Bespoke clothing has a long, rich history. It's normally associated with high-end tailors like those in London's Savile Row and the made-to-measure suit makers of Hong Kong.
The concept is nothing new. But the rise of casual clothes in the workplace has meant that made-to-order wear has spread beyond the standard stiff suits and shoes. Any purveyor of contemporary fashion knows there is a clear distinction between the affordable off-the-rack items from Uniqlo and H&M and the bespoke offerings that designer labels embrace.
The latest trend to emerge in the world of tailor-made clothing is in denim. Considering that jeans were originally created in the mid-19th century as a durable form of clothing for mining communities, it's surprising how perception has changed over the years. Jeans are now as acceptable in the workplace as they are for a night on the town.
But the world of bespoke is hard to find your way around. A walk down Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, with its dozens of alleged tailors, is testament to that fact. What's more, every emerging fashion trend sees companies crawling out of the woodwork to get your patronage. That makes it hard to separate the true, tried-and-tested bespoke denim makers from the HK$400 'make-your-own-jeans' manufacturers.
One company making waves for its tailor-made jeans offerings is New York-based 3x1. Founded by Scott Morrison, who previously co-founded labels Earnest Sewn and Paper Denim & Cloth, the brand's 4,000 sq ft Soho store in New York looks more like a tailor's atelier than a jeans shop.
Starting at US$1,200 a pair, they cost a lot more than off-the-shelf jeans. But the possibilities are extensive. For those with a 'favourite pair' that's starting to fall apart, 3x1 will recreate the jeans as closely as possible. Fans of the brand's off-the-rack offerings who require slight 'refitting' can also request adjustments. And those who want to try their hand at fashion design can bring in their own sketches and guide the team into creating their dream pair of jeans.
Hong Kong has only recently started to embrace the bespoke denim trend. Moustache, a trendy bespoke tailoring shop located in Sheung Wan, has decided to expand beyond sleek suits for its autumn collection, through a collaboration with Japanese masters Betty Smith.