Caviar & Cashmere

Caitlyn Chase

The Best Bespoke Products

March 2, 2011 blogger

Tod’s

The Italian company’s new luggage collection—briefcase, trolley and large suitcase—is inspired by the travel pieces favored by its überstylish CEO, Diego Della Valle. Now clients can put their own mark on it: For the first time, Tod’s is offering personalized monogramming—and matching custom driving shoes are also available. Allow eight to ten weeks; luggage, from $4,175. 212-644-5945; tods.com.

Zilli

The French brand just introduced a made-to-measure-shirt service with more than 250 fabric options, including an exclusive Sea Island cotton. After the swatch is chosen and measurements are taken at boutiques in New York, Paris or London, the shirts are made by hand in Zilli’s Bergamo, Italy, workshop. Allow six weeks; shirts, from $830. 212-207-4028;zilli.fr.

Bottega Veneta

“When your own initials are enough” is the Bottega motto, but the Italian house knows some may want additional identifying details on their classicintrecciato. At the newly inaugurated series of customization events in select flagships (for upcoming dates, go to bottegaveneta.com), Italian craftsmen meet with clients to conceive their own versions of classic styles, selecting individualized options like engraving, stamping, hardware and one of 44 varieties of crocodile. Allow three to six months; handbags, from $3,000. 212-371-5511;bottegaveneta.com.

Salvatore Ferragamo

Fans of Ferragamo’s Tramezza custom shoes now have the same option in suiting and outerwear. Available only at the New York flagship at 663 Fifth Avenue, the made-to-measure program offers 18 styles of suits, blazers, trousers and outerwear that can be special-ordered in more than 350 fabrics, including solid vicuña and cashmere herringbones. Allow four to six weeks; coats, from $2,500. 212-759-3822; ferragamo.com.


Vacheron Constantin

The 255-year-old watch manufacturer recently introduced its Quai de l’Ile model with two levels of customization. The first provides choices between pink gold, palladium or titanium. The other lets clients select a day-date power-reserve dial that they can then customize with myriad identification markings like laser engravings and patented ink. Allow eight to twelve weeks; watch, from $24,900. 877-862-7555; vacheron-constantin.com.

Asprey

The British purveyor of luxe accessories has always had bespoke services. Orders can be taken at any Asprey boutique, but most are fulfilled at the Bond Street atelier. This crocodile laptop case can also be made in, say, shagreen or lizard—or crafted to fit an iPad or a BlackBerry.Allow two to four months; price upon request. 44-20/7493-6767; asprey.com.

Giambattista Valli

The Italian designer recently set up shop in his new Paris atelier on Rue Boissy d’Anglas, which will offer couture dressmaking services as well as orders for custom shoes, furs and handbags.Allow three to six weeks; price upon request.giambattistavalli.com.

Prada

Prada works with Venetian suiting firm Belvest on made-to-measure suits and shirts. Clients work one-on-one with an Italian-trained tailor to choose from various cuts and fabrics that are updated every season. Allow six weeks; suits, from $2,800. 212-664-0010; prada.com.

Canali

Twice a year, Canali’s master tailors make the rounds at nine of its boutiques to measure clients for suits, jackets, trousers, vests and coats. When the suits are ready, a salesperson can help with matching accessories. This season’s schedule includes stops in Asia and the Middle East. Allow four weeks; suits, from $2,500. 212-842-8700; canali.it.

Gucci

Gucci’s made-to-order shoes are traditionally crafted and fittings can be done at 20 locations, including New York, Beverly Hills and San Francisco. There are 20 styles and75 types of leather to choose from, plus optional monogramming. Allow four to six months; shoes, from $1,300. 212-826-2600; gucci.com

Tom Ford

There’s an on-site team of tailors at all Tom Ford boutiques, a clear indication of how serious the company takes its made-to-measure program. It’s a full service operation (shoes, shirting, formalwear), and this season the Mountbatten jacket here can be specially ordered in exclusive Japanese hand-cut velvets and Italian silk jacquards. Allow six weeks; jacket, from $3,510. 212-359-0350; tomford.com


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