2-3 days. I think this is his preferred method right now.
Even if there wasn't the chaos going around, I doubt I would drive up to Sacketts Harbor, NY (where his shop is).

This is actually my first time working with Frank. He had a "sale" for two days and I took up the offer.

Did you meet for measurements?

 

[Crispyj]

Did you meet for measurements?

Nope, NY already had lock down.

 

[Crispyj]

The lapels came out f'ing fantastic! I'll be trying this on next week!
Fastest updating bespoke project in the thread!

 

[clothingfun]

Hello again and I hope everyone is staying well.

I still have a couple of bespoke projects in progress. However, they are in a bit of a holding pattern unfortunately as current events are certainly not the most favorable for traveling tailors. Hopefully someday soon.

I decided to scratch my sartorial itch by ordering something that doesn’t require fittings! Bespoke cuff links.

I ordered a couple pairs from a native silversmith I have done business with for a little while now. My first pair was recently delivered and I had a chance to wear them today and wanted to share (I believe this is the proper thread to do so.)

I have really liked mountain lions ever since I was a young boy and thought it was a cool idea. Here is the very first rough draft he sent as well as a couple photos of the finished product.

 

[Toninno]

Hello again and I hope everyone is staying well.

I still have a couple of bespoke projects in progress. However, they are in a bit of a holding pattern unfortunately as current events are certainly not the most favorable for traveling tailors. Hopefully someday soon.

I decided to scratch my sartorial itch by ordering something that doesn’t require fittings! Bespoke cuff links.

I ordered a couple pairs from a native silversmith I have done business with for a little while now. My first pair was recently delivered and I had a chance to wear them today and wanted to share (I believe this is the proper thread to do so.)

I have really liked mountain lions ever since I was a young boy and thought it was a cool idea. Here is the very first rough draft he sent as well as a couple photos of the finished product.

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Extremely elegant cuff links. This guy is the real deal.

 

[brax]

Hello again and I hope everyone is staying well.

I still have a couple of bespoke projects in progress. However, they are in a bit of a holding pattern unfortunately as current events are certainly not the most favorable for traveling tailors. Hopefully someday soon.

I decided to scratch my sartorial itch by ordering something that doesn’t require fittings! Bespoke cuff links.

I ordered a couple pairs from a native silversmith I have done business with for a little while now. My first pair was recently delivered and I had a chance to wear them today and wanted to share (I believe this is the proper thread to do so.)

I have really liked mountain lions ever since I was a young boy and thought it was a cool idea. Here is the very first rough draft he sent as well as a couple photos of the finished product.

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Pretty cool. But why opt for the swivel back? I think something that nice and personal deserves two identical ends.

 

[clothingfun]

Hello again everyone and I hope everyone is well. I’m honestly surprised (in a good way) in regards to how much of a positive response I have received. Both here and via PM. I appreciate all your kind words. I will try and make this reply very brief but I have received a fair number of sincere questions.

@Toninno - You are correct in that this gentlemen is indeed the “real deal.” I have been a pretty serious collector all my life and his work is excellent. Duane, the silversmith who made these, used to have a very small website but I believe it doesn’t exist any longer. However, here is a little information about him I thought you may find of interest:

Duane Tawahongva - Hopi Arts Trail

There are four primary forms in Hopi art and Hopi Artwork: Hopi Pottery, Hopi Carving, Hopi Basketry, Hopi Weaving, and Hopi Silversmithing and Hopi Jewelry.

hopiartstrail.com

@brax- Interesting thoughts. Honestly it is something I just never considered. However, from what I understand, with identical end cuff links the inside end is smaller. Given the nature of overlay silver working, the detailing probably wouldn’t work in a smaller space. In fact, Duane actually had to make these a bit larger than I normally like to make the mountain lion look right.

Either way, I really like these as they are and my other pair that is in the works will be the same. You offer a very interesting suggestion for a future pair however. Thank you for your thoughts.

