Developing Personal Taste

Yesterday I was stopped just outside College by a fellow student who has been very kindly reading the blog, and I proceeded to hear his thoughts on what he was envisioning for his first bespoke suit (and yes, I'm pleased to say that it was the blog which had convinced him that it was something he'd like to experience). I always love nattering about tailoring - this being something that anyone either interested or involved in the industry will willingly hold his hands up to - and it was a lovely surprise to be able to spend five minutes thinking a design for a suit through with a friend.

Interestingly his taste could not be more different from my own - a modern take on tweed, in a muted monochrome cloth of some kind, with narrow notched lapels and a low-cut single breasted waistcoat with slim, modern trousers. The conversation reminded me that ultimately, taste (with regard to anything with aesthetic merit, be it art, architecture, cuisine or clothing) is a profoundly personal thing, and that despite my questioning what this friend was suggesting for his first suit, I had absolutely no right to judge. True, it is not an aesthetic that I'd choose for myself, but he had a clear vision of what he wanted to achieve and I've no doubt that when he chooses and works with a tailor to make the suit a reality - it'll be an extremely special thing to him.

 Furthermore, it also acted as a timely reminder that despite my being very set in my own tastes now, it has taken years of engaging with the clothes I wear (I bought my first suit aged fourteen) for me to really establish what I like and dislike. Additionally, the conversation reminded me how deciding what you like and dislike wearing is a continually developing process. I remember walking into Sixth Form for the first day wearing a poorly fitting suit that now I'd blanch at, but at the time I felt like king of the world. Even with the purchase of my new bespoke suit last month, having worn it out four or five times now, there are a few things I'll approach differently next time round.

Despite great tailoring having a timeless quality, I think it pays to remember that a large part of the pleasure to be gained from dressing well is the way in which every individual continually cultivates their own personal style, and every now and then (particularly when you're looking to go into the business of tailoring - where every customer likes something different) it can be extremely rewarding to take some time to acknowledge the style of others, so here's to you - my undoubtedly stylish readers!