The Classicist: Bespoke by David Chu
Last month we wrote about the timeless appeal of classic men's tailoring as epitomized by Savile Row, especially during times of economic uncertainty. There's no need to travel all the way to London however to indulge in custom-tailoring of the highest quality and style that transcends trends and fads, if you know where to look. In New York City, David Chu, founder of the Nautica brand who has since gone on to revitalize luggage maker Tumi, operates an ultra-chic Bespoke shop at his gorgeous Townhouse in Gramercy Park.
The Bespoke shop (above) is located in the penthouse of the Townhouse, which is home to Chu's design studio and other businesses. Ebonized and limestone floors, marble fixtures and a collection of contemporary artwork and Chinese antiquities create an elegant, polished and modern atmosphere. French doors open out from the shop onto a landscaped roof deck with captivating city and park views. "The bespoke experience is about understated elegance," Chu tells Luxist. "It's more for yourself. You put it on, it feels great, and that's the most important thing."
David Chu Bespoke "blends the best of Savile Row and Neapolitan tailoring, marrying craftsmanship with modernity." Garments are hand-cut and stitched by a master tailor based in Naples. A gentleman can order anything he requires to be custom made, from suits, overcoats, tuxedos, and sport jackets to trousers, shoes, scarves, and 12-fold ties. The emphasis is on classic, luxurious fabrics such as super 150's wool, worsted spun cashmere and vicuna sourced from the world's best mills.
The Bespoke shop also offers expert style advice that factors in a client's lifestyle, and the atmosphere as a whole is reminiscent of an English gentleman's club. Bespoke customers have full access to the facilities of the Townhouse for professional use, including concierge services. Bespoke suits start at around $3,500; there's really no limit to what can be created other than the client's imagination, be it a suit made of the world's finest cashmere lined in exquisite silk. Chu's top drawer Townhouse luggage collection for Tumi is also on offer.
Next on the agenda, Chu, an avid golfer, will be rolling out a newly formed line called Lincs picking up from his last men's ready-to-wear collection. It can take time for some customers to work up to full bespoke after all. The collection of contemporary separates and shirting will make its debut in select stores in January.
Next on the agenda, Chu, an avid golfer, will be rolling out a newly formed line called Lincs picking up from his last men's ready-to-wear collection. It can take time for some customers to work up to full bespoke after all. The collection of contemporary separates and shirting will make its debut in select stores in January.