Lastly, to those who messaged me about including lapidary and stones. Classic Hopi overlay doesn’t normally use stones and I wanted to keep it traditional. However, stones aren’t overly uncommon either and he does work with them upon request. I am also in the process of having a tie made that will include turquoise and pink coral. When discussing details, Duane sent me a couple examples of pieces he is working on for other clients. The first tie photo is a finished piece the second is a work in progress.

I just thought that photos could answer the lapidary questions much better than I could explain Also, it’s just neat stuff to look at. Thanks again everyone! When my other cuffs links and tie are finished I would be delighted to share a picture if anyone is interested.

 

[EFV]

Hello again and I hope everyone is staying well.

I still have a couple of bespoke projects in progress. However, they are in a bit of a holding pattern unfortunately as current events are certainly not the most favorable for traveling tailors. Hopefully someday soon.

I decided to scratch my sartorial itch by ordering something that doesn’t require fittings! Bespoke cuff links.

I ordered a couple pairs from a native silversmith I have done business with for a little while now. My first pair was recently delivered and I had a chance to wear them today and wanted to share (I believe this is the proper thread to do so.)

I have really liked mountain lions ever since I was a young boy and thought it was a cool idea. Here is the very first rough draft he sent as well as a couple photos of the finished product.

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Joe Exotic, is that you?

JK JK

 

[clothingfun]

Joe Exotic, is that you?

JK JK

I just like this type of stuff and wanted to share. Where I live it isn’t considered exotic or unusual at all. Hopefully folks here from other parts can appreciate the craftsmanship. Like a fine bespoke tailor, this type of jewelry making is a very unique and difficult skill to master. Duane is a very talented man.

If any of you fellas are ever out this way I would be delighted to take you out on a mountain lion hunt so you can see what you have been missing out on!

During these strange days I have found reading SF and engaging in these conversations from time to time to be a nice little “escape” so to speak. Thanks everyone!

 

[stuffedsuperdud]

The lapels came out f'ing fantastic! I'll be trying this on next week!
Fastest updating bespoke project in the thread!

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!! So this is YOUR jacket?? I've been drooling over it on Frank's IG page these past several days. I think this will finally prompt me to pull the trigger on the flannel suit I've been wanting since 2015. Be sure to post pics from the next fitting!

 

[Crispyj]

Frank has been doing fantastic work. I'll be trying it on this week. Then it'll just be the sleeves and collar left.
Frank's favorite look: strong 1930s, unapologetic shoulders.
That waist to shoulder difference ?

 

[bry2000]

How did he do the measurements? I think you said you have never met him in person?

 

[Crispyj]

How did he do the measurements? I think you said you have never met him in person?

I gave him my chest, waist and seat measurements. For pictures, front , side and back.

 

[Crispyj]

I just saw this, thoughts on the lining... This is all he had in store. It'll take some getting used to.

 

[stuffedsuperdud]

Frank has been doing fantastic work. I'll be trying it on this week. Then it'll just be the sleeves and collar left.
Frank's favorite look: strong 1930s, unapologetic shoulders.
That waist to shoulder difference ?

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Holy cow this is freaky fast. Like, Indochino with their 14-day turnaround and thousand man factory in Dalian is watching and going "Damn that Shattuck guy can move..." If I can catch up on the timeline here, 12 days ago Frank announced the one-day discount to fill a hole in his schedule and you came running with lust in your eyes. It only took 1 week to go from that to the first muslin fitting and for you to pick a new cloth to replace the old one. And now, like five days layer, the jacket is already almost all set for another fitting. Amazing.

Looking forward to the final result, which I guess will be here sometime yesterday....

Edit: This might be more of a question for Frank, but how detailed were the two sessions you've had so far? His reputation as such a purist for the old ways had me very surprised when he suddenly became a pioneer of sorts for online true bespoke, e.g. I can't imagine him trusting you to measure yourself online-MTM style. But I guess 40 years of experience probably allows him to size you up pretty good even before going to the measuring tape...