With the wardrobe you currently have, you might be set in a certain style. Don’t be afraid to update! Your family bought you a necktie — shock them by bringing your style into the 21st Century and your Father’s Day will never be average again.

The very special promotions I’ve designed below will offer you far more than a traditional “off the rack” suit. Father’s Day is the perfect time of year to shop for Men’s Clothing, just not at department stores where the cookie cutter designs and cheap fabrics will do nothing to make you the best dressed Dad in the room.

These special offers afford you the following:

A: A guaranteed perfect fit.

B: A hand made / hand stitched garment of the highest quality you’ll find anywhere.

C: The option to mix and match styles / design schemes to your heart’s content.

D: The option to personally hand pick the fabrics from which we will craft your order.

D: The likelihood of becoming the Sharpest Dressed Dad in your local vicinity and wherever else you may travel.

6 Cotton Blend Shirts for $399
2 Shirts and 2 Pairs of Slacks for  $499
6 100 % Cotton Shirts for $499
1 Suit and 3 Shirts for $699
2 Suits and 2 Shirts for $999

The above specials extend tremendous value when you factor in the quality of a hand made (as opposed to mass produced) shirt, suit, or slacks that you will be wearing for years to come. The highly personalized service, custom fit, and freedom of choice are perks and privileges a department store can never offer you.

Call us for a free consultation @ 877-SUITMAKER. We have a showroom in the Los Angeles area and travel to most major cities on a regular schedule.

Treat Dad to the most stylish gift of all this year!
How about treating Dad to something nicer than that tired old necktie! Keep Dad looking sharp and call us @ 877-SUITMAKER to order a Michael’s Custom Clothes Gift Card. You choose the value – use the specially priced packages above to guide you! If not, we have neckties too, of the highest quality silk! Go the distance, and make this a Father’s Day he’ll never forget.

Hand picking along lapel.

♦

According to legendary architect Mies Van Der Rhoe, “God is in the details.” The very same could be said in relation to the custom made suit. One of the principal advantages to ordering custom clothing is the freedom and choice afforded to you. Selecting the cloth your suit is cut from is not where this adventure ends. When having a custom suit made, you play the role of designer and retain the power to make any fashion statement your heart desires.

As the architect of your own style, you can select from a stunning array of pocket styles, button styles, stitching styles, lapel styles, vent styles, etc. You can create a suit with more of a classic cut and a timeless silhouette, or you can go all out and create something completely unique and outrageous. The decision is yours and yours alone.

There is NO extra charge for any of the endless options available to you. Take a look at what some of our clients selected as unique flourishes for their suits below, and consider the possibilities for your own hand-made, custom suit.

♦

Functional button holes on sleeve.

Inside finish with sweat guards.

Slanted pipe ticket pockets with hidden zippers.

Polka dot lining.

Cuff on jacket sleeves.

Loops and buttons on jacket sleeves.

]]> http://blog.michaelsahi.com/?feed=rss2&p=89 http://blog.michaelsahi.com/?p=80 http://blog.michaelsahi.com/?p=80#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 01:47:11 +0000 Michael Sahi http://blog.michaelsahi.com/?p=80 In the single largest investment of his career, the “Oracle of Omaha”, Warren Buffet, has made an “all in” bet on the future of our economy with his 27 billion dollar acquisition of a railroad. The Dow Jones is flirting with 10,000. There is a consensus the economy is firming up and the worst of the recession is behind us.

With that said, according to the White House, the number of jobless Americans is likely to remain “severely elevated”. This creates a huge challenge for anyone trying to land a new job and a climate of paranoia for everyone hoping to retain their current position.

We cannot ignore the fact that the image we project and how others perceive us is a critical factor in our success. This is particularly the case in the corporate environment, but it holds true in every walk of life.

Imagine for a moment walking into any service business. You’re wearing an unironed shirt with frayed blue jeans and worn out sneakers. You’re blending in and no one is paying much attention. If the business is well managed, you’re attended to well enough and granted the same treatment as every customer that comes through the door.

Now let’s mix it up… You walk into the same business. You’re wearing a properly fitting suit. Do you believe you might receive a more enthusiastic response than your last visit? Yes, you will. You have effectively influenced how others around you perceive your status and you will reap the benefits.

