A Poor Man's Millions in conversation with John Cutler

Hi John, could I start of by asking you to reveal a little bit about the colours, patterns and fabrics that you are working with at the moment?
I make for a great variety of types of clients. The more conservative still stick with the navy blue, black and mid to dark grey. Those who are more adventuresome are into brown, lighter blue and linen in taupe, slater grey and blue. Plain colours are strong – not so many stripes as last year – and checks are also interesting, subtle checks. I am very into natural fibres: wool, silk, linen, cotton and (on the far end of the spectrum) many luxurious fibres such as Vicuna and cashmere.


Suit linings are increasingly becoming a way of expressing personality: are there any companies in particular you are working with on these?
I am buying some linings from Business Punks out of Germany. They engage European artists to design extraordinary concepts (through) graffiti. Images of people like Cobain, Hendrix and Amy Winehouse. I am also printing my own silk linings from high-resolution images from my new book, 'Making the Cut'. It’s a beautiful documentation of 130 years of passion in bespoke tailoring.


What is the attraction to the art of tailoring for you?
It is very personal and satisfies my longing for an artistic expression. It is wonderful to be able to turn peoples’ dreams into realities. With bespoke one is only limited by the imagination. I love working with
individuals to produce the attire in which they face the world.


To what do you attribute a renewed interest in bespoke tailoring among a younger clientele?

The new interest has to do with the exposure of clothing ideas as presented in movies, magazines and, in particular, social media. Men are seeking a garment that exudes quality and allows them to express their individuality.


If there was one or two pieces of advice you could dispense when it comes to having a suit tailored, what would it be?
Be sure that the tailor can adequately understand your commission and is relaxed and excited with the concept. Ask to see the workroom and meet the tailors who are going to make the garments. A personal relationship is paramount in bespoke. I have some clients who watch me cut their patterns and then sit in the workroom and watch each stitch that goes into the creation of their clothing.





Images courtesy of Richard Weinstein