Hello from Berkshire, UK!

**Graeme H** · 23rd January 18, 07:36 AM

Hello everyone,

I heard about X Marks a while back and although I haven't used it myself, I have pointed clients towards it for advice as it seems to have a sterling reputation in tartan circles. I'm a second generation bespoke tailor from Berkshire, just outside of London in England. I have a particular fondness for highland wear, kilts and (in particular) tartan, although I do not get nearly enough opportunities to don a kilt myself. My heritage is predominantly Irish and English, but I also have Scottish and Welsh blood too.

My history is in gentlemen's tailoring, with my lineage coming from my father who apprenticed as a military cutter at Conway Williams of Mayfair and was subsequently recruited by Hawkes of Savile Row just before their merging and becoming Gieves & Hawkes. After the merger he became G&H's military tailoring manager. Unfortunately my credentials aren't quite as impressive

as I've worked for my father my whole professional life, picking up things as I go. I now run the personal tailoring department of our family business and handle all initial consultations, design, pattern work and fittings. I also undertake cutting, alterations and hand finishing alongside another (extremely talented) tailor and finisher.

My highland wear connection comes from our quite substantial formal wear department which offers a large range of hire wear, including highland wear; which is considered a little bit niche in our neck of the woods. Subsequently we have become quite well known for it and have built up a loyal base of regular customers for highland wear, for both hire and retail, as well as tailoring. From a tailoring point of view I absolutely adore working with tartan. We use a freelance kiltmaker so I do not handle any kilts myself, but regularly cut trews and even dinner suits in tartan, as well as all manner of formal and casual highland jackets and waistcoats.

Out of respect for the forum moderators and owners, and of course because no-one wishes to be hounded with unwanted promotion, I won't for the time being divulge any of my business details although admittedly I am here in more of a professional capacity; no doubt in time it will become apparent anyway

But if anyone is looking for any particular sartorial or tailoring advice then I'm sure I can offer a little unbiased and honest advice.

I really look forward to speaking with you all and getting involved in some interesting discussions, no doubt I will be learning a lot from you

Graeme

**Liam** · 23rd January 18, 07:56 AM

Welcome to the forum from Western Canada. We look forward to your participation.

**Richrail** · 23rd January 18, 08:08 AM

from Reno, Nevada.

**Tomak** · 23rd January 18, 08:09 AM

Hello and welcome from Southern California.

**Tarheel** · 23rd January 18, 02:46 PM

Well met Graeme. I have not sewn (occasionally a button, hem, darned a sock, etc.) in too many years. I admire all that find that craft an easy task. I crave the feel of material that is contoured to my body shape. The last item I made for myself was a tux (1973). I have made vests and altered jackets since, but can't claim any level of skill to those as they were made to fit an immediate need.

I hope I (or we as a collective) can offer desires and preferences in clothing that will help you fit the tastes and needs of future clients. All tips you may offer will be well received (and sometimes challenged for clarity in detail). Welcome to the forum.