Alternatively, if you’re walking into a room where you feel a suit could be overkill, the solution is simple…Wear nicer jeans with a well chosen pair of shoes and a crisp shirt, all topped off with a nicely tailored blazer. You’re achieving the same effect in a more casual manner, as dictated by your environment.

In the business world, these factors are magnified ten fold. The decisions you make can either be a detriment or a powerful tool – it’s up to you. Whether you are interviewing or determined to keep the job you have, presentation is important. Polo shirts and dockers just won’t cut it anymore. Neither will a suit or a slacks and shirt ensemble that does not offer a proper fit.

There’s no reason to be intimidated. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own, and you don’t need a monster budget to move forward. A good tailor or wardrobe consultant is worth his weight in gold and a savvy investment for anyone serious about success.

With all of the factors you can’t control, wouldn’t it be shrewd to do whatever it takes to stack the chips in your favor? If you absolutely have to make the best impression possible, capture the imagination and attention of everyone in the room upon entering it… that option is always on the table. You just need to make it happen. Your future might depend on it.

www.michaelsahi.com

When I started in this business more than 20 years ago, it was an uphill climb. Reputation is everything. To establish myself, I began by exceeding every expectation of my very first clients and made certain they were the best dressed men in any room they chose to enter.

All of these years later, I still employ this same level of commitment to create lifetime value customers.

I am extending an unprecendented offer to my existing clients. For every friend or associate that you refer to me who orders 2 suits at $695 and up, I will reciprocate by giving you 50% off your own suit order.

Now here is where it gets even more interesting… If your referral should purchase 3 suits at a value of $695 or higher, you’ll get a beautifully crafted custom suit for FREE!

This very special offer may not be combined with any of our package deals or other promotions. Please act quickly as this offer expires on June 30, 2009.

If there was ever a time to tell your friends about us and spread the word, that time is now! This offer stands for as many referrals as you wish to make.

So introduce someone stylish in your life to the ultimate luxury of a custom, hand made suit, and supplement your own wardrobe with the superb quality and expert tailoring you’ve come to expect.

Just because the weather is warming up doesn’t mean you can’t dress to impress. Excellent options for suits included tropical wools, linens, cotton and seersucker. We can make you a cotton blazer that is both classic and versatile.

In the warmer months you can easily pull off more vivid colors or simpler much brighter than your winter wardrobe, such as white, off white, light earth tones, and pastels. A suit or blazer in a lighter shade will work well with a cotton shirt and a tie that pops. How about dressing up a white pocket square to a seersucker suit?

Here are some special promotional packages to keep you cool as a cucumber while dressed to stand out in a crowd.

6 Shirts (Sea Island Cotton) for $429

6 Shirts (cotton blend) for $349

1 suit and shirt for $595

3 shirts & 3 pairs of slacks for $599

2 suits (super 100’s-120’s) and 2 shirts for $999

2 suits (super 150’s) and 2 shirts for $1,399

If you would like some direction and a plethora of ideas to explore while coordinating your Spring ensembles, give us a call! We have experience wardrobe consultants who would love to help you. 1-877-SUITMAKER.

These offers are good through June 30th 2009 and may not be combined with any of our other package deals or promotions.

A quality suit that will last and maintain its integrity over time is one of the smartest investments a man can make. Unfortunately, the overwhelming majority of suits available are simply not constructed well enough to offer years of regular use.

You may feel as though you saved money by taking advantage of that special in the Sunday paper offering suits for $199 a piece, but how well will that suit hold up after a year of dry cleanings? However, there are custom made, bespoke suits made on venerable Savile Row that have been handed down for generations!

How is that possible? Here’s the all important difference…

Between the cost of manufacturing and multiple levels of profit taking, mainstream suit makers cut corners to increase revenues. This is the reason 90% of suits sold today, even at the top designer level, use a quick and inexpensive method of constructing the suit called “fusing”. Essentially the pieces of the suit are assembled using a hot glue. Though it’s certainly convenient from a business stand point, there are many disadvantages to wearing or owning a suit made in this manner.

