BRITISH TAILORING BRAND LUTWYCHE FITS IN ON MADISON AVENUE
There is shopping for a suit on Madison Avenue, and then there is shopping for a suit at Lutwyche on Madison Avenue. In the British tailoring company’s spacious atelier near 63rd Street – complete with a gorgeous terrace – men feel far away from the maddening crowd as they choose what tuxedo to wear to their wedding, which suits to wear to the office, or which sport jacket to wear to dinner.
Better still, they can look completely different from the peers (if they prefer) thanks to the wide selection of fabrics, linings and other sartorial details that are available here. While the company has produced a ready-to-wear suit line since 2000 — which is available in the U.S. in selected Saks Fifth Avenue stores — owner Tony Lutwyche has firmly concentrated his business model on making bespoke clothing, opening a London showroom in 2006 and this U.S. one in 2017.
The custom business, says Lutwyche, is something of a marriage between tailor and client. “We want our customer to have a relaxing experience, which is why our Madison Avenue showroom is so ideal. Better still, we want even a first-time customer to feel like a friend by the time they leave,” says Lutwyche.
“But above all, we want to make sure they get exactly what they want. One of the things I learned early on that is most clients really want to be part of the creative process, especially those who are willing to wait six or eight weeks to get a suit and spend a few thousand dollars on just one item,” he adds. “That said, as bespoke tailors, we also need to be flexible and realize that different people want different types of clothing, whether it be due to color or style, and that they’re not as likely to have their needs satisfied in a retail environment.”
Still, with so many companies growing their made-to-measure business, what makes Lutwyche really stand out? “We’ve owned our factory for many years now, and it’s so important to us that not only do our employees enjoy their work, but we make sure that all of them –especially the younger people –are properly trained,” he says. “Like any good tailor, construction and fit are paramount, but one thing I really believe in is absolute precision. With other brands, especially those who are newer to this field, a client often has to go back for multiple fittings. Here, we try to make sure it fits perfectly as soon as you try it on.”
One way the Lutwyche philosophy seems to be paying off is an increased business in the Millennial market. “A lot of younger people do come in here, especially when it’s a special occasion or if they want to splurge on something special, especially a great sport coat,” he notes. “These are young men who realize that clothing truly contributes to one’s first impression. And while I firmly believe that we are making clothes for the 21st-century man, we also remind all of our clients that by purchasing our goods they are also buying what we like to call ‘sartorial immortality.’ Our clothing will last 20 years if necessary and that’s okay. In the end, every client who wears Lutwyche is our brand ambassador.”
