Asha's Suit

Text - Dom Read   Images - Dom Read & Asha Wilson

So it is not every day that I get the opportunity to hand craft something special for someone, but when I do, I truly relish the occasion.

A couple months ago on a warm summer evening, sat in a beautiful historic pub courtyard, me and Asha got onto the topic of her graduation. She despaired that she had no idea of what she would like to wear.
I joked "Well you do know a tailor..." 
To my surprise Asha lit up, ecstatic at the idea and right then and there we began to plan out the potential suit to be. We discussed the shape and style, the purpose, the fabrics and of course the pockets! We booked in a few dates for fittings, the final delivery date and wham bam the tailor train was chugging!

The first step was meeting up to plan out what the suit was going to specifically look like. Then pick which fabrics to use and get Asha measured up. It was a fun process to go through, as it had been a little while since the last time I made something bespoke for a customer. Asha chatted away to her friend as she stood on a stool and I worked my way around her taking her measurements. I asked her about the different elements that she wanted to have included and I sketched up her custom suit as we chatted.

It was then time to do the pattern cutting. I spent a couple of days drafting up the pattern and making a mockup to fit to Asha. We then did another couple of fittings to ensure that we were both happy with how the toile was fitting. 

Once we were both happy with the final fit, it was time for me to construct the final suit! Lining fabric and buttons arrived to Asha's delight and the outer fabric had been washed, preshrunk and was ready to go! Time to cut and sew! 

Then after a few solid days and nights of cutting, stitching and pressing it was time for delivery! The construction process was an absolute delight, so fun to be working with such beautiful, natural linen. It felt good to be making a garment that was made with a purpose and would be worn forever. A formal suit when worn together, a comfortable casual jacket when worn separately and a pair of rowdy trousers when worn alone!! I was delighted to hand over this project and I think Asha was pretty pleased too!! Have a look at the photos and you tell me!

Please get in touch if you would like your own bespoke suit made!

Much Love Dom xxx