Do you remember the first product you made on your own?
Of course, it was a double-breasted tweed coat with a lining in mink. The client who ordered it more than a decade ago still wears it with pleasure even now. That’s the secret of well thought out, carefully designed and perfectly made pieces of craftsmanship: they satisfy for years or even longer.
Does the once world-famous Viennese style of menswear still exist?
By the end of the 19th century Viennese tailoring had the same importance as London's Savile Row. In my workshop, more a living room than a shop, you can still breathe in the atmosphere of elegance and discretion and the sense of obligation to retain centuries-old elements of craftsmanship and style.
© Oliver Jiszda
How does the tailoring process start?
Clients normally come to me by appointment, they give me their time and rightly expect my full attention. The first meeting usually takes an hour – often the customer brings one of his favourite suits and on this basis we discuss the design of the new one and the desired individual attributes.
Do clients ever ask for something outrageous?
Normally, our style is conservative and classic. But once a rich Russian client requested a golden suit, golden like the sun. My first reaction was to say no. But then I found an ochre cashmere fabric out of which I tailored a flamboyant suit with a black collar. I must admit, it looked surprisingly stylish…