ETYMOLOGICALLY, the term “bespoke” in fashion originated from Savile Row in London, referring to individually patterned and tailored menswear. “Bespoke” is a word derived from the term “to be spoken for” in 17th century London, referring to a piece of clothing that is entirely made by hand for the client in accordance with about 30 measurements. Until the 1960s, bespoke was relegated to the ranks of aristocrats. The Beatles changed this paradigm by having Savile Row tailors design one-off outfits that defined rock and roll, rocketing the concept to civilians. Bespoke is now a term that has been woefully abused.
Andrew Menon of Marlo Bespoke, aims to correct this travesty in the industry, “many of the country’s top tailors claim to be bespoke, but after some mystery shopping, we discovered that they weren’t. Some of the telltale signs are the waiting times. They chalk it up to long waiting lists but really, it’s because the garments are sent back and forth to regions like Vietnam or Batam were the workmanship is cheaper and machined.”
For 10 years prior, Marlo (operating under a different name then) was the leading bespoke tailor in Dubai. Investment broker Menon was a client and as a suit connoisseur, he found that the quality started to slip. He found out that the previous owners were cutting corners and that by narrowing the production time frame, you could churn out more garments, consequently compromising the product. That said, Menon admitted that he only realised the drop in quality because he was a long-time customer and that most newcomers would probably not have noticed. Raising the equity with a few co-investors, he proposed a buyout of the business and relocated operations to Singapore while keeping the network.
Bu hikaye August Man SG dergisinin Issue 176 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye August Man SG dergisinin Issue 176 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
THE BACHA COFFEE RENAISSANCE
AUGUSTMAN speaks to Bacha Coffee's chief commercial officer, Maranda Barnes, who shares some insights into the brand's impressive expansion plans.
Sports Democracy
STARHUB HAS DONE MUCH TO BRIDGE EVERYDAY SINGAPOREANS WITH THE BEST IN SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT WITH ITS SPORTS+ PASS. CHIEF OF CONSUMER BUSINESS JOHAN BUSE TELLS US MORE ABOUT THEIR EFFORTS IN BRINGING FOOTBALL TO ALL.
Titanium Second Skin
Combining ergonomics, horology, and materials, the Roger Dubuis Excalibur Monobalancier Titanium becomes an extension of the wearer.
AFTER THE PARTY
This new year, I reject the new and embrace the old.
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
The party to fete AUGUSTMAN Malaysia's Men of the Year 2024 was one to remember.
Metal To Pedestal
Kia's much-vaunted EV9 is a sleek, powerful electric vehicle stealing attention from Chinese upstarts and European giants. Will it keep our gaze or will the hype sputter?
IT IS NOT A WRAP
THIS YEAR, I REJECT THE FLAWED FINDINGS OF MY 2024 SPOTIFY WRAPPED ROUNDUP AND VOW TO BE, DO, AND LISTEN BETTER. THE WORK STARTS NOW.
When Nature Called
...I ANSWERED IT AT EVERY BREAK OF DAWN.
THE ONE WHO MOVES THE NEEDLE
Opera Gallery may be the world's most famous purveyor of fine art. AUGUSTMAN traces its Singapore roots with Gilles Dyan, its founder and chairman.
RAY OF LIGHT
Mark Foster, founder and frontman for the multi-platinum-selling, somewhat-eponymous band Foster The People on creating the most vital music of his existence.