A Messina tailor’s worktable
This summer I visited one of the tailors I reviewed in my e-book on Sicilian tailors – Pippo Arrigo in Messina. Here are a few photos of his workspace and table:
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Old World textiles: Antico Setificio Fiorentino
The Privilege of Luxury – Short movie from Antico Setificio Fiorentino on Vimeo. This is an informative albeit promotional video of Antico Setificio Fiorentino, Florence’s last silk-making factory. It was established in 1786 and bought by the Stefano Ricci group in 2010. The factory specializes in silk and silk-linen damask, brocade and Ermisino taffeta woven
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Scissormaking: Ernest Wright and Sons
The Putter from shaun bloodworth on Vimeo. I enjoyed coming across this story on the state of the scissor making trade in England and a mini-revival of what appears to be the country’s last remaining maker. I’m learning how to cut and sew a men’s shirt later this year and will put in a order
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Trimmings merchant: Bernstein & Banleys
I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Jonathan Bernstein of Bernstein & Banleys, one of the few remaining independent trimmings merchants left in the trade. I was interested in meeting for a simple reason. Although I had found a French source for silk facings used in dinner jackets and formalwear, I had not yet
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Mastered.com – the theory and practice of making things
I’m not terribly fond of the well-worn adage “Those who can, do. Those who can’t, teach”. Indeed I think it is very wrong-headed in assuming the separation of theory from practice and privileging the latter in all instances. Perhaps I’m overlooking something but I’ve found the individual parts rarely exceed the sum of both. This
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Is a $300 canvas tote bag a #firstworld luxury?
Well, yes. A $300 canvas tote bag is a #firstworld luxury and the ability to buy one is a nice option to have. On the other hand, it is perhaps the only ethical thing to do assuming you have the means to afford a $300 tote. Let me explain. I happen to live in NYC
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The decline and fall of hat wearing
The English historian Edward Gibbon attributed the decline and fall of the once ubiquitous Roman Empire to the gradual, enervating loss of martial dedication and civic discipline among its citizenry. In a way, the Romans did not keep up the appearances required of an enduring civilization. Put simply, the slipping of standards led to the
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Accessory round-up
Happy new year, I recently received a few accessories which I thought I would share. They are a very elegant pair of Vass austerity brogue shoes, a bespoke Yellow Hook cashmere tie made in Brooklyn and an Equus leather belt crafted using highly durable English bridle leather and brass hardware. In addition, I note that
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