Opinions on trunk sales?

[boston]

I was just invited to the Ralph Lauren trunk sale. They say that orders placed there for MTM will have the tailoring charge waived. I have no idea how much of a savings this is, or whether it's worth it. In fact, I'm not even sure what a trunk sale is. (Just came back from looking at the discount racks in Neiman. Nothing good there, so I checked out the new stuff for Isaia and Brioni. Jackets are like butter and air -- how do they do it?

) -boston

 

[NoVaguy]

I was just invited to the Ralph Lauren trunk sale. They say that orders placed there for MTM will have the tailoring charge waived. I have no idea how much of a savings this is, or whether it's worth it. In fact, I'm not even sure what a trunk sale is. (Just came back from looking at the discount racks in Neiman. Nothing good there, so I checked out the new stuff for Isaia and Brioni. Jackets are like butter and air -- how do they do it?

) -boston

Doesn't MTM inherently include tailoring? I mean, it's being made to measure. If so, they're giving away something that wasn't there anyway.

 

[jcusey]

There's usually a 10 or 15% upcharge on MTM over RTW prices, and this surcharge is typically waived during semi-annual "trunk shows", which usually are just glorified MTM sales. If you're going to buy a MTM suit, this is the time to do it.

 

[gregory]

Basic question: So does store MTM programs basically just use the existing items they are selling and then just adjust it (like you would if you bought it and then took it to a tailor yourself?)

 

[Brian SD]

other trunk shows I've been to for smaller designers just sold their gear really cheap at the trunk shows.

 

[boston]

I beleive MTM takes your measurements and then cuts the suit to your size. It's not bespoke because it's made to a pattern, not to your body.

I don't think MTM is bad, it's just not bespoke.

 

[discostu004]

i think the deal is if a suit is 1,000 off the rack it might be 1150 or 1200 MTM, but they'll do it for off the rack price, to induce people to come, at least that's how i understand it, so you actually DO save over an MTM but not over a straight off the rack

 

[Horace]

Basic question: So does store MTM programs basically just use the existing items they are selling and then just adjust it (like you would if you bought it and then took it to a tailor yourself?)

Someone will be able to correct or clarify what I write here, but I believe that, if you take the Southwick MTM, for example, they'll:

add or subtract details to suit
cut from an existing pattern (but modify (the pattern)? where necessary).
I think the trick is getting a good tailor to begin with, who can measure you. You don't want an ignoramus doing the measurements, so that when the MTM arrives, and minimum modifications are made in the shop and button holes in sleeves cut, that the suit doesn't fit right.