This winter we had the pleasure of meeting Daniel, new father of a beautiful baby girl and first-time Trend client, who approached us with a very personal project: recreate a contemporary overcoat from images of his grandfather’s coat. Daniel’s story is a wonderful testimonial to the possibilities of bespoke tailoring where tradition, craft, and memory are interwoven to produce a unique garment that holds great significance. His selection of Donegal Tweed from Molloy & Sons further emphasizes the significance of heritage, from a company “built upon the solid foundations of a rich heritage spanning five generations”. Thanks for allowing us to be a part of this new chapter!
“I recently had a daughter. Having a child made me take stock of many things past, present, and future. I began pouring through old photos of my ancestors from the old country and immediately noticed the simple classic look of men’s dress in photos of my grandfather. I noticed right away how style has drastically changed since those old black and white photos were taken. And not necessarily in a good way
I began to take more care in the clothes I chose to wear. I also knew that immortalizing ourselves through photos is one way we live on. Capturing memories of my new daughter as she grows and being in those photos with her is important to me. I want to present myself in a way that adheres to the times but also pays homage to my grandfather and the time and place he came from.
I learned more and more about style and fashion. I had suits made from a different tailor, who (as I later I realized) did not include the most basic features of a custom suit. My research pointed me in the direction of Trend Custom Tailors. I booked an appointment and had my first discussion with Master Tailor, Don Fabien Lee. After Don gave me a tour of studio and showed me their work, I knew I was in the hands of a true artist.
I told him that I had acquired some tweed material from the web and had an idea to make a coat styled after the one my grandfather wore in many photos. He loved the idea. There began the relationship. We had many fittings and with each visit the relationship grew. Both before and after appointments, I would chat with some of Don’s other clients who were all very nice. It was like a little community, centred in that beautiful Sherbourne house, that revolved around quality clothing.
I am thrilled with the final product. I now look forward to many good times spent with my little girl while wearing the coat. Incidentally, my daughter is named after my grandfather who was the inspiration for this journey.”
– Daniel A.
CLOTH PROFILE: Located on the Atlantic northwest coast in Ardara, Co. Donegal; this father and son team are synonymous with what great craftsmanship is today. Their wealth of knowledge, skill and expertise comes through from their ancestors and continues to live on in the modern techniques that they have embraced. Inspiration surrounds them from the dramatic beauty of the ocean, to the sky, hills, and mountains of this region famed for its tweed production. It is these elements that are echoed in the intricate beauty of the colours and tones found in their tweeds. For more, visit Molloy and Sons at the link, below.