The glue introduces a stiffness to the fabric preventing the jacket from conforming to your body and flowing with your movements (the hallmark of a well made suit). The glues also repel water, adding further discomfort as the cloth will not breath properly (if you sweat even just a little, you may end up sticking to your jacket). The long term longevity of the suit is effected, as the glues are known to breakdown and bubble up through the fabric over time – symptoms of this can occur after only a couple of dry cleanings. You’re paying a premium for a garment that is simply not built to last.

Alternatively, in bespoke tailoring we construct fully canvassed suits in which a floating canvas lies between the lining and the fabric, attached with hundreds of stitches. This stitched construction is the mark of a beautifully crafted suit. It will maintain the integrity of the fabric allowing it to breath, drape properly, and offer a natural look and fit. It will also extend the life of a garment profoundly.

In this economy, every dollar counts. Quality, craftsmanship, and durability are of the utmost importance. When you invest in a great custom made suit, you can rest assured it will be hanging in your closet for years.

You will make many memories while wearing this suit and it would not be unusual if the mere act of wearing it brought opportunities to you that may otherwise have never presented themselves… perhaps even life changing events. You can’t put a price on that. Of course, quality will always remain the best bargain of all.

Silhouette, is most simply defined as the cut and shape of a custom suit. Generally speaking, the three classic, time tested silhouettes are the American, the British, and the Italian. In recent years, the stylistic differences between them have blurred. That said, to provide a foundation of understanding, we’ll set the stage with a brief intro to each tradition.

The American “sack” suit was introduced by Brooks Brothers over a century ago and is essentially single-breasted with a boxy shape and shoulders with little or no padding. This style was updated by Paul Stuart mid-century, which tailored the jacket closer to the torso and added padding to the shoulders to affect a flattering V-shape. This is how the American “silhouette” evolved.

The British (Savile Row) and Italian styled cuts offered further shaping and modification. Though the tailors on venerable Savile Row purvey their own “house” styles which they are known for, the common elements include light padding in the shoulders, which are slightly sloped, and a waist that conforms to the body for an hourglass effect. Side vents allow one to place their hands in their slacks pockets with comfort and without creating a bulging look in the jacket when doing so. Should you sit down with your jacket buttoned, you will not feel constricted.

The difference between the British and Italian suits is subtle – something that you won’t see as much as feel. The Italian fabrics are lighter in weight and color with a bit of sheen to them. The Italian suit has well padded shoulders, high cut arm holes, flapless pockets, is a bit more form fitting in the torso and is often completely ventless.

So this begs the question, which silhouette is right for you?

The silhouette that will make you look your best is the one in which every part of the suit flows with your body. This is why it is hard to buy a suit retail and enjoy a good fit. When you have a custom suit made, you can choose your silhouette. A good tailor will look at your shape and instinctively know how to make a suit that fits you well on every part of your body.

Here’s how that works…

The positioning of the buttons on the jacket should be dictated by the length of your torso. Higher up on the jacket if your torso is short, lower if your torso is long.

The width of the lapels creates an effect which will flatter your shoulders. Thin lapels are best if you have broad shoulders. If you do not, wider lapels can create the appearance of them.

For someone with a larger seat, high vents provide better definition and flatter your shape. For someone with more of a flat seat, a center vent or no vent will look best.

When you’re making a custom shirt, go with a higher collar if you have a long neck. Go with a lower collar if you have a short neck. The lower cut will give the illusion of height and vice versa. For the collar spread, opt for a narrow spread if you have a broad face, and select a broader spread if your face is thin.

With custom slacks, the general rule of thumb is if you want pleats you should also have cuffs. No pleats… no cuffs. If you are slim hipped, go for a more tapered leg. If you are not, a wider leg will offer the more flattering silhouette.

All of these elements (and others, I need to keep some secrets) work together to create an impression. It doesn’t matter what type of body you have, there is a custom silhouette that will be best for you. Though most people will never know or think about the subtleties that go into crafting a perfectly fitting custom suit, I can make this guarantee - they will notice the results!

When you’re shopping off the rack, a perfect fit can be elusive - everyone has a unique build and it is beyond the abilities of clothing companies to offer a perfect fit for most people. The only brand that is truly right for you, is your own exact measurements!

This is where our business and the specialized services we offer enter the equation and offer dramatic, life changing possibilities. Clothing is a very important factor in our culture. How we dress is not only an expression of who we are and where we stand in our lives, but it also influences to a large degree how others perceive us. A sharply dressed man is always treated differently, whether he is wearing a nicely tailored custom suit, or dressed more casually but with aplomb in a blazer cut perfectly to his form.

