Style Q&A: Bespoke

I've been hearing the term "bespoke" tossed around on style blogs and brands lately. At the risk of sounding out of touch, what exactly is "bespoke"?

This is a totally fair question that I think a lot of people secretly wonder and google search.

Once upon a time, people wore clothes that fit.  Some people went to the tailor, got measured, and had all of their clothes made to the measurements of their own bodies because buying off the rack wasn't an option. This is bespoke at its purest: completely custom, perfectly cut, and properly constructed. It was clothing that wasn't created until the request was made (bespoken... get it). In short, it was clothing that was built to last for the individual.

In the past handful of decades, we've seen a lot of trends come and go, and the availability of more disposable clothing options making it expensive and not so necessary to put a lot of thought, time, or consideration into developing a wardrobe, as you can just replace it next season.

I probably don't have to tell you this, but there are tons of brands these days that talk in great detail now about the history and process of their products, discussing handmade goods, and local artisan production that makes you feel like that product was made by a person who you can relate to.

In recent years, a lot of consumers have been interested in the idea of build-your-own or co-creation in product and experience, alike.  Everything from customized chocolate bars to stuffed teddy bears to sneakers- it's all falls under this now more umbrella term for made to order product and service that we now refer to as "bespoke".

I'm a believer in this whole idea of having products made to order. The time and anticipation are worth it when you are able to wear something that is made the way you want it, and by another person's hands. It's kind of magical like that.

Behind the Scenes: WNBA, Shay Murphy, and other pretty little things

Lately I've been mentioning a project I'm working on with the help of the WNBA team, Chicago Sky.  In order to support women's cancer awareness, I was among a handful of designers to participate in designing evening wear for the athletes.

With the charity of choice being A Silver Lining Foundation, we were charged with designing a silver themed evening gown.

All the athletes were great sports, getting dolled up and for a great cause.

 I was paired with the newest addition to the team, Shay Murphy.  She just arrived in Chicago a couple of weeks ago, by way of her last WNBA team in Indianapolis.

The one of a kind dress I designed for Shay, along with all other silver themed dresses from the event, is being auctioned off by the Chicago Sky to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation. 

If you'd like to get your hands on it- send me a note, and I'll put you in contact with the right people (but move fast!)

I'll hanging out at the next Chicago Sky game again tomorrow meeting fans, so if you're in the area and want to meet the rest of the designers and see the dresses and the final images from the shoot in person, come out and say hi.

Making it Hers: Jess of Makeunder My Life

A few weeks back, I had the great pleasure of working with the ever inspiring Jess of Makeunder My Life to do a little design collaboration.

She was looking for a dress to wear to a big family party; something fun & pretty.  We started with designing the shape that the dress would be including length, neckline, and more.  She told me what she liked about dresses she already has, and what she wishes she had.  Above is (very) roughly what we came up with.

Then it was off to look at fabrics.  We searched and searched, but for some reason nothing was standing out as a "have to have".  Inspired by interiors and her new branding, Jess was drawn to more modular prints that are common to home decor.  Then she spotted something that was love at first site.

After a fitting and some creating, Jess was able to try on something that we drew out together at my kitchen table over some ice tea.

She was darling in the dress at the Blogger Meet-Up this past weekend, where I was able to see the dress in action for the very first time. She looks great, no?

Closet Upgraded

I often get a similar question spun  a number of ways: If I only purchase one thing this weekend, what should it be?

The answer will obviously sound a little different for everyone, but I stand by this idea that many people don't often consider: Instead of a new purchase, make a renewing purchase.  I believe that the best, easiest, and (usually) most cost effective way to dramatically improve clothing is by having them altered to fit properly.

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Men or women, you could take that old pair of chinos in the back of your closet that still fit, but update them for summer by slimming the fit just a bit and even raising the hemline.  When all is said and done, you will have a new pair of pants that you'll love to wear for less than you'd spend on a new pair.

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My favorite way of going about updating my wardrobe with alterations is by shopping vintage or thrift stores or eBay, finding something truly amazing (which inevitably will never fit properly), and having it adjusted a bit by my tailor.  It's not unheard of to pick up a nice vintage label (I'm talking Dior and friends), have it slimmed and shortened, and propped in my closet like prize it is for under $50.  Beat that at your favorite department store.

Are you a little more skilled and want to give alterations a try for yourself?  Take a look at some tips and other interesting pods for custom fit clothing from TreadBanger.

Making It Your Own

I've been getting a lot of questions and really nice notes from a number of people who are excited about what I'm putting together.  I just wanted to clarify that anything that I've already featured on the blog will not be in this small collection- it's all new shapes and such.

With that, quite a few people are asking about the peplum jacket I featured a little while back.  This will not be available on the upcoming shop straight away, however, you are able to order it via special request.

What does this involve? Glad you asked.

• Send me your size and any special sizing needs
• Colors/patterns/textures would you like incorporated, ie: pink plaid lapels, green silk lining, sweatshirt material on outside

The base price including design customization and one fitting is $215.  It's free reign to design and have something special that only you will have.  Shoot me an email with inquiries: rachel [at] thestylecooperative [dot] com