Is this one of the world's most expensive suits? It's a snip at HK$1 million
Video: Boasting 22-carat gold stitching, with a gold waistcoat and diamond-encrusted gold buttons, the one-off is on sale at HK$1 million (US$129,000).
A tailor in Hong Kong has produced what he claims to be one of the world's most expensive suits.
With 22-carat gold stitching, a gold waistcoat and diamond-encrusted gold buttons, the one-off was sold on May 29 for HK$1 million (US$129,000). It took Apsley Tailors 200 hours to make the suit from the finest wool, with gold woven into the fabric.
Apsley Tailors is based at Punjab House in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is famous for its bespoke suits. Established in 1889, it became the go-to tailors for the British forces stationed in Hong Kong, making officers' uniforms as well as civilian attire.
Word soon spread to Europe and America of the firm's reputation as one of the city's leading tailors, prompting it to open a shop in London's exclusive Pall Mall. But in 1997, the company had to rethink its business plan in Hong Kong when British troops left after the handover.
Now, the company has turned its focus on the sporting world, boasting five English Premier League soccer clubs and two rugby teams among its clientele.
Director Arshad Mahmood said the gold suit was the only one of its kind in the world. "It is very special. It's a great achievement for us," he said.