For example, if you’ve been working out a great deal and you’re becoming more developed across the shoulders, it can be a difficult task finding a shirt that offers a proper fit. Need a little more breathing room around the stomach area, but more of a snug fit about the chest? No problem. No matter what your shape, custom tailoring can guarantee not only a garment that is pleasing to you as you wear it, but also ensures a much more flattering appearance. A good tailor can not only make you clothes that enhance your attributes, but can actually design a fit that makes you appear slimmer or even taller!

If the benefit of a fit that is tailored precisely to your own personal dimensions is not enticing enough all on its own, there is also the factor of convenience. Once we have your measurements on file, your future orders are a piece of cake. Need some new shirts? A new suit? Pair of slacks? You could go to the department store and contend with fitting rooms, long lines, and parking lot headaches. Or you could call us, select your fabric, and in a few short weeks have a brand new, perfectly fitting garment that was made exclusively for you!

When you are ready to experience an entirely new level of dressing well, don’t hesitate to contact me personally at michael@michaelsahi.com and I will answer any questions you may have about custom clothes and the many benefits they offer you.

The Dapper Donald Draper

Set at the cusp of fifties glamor and the dawn of the free-spirited sixties, we have the stylish and acclaimed Mad Men from American Movie Classics. The dramatic series, which debuted last year and recently concluded its second season, is arguably the best art-directed series on television.

The era is depicted in all its mid-century splendor, as the ambitions, foibles, and decadent behavior of the Madison Avenue advertising set (who were referred to at the time as “mad men”) play out within the context of pitch meetings, martini lunches, and office trysts. All of this is presented through a thick haze of cigarette smoke and fashions more sleek than the actor’s brylcreamed hair styles. This show would have you believe that ad men were rock stars and the best advertising concepts were to be found toward the bottom of an ornate decanter.

As unexpected a development as the show’s run away success, is the profound impact it has had on our own stock-in-trade - menswear. There has been a recent trend in men’s clothing toward a cleaner, slimmer cut, and away from the bulkier fits of years past. Many in the fashion world have credited the popularity of Mad Men and its classic, well-structured fashions with amplifying this trend. Donald Draper has cut a striking impression in his smooth, tailored pin stripe suits… and men are now rethinking how they dress.

As demonstrated on Mad Men, it’s a look most anyone can achieve. With the right bespoke tailor, this style can be personalized and refined so you don’t look like you’ve stepped off a film set. Although we refer to a slimmer fit, a thin body build is not required to pull it off. The style is classically cut, polished and put together.

That said, here’s the skinny…

Shirts are tapered in the sleeves and the body. Collars are short, with a medium spread. Arm holes are smaller. Cuffs are French with either cut or rounded corners and complimented by an elegant pair of cuff links. Very classic.

The suits are one or two button single breasted, or six button double breasted (two to button). The JFK era lapels are narrower. There are four working buttons on the jacket sleeves, a real button hole on the lapel (on either the left side or both), high vents in the back, hand stitched edges, and contrast lining inside. The effect is streamlined and sharp as can be.

The slacks are slim cut, no pleats or cuffs. A long, lean silhouette meets narrow, pointed-toe shoes. All pockets are double piped, an element our custom suits always feature - unlike suits you buy “off the rack”.

The fabrics are textured wools with narrow, pencil-thin pin stripes, or solid wools with a bit of sheen. Thread counts are high - super 150’s, super 180’s. Excellent color choices include light gray, charcoal gray, navy blues, or chocolate browns. All very masculine.

Details are an important part of the effect - a tie clip, matching collar bar and elegant pair of cuff links are essential ingredients that add a touch of old school flair. Sophistication and class is achieved with the simple addition of a white pocket square to the breast pocket.

This style of suit can be expensive from designers and three-piece ensembles in the classic mode can be hard to find. An experienced and pedigreed bespoke tailor will deliver this result with precision and value. Since its custom, it is tailored for your form and will move with and fit your body perfectly.

Not to mention the irony of enjoying a classic, timeless style while having the option to add a pocket for your Blackberry or iPhone.

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