Bespoke Tailoring...what's that?

"What do you study at uni?"

"Bespoke Tailoring"

"...oh so you do, like, textiles?"

This is such a pet hate right now. So many people don't know what bespoke tailoring is, which is fine, I love that my subject isn't very well known, but it certainly isn't textiles! Textiles was a secondary school subject that most kids were almost forced into as part of their curriculum, where you'd maybe make a draw string bag or a cushion cover. On my course I'm learning to draft bespoke trouser and jacket patterns to client measurements, how to measure a client, how to judge if they have a drop shoulder or a hunched back and how to accommodate for that in the pattern. I can make a full suit after just one year studying and I've learned so many hand stitches I can barely remember all of them! As part of my course I also undertake a design project each term where I create a collection of suits as if I were collaborating with a famous Savile Row tailor or designer, along with lectures about cultural and historical aspects of fashion which require an essay each term too (yawn). So no, I don't think it's right to compare Bespoke Tailoring to Textiles, I feel like it's severely downplaying my skills and my career choice. Of course, most people don't mean any harm by it but I've met a few that do. On the complete opposite side there are a good few people who know exactly what Bespoke Tailoring is and congratulate me for learning the trade and carrying on the age old traditions of Savile Row tailors. It's strange how I've only really experienced two different reactions to my subject choice.

Started this blog with a rant which isn't the best start but ah well! This was my blog from college http://moofookimbob.blogspot.co.uk/ and I haven't updated it since I finished college over a year ago, so I'm starting a new one here so I can complete all my uni research the way I enjoy.

So to anyone reading, if you're still interested then watch this space, and to anyone who's already decided that they don't care, just click on that little 'x' at the top of your browser and have a great life!