Appointment

The Art of Bespoke

Every garment begins with a blank sheet

Bespoke means building a garment from nothing, for one person alone. It is the only way the Maison works.

A necessary distinction

Bespoke is not made-to-measure

The two terms are often confused. In truth, they describe two very different ways of creating a garment.

Bespoke

  • An original paper pattern, drafted from scratch for the client
  • Entirely handcrafted construction
  • Fittings on the garment as it is being made
  • The pattern is kept at the Maison

Made-to-measure

  • A base model, adjusted to measurements
  • Largely industrial production
  • Alterations within preset parameters
  • No individual paper pattern

Maison Bourelly creates bespoke garments exclusively. We do not offer made-to-measure.

The process

Six moments, one person

  1. 01

    The meeting

    Everything begins with a private conversation, at the Maison or at the client’s residence. We speak of occasions, habits, way of life and personality: of what the garment must accompany, even before how it should look.

  2. 02

    The choice of cloth

    From the collections of Dormeuil, Zegna, Loro Piana and Holland & Sherry for men, and of Taroni, Ratti, Maison Sophie Hallette, Solstiss and many others for women, the fabric is chosen: weight, hand, weave, colour. Every cloth behaves in its own way, and must suit both the person and the use.

  3. 03

    Measurements and pattern

    Measurements alone are not enough: posture, proportion and the way one moves all matter. From this reading comes the paper pattern, drafted from scratch and unique, then kept at the Maison for every future commission.

  4. 04

    Cutting and construction

    The cloth is cut on the pattern and the garment takes shape through an entirely handcrafted process. Every insellatura is sewn by hand: a discreet mark that distinguishes authentic tailoring.

  5. 05

    The fittings

    Usually three fittings are planned. With each one the garment comes closer to its balance: shoulders, lines, volumes, movement. For bridal gowns the number of fittings may increase with the complexity of the design.

  6. 06

    The delivery

    The garment is complete and belongs to one person alone. The pattern remains at the Maison: the memory of a form, ready for future creations.