Bespoke Ghillies - still possible?

[Graeme H]

Vass makes stunning shoes, no question, and I imagine they could swing a bespoke pair based on photos and sketches. Really, though, there are a multitude of makers who I’m sure would get it right. I can’t imagine Gaziano and Girling, or Lobb, for example, putting together anything less than a gorgeous pair of brogues.

Do you have experience with leatherwork or cobbling, Graeme? What is the bulk of your work? I would guess suiting and shirting. I’ve done a smidgeon of leatherwork; bags and wallets and the like. At some point I might like to try my hand at a pair of shoes or a Rob Roy sporran, but I’ve never done it before.

G&G Might possibly be outside of their comfort zone but I can imagine John Lobb making a fantastic Ghillie! Alternatively there are a lot of Italian trained Japanese makers who do absolutely beautiful work, although they are expensive.

I have a tremendous love of leather - shoes, jackets, wallets etc... However other than the occasional set of leather ends for some bespoke braces I have very little experience working with it. My experience is almost entirely with suits and separates, and in particular in the West end and Military styles. I came into shirt tailoring only a few years ago and do very little needlework on them other than alterations. I have more and more shirt clients however, as it's a relatively low-cost route into the bespoke world considering that you can easily spend upwards of £100 on a store bought shirt that doesn't fit properly! And arguably it makes the most difference vs ready-to-wear as now there are many made-to-measure and luxury guys doing a good job of getting a suit to fit (talking only of fit here, not necessarily quality).