claireshaeffer
VFG Member
I've just read two interesting books: The History of Chanel No. Five by Tilar Mazzeo and Bespoke by Richard Anderson.
One of the most interesting things in the Chanel book is that a perfume formula, like sewing techniques, cannot be patented. This book includes a lot of information about the history of Chanel, perfumes, and business of luxury goods. It's very well written.
The author of Bespoke was a cutter at Huntsman when its workmanship was unparalleled. After it was sold and the quality deteriorated, Anderson opened his own business on Savile Row.
The early chapters are the most interesting for non-professionals. Here he describes the differences between bespoke and made-to-measure. At Huntsman, they used a piecework system --one person did sleeves, one buttonholes, one basted, another chalked, etc. --instead of the one person, actually two cutter and tailor--making the entire garment. It is also well written.
Claire
One of the most interesting things in the Chanel book is that a perfume formula, like sewing techniques, cannot be patented. This book includes a lot of information about the history of Chanel, perfumes, and business of luxury goods. It's very well written.
The author of Bespoke was a cutter at Huntsman when its workmanship was unparalleled. After it was sold and the quality deteriorated, Anderson opened his own business on Savile Row.
The early chapters are the most interesting for non-professionals. Here he describes the differences between bespoke and made-to-measure. At Huntsman, they used a piecework system --one person did sleeves, one buttonholes, one basted, another chalked, etc. --instead of the one person, actually two cutter and tailor--making the entire garment. It is also well written.
Claire
