A Briefing for Bespoke
Tailoring has a long and intriguing history, and over time it has developed its own unique methodologies and practices. This post is the first of a series, Briefing for Bespoke, which will chart some of the things it might be helpful for you to know. It will include topics such as the psychology of appearance, cut, proportion, use of colour, business versus fashion, culture and clothes, and many others.
As you may have seen in the press recently (although from its imagery I don’t think that the Mail subscribes to the Hemline Theory of Economy, nor do I think it helped with furthering the cause of the serious business woman) companies such as Ernst & Young are taking the matter of how to dress qutie seriously, and in these financially challenging times one can understand only too well how important it is to leverage up any element that has been allowed to fall by the wayside. Whilst non-business needs are amply covered by the fashion houses and high streets, there remains a considerable dilemma for those in the business environment. Anne Freden, chair of Ernst and Young’s women’s network, was quoted by a number of journalists when she expressed how women often found it difficult to know what clothes were acceptable at work.
I feel that the first step is to take a considered look at some of the practical advice that is around and give a measured distillation of what is available in a form that will suit both the needs and lifestlye of those of you that are in the frontline. I think also that there is a place for some down to earth information about ways in which you can care for your garments, and what new materials or accessories are appearing that will make life a little easier and enable you to dress with confidence. This is the purpose of the posts, and I hope that you will feel able to supplement or perhaps challenge some of the comments that will be uploaded.
By way of a taster, I have included alongside this post a simple illustration of an original and highly practical way in which you might fold a tailored jacket ready for travel.
I will leave the last word with Anne Freden who undoubtedly sees the matter of dress as integral to their extensive programme of workshops designed to promote the E&Y women’s network and help women to maximise their potential as a part of the corporate identity policies of her organisation. “The firm doesn’t view this as something that is nice to have, but as an integral part of the business strategy.”
Photo: With CCL
Tags: bespoke, suits, tailoring, women, womens suits
