The First Suit of Many

I was flattered when a friend of mine, a Mr Ed Jackman from the band The Strangerhood asked wether I would make his wedding suit for him back in the start of 2011.  Of course I accepted.  I was nervous to start as although I had been tailoring for some time this would have been my first commissioned piece and not to mention that it would be worn on the most important day of his live.

We started with a conversation about what he wanted from this suit.  We decided on something less formal than traditional wedding attire because he wanted something he could wear again and again.  We wanted something cool and casual, yet with style and presence.  So I put together a mood board and a fabric sample collection, and over a pint we came up with some good ideas.

Finally I put together this final design board with details and influences.  We decided on two beautiful brown wools from Holland and Sherry on Savile Row and Ed picked out an electric shot satin orange lining with a sky blue piping.  The final design was a teddy boy inspired design, something that said 50's rock'n'roll yet with a modern cut.  It was a tradition Savile Row style cut with nipped in waist, roped shoulders and slim sleeve that gives the wearer a leaner look.

After drafting a pattern from Ed's measurements I cut the cloth and did a first baste and a first fitting.  There were a few minor alterations that needed to be made, for example the shape of the trouser leg and the length of the jacket.  But that is why you have more than one fitting with bespoke tailoring so that you can sculpt the small details to a perfect fit.

After a few weeks and a couple of fittings we had a finish product.  Finished with an orange top stitch and horn buttons, I also added some personal touches like the design and a personal message sewn into the bottom inside pockets.  The finished result I think was fantastic and I was really proud of it.  As you can see they both looked beautiful on the day.

And now a massive congratulations on the birth of their first child, little Leonard Darragh Jackman, I wish you all the best.