Are you a Couturier, are you a Tailor?

Watching a video about makers of fine watches on the Isle of Man, they make every segment of these watches from scratch. It takes several months to create one. Only about a dozen are made each year – and yes they sell at £100,000.00. The present day master at Roger W. Smith, said he doesn’t understand today’s world of fast and cheapness.

He lives in a world where you need to be aware of and think about everything to make a thing of such beauty. Although Roger W. Smith makes mechanical art, it is totally functional too.

But, what he said resonated with me enough to respond, “yes, in mine too”.

In my world, it is not about how fast and how cheap you can make something. In my world you definitely think about the quality of materials and quality of workmanship. In my world, you put your heart and soul into everything you make…

Ask yourself:

Did you design it?
Did you plan everything with your client in mind?
Did you take every measurement?
Did you decide upon each seam placement?
Did you create the pattern with every stroke of the pencil?
Did you decide which fabric was best to use for each layer?
Did you think about and decide how best to support each component?
Did you perform the fittings on your client taking every curve and detail into consideration?
Did you create every segment with all of its detailing and embellishments?
Did your creation serve its function as well as its form?
Were you satisfied that every element was just right, even those that are hidden and will never be seen?
Was your client satisfied?

If you said yes to all of the above, then congratulations – you are a couturier, or congratulations – you are a tailor.
In my world, not everything sells for $100,000.00. It would be very nice, I have to admit, but price is between the client and the couturier (or tailor)! – J

To inquire about enrolment contact info@ecoleholtcouture.com