Beyond a Tailoring Journey
Mr. K wearing an ivory tone cotton-linen sport jacket, bespoke by Alexander K.
Completion of our seventh collaboration. An ivory tone cotton-linen sport jacket, bespoke by Alexander K.
The gentleman in both photographs first walked into my humble atelier sometime in the latter part of 2021. At that point, I had just re-started The Cutting Room a few months prior. Our first meeting was marked by mutual respect and a shared desire to understand each other—not just as client and craftsman, but as individuals. That initial connection laid the groundwork for what has become a deeply rewarding relationship.
Over the past four years, what began as a professional interaction has grown into a sincere friendship—built on trust, curiosity, and an ever-deepening appreciation for each other's perspectives. Mr. K, has become one of my most supportive clients and someone I now consider a friend.
What sets Mr. K apart is not just his support, but his genuine curiosity and appreciation for the craft of tailoring. We both approached each commission not as a mere transaction, but as a collaboration. His eagerness to understand the nuances of tailoring—the fabric, the cut, the techniques I apply—makes working with him a highly encouraging and enriching experience.
During one of our conversations, I had find myself agreeing with some of the things he said that I would love to share it with fellow readers:
“What separates a good jacket from a great jacket is whether you reach for it.”
This is a statement that resonates from both the wearer’s and the maker’s perspective.
It’s true—attachment to a piece of clothing doesn’t always happen instantly. But over time, with wear and care, a well-made garment becomes something much more than fabric and thread.
“You want clothes that can last you a long time, especially if you take care of them well enough.”
Our most recent project—a cotton-linen jacket (featured above)—is the seventh piece we’ve worked on together. Both of us agree it might be the finest one yet. Yet, his personal favourite remains the third jacket: a hay-coloured sport jacket made from Huddersfield’s bamboo series, as a result of the positive experiences and feedbacks he’d received while visiting London. From this, I can see how each creation we embark on adds a new chapter to our evolving story in this journey, and I know every piece I’ve made for him will be truly well-worn and well-loved. That thought alone brings me a quiet kind of happiness.
Mr. K has also played an instrumental role in pushing the boundaries of my own craft. His ideas and feedback have led me to explore new directions—beyond the traditional suit or sport jacket. The journey has been mutually inspiring.
One of the key philosophy that we are both aligned on is that “good things take time.” Understanding and respecting the value of patience often yields positive rewards. Whether it’s tailoring, work, or personal pursuits, he’s reminded me that rushing rarely leads to excellence.
Our shared philosophy has become a foundation for how I approach my work: with intention, care, and a commitment to quality over quantity.
Looking back at these four years, I’m grateful—not just for a loyal client, but for a friend whose journey has run parallel to my own. Each new project brings a renewed sense of excitement, a shared discovery of ideas and craftsmanship.
And as always, I look forward to the next jacket. Not just for the fabric or fit—but for the story it will tell. At the right time, and right pace.
“It is worthwhile to slow down, to appreciate what you have.”
Final fitting for our third collaboration. A Bespoke jacket made in Huddersfield Bamboo Fabric.
Our third collaboration. A Bespoke jacket made in Huddersfield Bamboo Fabric.
