Looking through the elegantly dressed display windows, are masterly crafted men’s garments, meticulously designed by thirty-year veteran clothier artisan John Ferrigamo and his bespoke tailoring team. A must see.
As soon as you walk into Ferrigamo’s Yorkville shop, you just know it speaks to refinement – the layout, the ambience, the luxury and the elegance. Shelves of world class fabric lengths and a library of swatch books are there for perusing – the finest called from England and Italy – where the discerning customer can choose the right pattern and style for his custom made suit. If a client is more adventurous, there are bolder looks to choose from with check, stripes and colors.
Lain stylishly next to them are medieval swords – an allegory to strength and masculinity, perhaps – or one can just as soon say it’s modern day armor. A full suit of armor is actually part of the decor, always with a beautiful fabric draped over the shoulder, complimenting the triptych- brave and bold like his styles – or representative of royalty, a reputation Ferrigamo has earned in how he caters to his clients.
Whatever the occasion, Ferrigamo has given deliberate thought in selecting is premiere merchandise, replete with all of the pieces to make a grand statement: handmade ties, meticulously presented custom shirt fabrics, designer cufflinks and an exclusive handmade shoe line from England.
All it takes is one glimpse to feel the experience that is not your ordinary mens store. This is where custom refined clothing meets personality meets distinction. Ferrigamo is in tune with his clientele, and has distinct view of what garment a man should wear, how it should be worn and the fabrics that will be appropriate for his profession and personality. Ferrigamo’s philosophy is
“We suit the fashion with the man”
Ever since he can remember he’s always had a flair for fashion and has been intrigued with the custom-tailoring world “So I thought this was the field for me, with the hopes of selling what I make,” he said. And with that mission he was determined to learn the trade, striving so passionately that at age 20, he apprenticed for free, and was hired five months later.
“It was my knowledge, passion for tailoring, and maturity in dealing with people that fated me so successful in this position.”
By age 25, he had already worked for a Canadian custom clothier in Manhattan, tutoring managerial staff, eventually working alongside a string of the city’s elite clothiers.
In the old days, these tailors were sixty-plus. There was no community college program to teach you how to make a suit. You’d apprentice, you’d be learning things, custom fittings and develop your skills beside the great ones. That’s how it was thirty years ago.
Along those lines Ferrigamo has forged his own way, and maintains a fully equipped bespoke tailor shop producing his signature hand-sewn garments, with a name synonymous with class and nobility. Ferrigamo’s clients are businessmen, athletes, celebrities, and every day men who appreciate well-tailored clothing and polishing up their professional image.
Whether it’s recommending the right fabric, the right style, or listening carefully to a customer’s wish list, Ferrigamo uses three decades of instinct and skill to seam it all together.
“There’s always a man who’s a victim of habit, in need of change and trusts my reputation and advice.” Said Ferrigamo. “After a man has experienced our product and service, they’re ready to start fresh.”
Recurring clients, he added, often buy two or three garments a season: anything from suits, sports jackets, pant combinations and seasonal topcoats, they’re so enamored with the garments and the value of a true artisans work.
“It’s always about added touch, the little extra special nuance”
and one of those includes the coffee and wine bar on the mezzanine, where clients can comfortably enjoy a drink while they consider their choices. To look your absolute best, Ferrigamo has one piece of lasting advice.
“Custom and Bespoke tailored garments are the highest level of dressing well. The best custom shop balances heritage, service, integrity, quality, luxury and the experience to fit a man better than anything he’s ever worn, while refining his personal style and professional brand.”