Tweed Tales and Traditions: From a 19th-Century Tailor’s Book to Today
From a 19th-Century Tailor’s Book to Contemporary Craftsmanship
It all began when I found a 19th-century Belgian tailoring book at an antique shop, filled with technical drawings and tables of every imaginable menswear garment from that era. It offered a beautiful insight into the past and felt like stepping into another world. This discovery became the foundation for developing my new collection.
Rediscovering Traditional Tailoring
In the 19th century, tailoring was not only a practical skill, but also a true art form—surrounded by mystery, precision, and craftsmanship. The tailoring book, filled with detailed illustrations and original patterns, once served as a valuable guide for professionals. I had wanted to add a jacket to my collection for quite some time, and this remarkable book helped shape its direction.
Heritage Techniques in Modern Fashion
The first design became a jacket inspired by 1930s menswear. I began exploring how historical tailoring techniques could be brought into small-scale production today. The right pattern is only the beginning; what happens inside the jacket is equally important. That is where you see the real difference between modern ready-to-wear fashion and a handmade garment with its own identity.
A Magical Discovery Hidden Between the Pages
While studying the book, I found a yellowed envelope tucked discreetly between the pages. Inside were handwritten notes from a tailoring apprentice—tips, thoughts, and instructions captured many years ago. As I deciphered those personal annotations, I felt as if I were catching a glimpse of a secret guild of tailors sharing their knowledge.
It made me feel deeply connected to an unknown craftsman from the past. This discovery brought a sense of magic to the project and made the process even more meaningful—as though I had stepped into a dialogue that spans generations.
Craftsmanship With Authenticity and Character
The tailoring book added another layer to my design. I was using more than traditional techniques—I was continuing a heritage of passion and creativity passed down through time.
As I turned the pages, I discovered both the beauty of 19th-century fashion and practical instructions for complex elements such as lapels and pockets. The carefully drafted patterns helped define the structure of the jacket, while the descriptions of materials guided my choices. Adding authentic elements, such as hand-stitched finishes, allowed me to create a modern interpretation of a timeless design.
A Bridge Between Past and Present
The result became a jacket that balances vintage charm and contemporary flair. By combining historical tailoring methods with modern silhouettes, the garment developed its own identity. The tailoring book shaped not only my creative process but also built a bridge between past and present—a reminder that fashion is a continuous dialogue that echoes through time.
