The Anderson & Sheppard Expatriates Thread

[daizawaguy]

I’m no international economist, so I don’t really know the ripple effects of this…but aside from travel costs to the US, does the dip in sterling impact their other costs significantly? I would imagine most of their cloth is British, along with their production costs and overheads, etc.

Good point, but a weak sterling makes gasoline, heating costs, and all imported things more expensive. And these effects are also felt downstream - its more expensive to feed the sheep, take their wool to market, spin the cloth...so the costs of cloth go up. Vicious spiral when the currency takes a hit. But it all depends on demand and supply too - all these costs cant be passed on ad infinitum, ultimately something gives. But if you smell a deal, jump for it - things are pretty wild out there! The trick it to buy when you feel the currency has weakened before it equally or possibly worse impacts prices. This usually happens at the beginning of the currency weakness cycle, before they have the chance to jack up prices (their cloth is booked already, and new cloth will force them to increase prices).

 

[comrade]

It also depends on the price elasticity of bespoke clothing, especially on
Savile Row. My impression is that if one can afford Savile Row and prefers
bespoke, then one pays the price. Most of the steady customers have sufficient
wealth to ride out the vagaries of currency and securities markets. Psychologically,
however, the same customers may hold back on new commissions even though
they can afford them.

 

[jonathanS]

I’m no international economist, so I don’t really know the ripple effects of this…but aside from travel costs to the US, does the dip in sterling impact their other costs significantly? I would imagine most of their cloth is British, along with their production costs and overheads, etc.

Totally understand this - I actually am an economist, which is partly why I pay attention & think about these things. My point is, while yes, exchange rate is good right now, its not the end all be all.

It also depends on the price elasticity of bespoke clothing, especially on
Savile Row. My impression is that if one can afford Savile Row and prefers
bespoke, then one pays the price. Most of the steady customers have sufficient
wealth to ride out the vagaries of currency and securities markets. Psychologically,
however, the same customers may hold back on new commissions even though
they can afford them.

Price Elasticity of bespoke clothing - most people who buy bespoke aren't worried about exchange rate. Atleast for myself, I don't worry about exchange rate - when its good, its just a bonus. But, generally, its a non-issue, which is the point I've been making above (they'll adjust the price upwards to make sure its a non-issue & won't lower it when it corrects).

Received cloth from Holland & Sherry and Smith Woollens.
Price per yard increased 25% & 30% from last year.

Yes, prices go up - no one is arguing about that. My point is, and remains, that hounding exchange rates doesn't REALLY save you money in the long-run.

Psychologically,
however, the same customers may hold back on new commissions even though
they can afford them.

Perhaps this is the issue with rising costs. I don't mind an adjustment 100-200 euros / pounds here & there, but 5-600 or several of those in a year is, psychologically, a bigger hurdle.

 

[lordsuperb]

Meeting with Steed folks again soon...thinking about a getting a little weird with a double-breasted suit in an 13oz donegal tweed that I would breakup as separates...

What about a purple sports coat?

 

[MrFingers]

What about a purple sports coat?

And a green vest?

 

[lordsuperb]

And a green vest?

Vest are for old people.

 

[MrFingers]

Vest are for old people.

Wear with confidence

 

[lordsuperb]

Wear with confidence
View attachment 1837143

I guess the going consensus on styleforum is UPS brown.

 

[sugarbutch]

I guess the going consensus on styleforum is UPS brown.

You just need to commission more pieces to show these youngsters how it’s done.

 

[lordsuperb]

You just need to commission more pieces to show these youngsters how it’s done.

Haha, I need another overcoat and blue blazer to finish off my collection. I’ll be saving the louder stuff for when I retire.

The purple tragedy and summer picnic jackets are my favorites for sure.

 

[9thsymph]

What about a purple sports coat?

Boss, I’m not man enough for that!

 

[lordsuperb]

Boss, I’m not man enough for that!

DB suit?

 

[9thsymph]

DB suit? View attachment 1837159 View attachment 1837160

Yep

 

[9thsymph]

DB suit? View attachment 1837159 View attachment 1837160

would break it up as separates (patch pockets, etc…)

some tartan trousers too, man!

 

[JT82]

(cross posted from DB thread...)

Soooo…yeah, these just arrived from Steed! These are thrown on straight out of the box, so they need to hang-be worn-and hang some more before their proper shape and drape emerges, but I’m very happy! Forgive the crappy lighting/pose/angle, etc…

Lovely! Can you share these jacket fabrics? I'm meeting with Steed in a few weeks and need some inspiration myself!