Sicily Fashion: The Tailor of Montelepre

Christopher is a wonderful and amazing man, but he struggles to find a suit that fits in Canada. His fabulous Ukrainian build cause difficulties (my theory is that all the skinny people died in the pogroms or on the boat to Canada). Anyway, our new Sicilian friend Salvatore was, before he retired, a tailor; so we asked for his advice about how to get Christopher a nice looking, well fitted suit. Since May 1st is a big holiday here, everyone would be rushing to get a nice suit for the event, so we waited until this week to make our trek to Montelepre, Salvatore's home town, to visit the tailor he recommended.  

It was quite challenging to try and communicate across generations, cultures and languages the demands (lets be frank; my demands).

For example, there was only one plain black wool fabric. Christopher must have a black suit because of how many funerals he attends (the sad part of working with elders). It was very hard to get across the necessity for a plain black suit; and that suit needs two pars of pants because they'd be worn much more often than an Italian would.

After seeing one of the stock jackets on Christopher we (I) decided he needed a second suit, also very conservative, but in a navy pinstripe rather than a severe black. Then there was the discussion of the linings, the tailor was originally going to do just plain black, but after some discussion I think we agreed on coloured linings. That was a difficult choice because the colours I preferred didn't have the most breathable fabric content being part nylon. In the end the colour choices won.

As for the other suit jacket choices: Notched collar? No. Functional button cuffs? Yes. Hand stitched lapel? Yes. Single vent or double vent rear? Double vent (after much discussion). Two button? Yes. Pocket flap? Yes on the black, no on the pinstripe. Length? Much discussion here... Width of the lapel... standard. etc., etc. etc.

Then onto the pants... I think we agreed on a style, but that was a very challenging discussion. We are thankful that there will be a fitting or two. It is important to say how amazing Christopher was to be patient while being discussed, poked, prodded, dressed, undressed, measured, etc.

My favourite part was the choice of shirts. Needless to say, the well suited man must have nicely fitted shirts. The cotton oxford cloth samples were lovely, so two of those. Then the tailor softened me up to the linen by letting me feel the sample. I have a thing for linen, good linen, which is very hard to come by. This linen is spectacular, and what linen should be; crisp, smoooth, silky, shiny. Originally we'd though 3 shirts would do, but after seeing Christopher in the stock white shirt, Christopher will be having four, 2 cotton, 2 linen.

2 hours later we emerged, slightly worn, a bit hungry and for my own part, very happy with the planned result.