This first post edition is a step-by-step breakdown of the process for a new client placing a new order with us (whether it's for custom suits, shirts, sport coats, trousers, overcoats, etc).
Step 1 - Make an appointment
We are by appointment only. To book a time on our schedule give us a call at 212-677-1755 or shoot us an email at mab@michaelandrewsbespoke.
The average first-time appointment takes about an hour, so block out a piece of your schedule accordingly. As always, there is no minimum order and we offer free, no pressure consultations. If you have questions, we are here to answer them.
Appointment Hours:
Monday and Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday - Friday: 2pm-8pm
Saturday: 12pm-7pm
Sunday: 12pm-5pm
Step 2 - Locate the shop
This step isn't as easy as it sounds! Our new 4,200 sq ft. design studio is purposely tucked away in Great Jones Alley. The alley is located off of Great Jones Street (also known as 3rd Street) between Broadway and Lafayette. It's easy to spot our black staircase from the Great Jones street.
Step 3 - Welcome, make yourself at home
Michael started this business by making suits for his close friends. As we grew, that intimate service remained a fundamental part of what we do. Every client who walks through our front door is treated as a friend. Once you are acquainted with the shop, you can take a seat on our custom suit-fabric-upholstered furniture, browse our look book for design inspiration, and fill out some brief information for our records.
Step 4 - Can we offer you a drink?
Did we mention that our studio is equipped with a 12-foot vintage bar stocked with over 100 spirits, plus beer, wine, soda, coffee and tea? Sit back and relax with the drink of your choice - all complimentary of course.
Step 5 - Consult with our designers to style the right garment for you
Some of our clients know exactly what they are looking for—others have no idea what would work best for them. This is where we come in. One of our stylists will sit with you to help you figure out exactly what colors, fabrics, details, and fit preferences best suit your individual needs. If you have a picture of a garment or a look that you would like to replicate (from a magazine, for example), feel free to bring it in—this only helps makes the design process easier.
Choose from thousands of fabrics, hundreds of linings, dozens of lapel/collar/cuff styles, pocket styles, button colors, etc. Our stylists will help walk you through the process and can offer advice if needed.
Step 6 - Get measured
For a new client, Michael personally takes more than three dozen measurements (including posture, body shape, and shoulder slope analysis—each of which cannot be altered with off-the-rack garments).
Michael and his team will then perform a fit diagnosis using one of our MAB "pattern assessment garments." For every garment we manufacture, a fully bespoke pattern is made for the specific client's body, hence measuring and fitting become a fundamental step to the shopping experience (and final product) here at MAB.
Although we are known for our contemporary, slim (not skinny!) aesthetic (as you would see on the models in GQ, Esquire, etc), we can make garments to fit any preference. We can also replicate your favorite garments if you bring them with you to your appointment.
Step 7 - Confirm timeline
We're all unique, and the truth is that some body types are easier to fit than others.
For new clients who are slightly more "difficult to fit" (anything from big pecs, to a large stomach, to prominent shoulder blades), we often manufacture a "personalized fit assessment garment." This garment is cut to the client's individual pattern, but manufactured in a scrap fabric in order to double-check the measuring/fitting process before the actual (and more expensive) fabric is cut and sewn. This will ensure a proper fit, and there is no additional charge, although it does add one additional appointment to your schedule and 3-4 extra weeks to the delivery time.
For new clients who are "easier to fit," this extra fit assessment garment is unnecessary, and we will proceed directly to manufacturing the final product.
Keep in mind that the measuring process, as well as the fitting of a "personalized fit assessment garment," only needs to be done one time. Once your pattern is perfected, it is saved in our records, making future orders a breeze.
Step 9 - Finalizing
Once Michael is finished measuring/fitting, you are all set. We will walk you through your new invoice (of which a 50% deposit is due), hand you one of our business cards along with an MAB brochure with styling tips and clothing care instructions, and you are free to explore our awesome neighbourhood (check our other blog posts on neighborhood recommendations).
Step 10 - Notification of garment arrival
Approximately 4-5 weeks later, once your garments arrive from the workshop—whether it is final product or a "personalized fit assessment garment"—we will e-mail you to schedule an appointment to come in for an initial fitting (and maybe another drink).
DONE!
Coming back? No need to measure!
For returning clients, we already have your measurements on file (unless you've gained or lost 10+ pounds) so there is no need to measure. Book an appointment, grab a drink, and sit with our stylist to choose your fabrics and design your new garments.
We hope this series of posts will be helpful in clarifying the Michael Andrews shopping experience.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us by phone at 212-677-1755 or by email at mab@michaelandrewsbespoke.com.
Hope to hear from you soon.
All the best,
The MAB Crew
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