Keikari.com

“Tom Baker, 45, Bespoke tailor. I did a 5 year apprenticeship at Hardy Aimes (Savile Row) in bespoke tailoring, both cutting and making, and began my own business in 1996 immediately thereafter. No children. I have a long term partner who is often involved in key decision making but is not necessarily a design influence. I am first generation of my given profession in my family and have received a lot of encouragement as a result. I first became interested in clothing at the age of 7 when i used to accompany my mother to the haberdashery shop in scotland were i grew up. I was more interested in classical style as this was an area which was more challenging technically, as a suit either fits perfectly or not at all. It was this area of perfection and the need for specific technique to achieve it, which I knew would challenge me more in the long term, rather than the superficiality of seasonal trends which have become more and more ridiculous as the years have gone by.

I have gathered my knowledge both from in-house training and a personal analysis of how I could do things better, based on the techniques that I learned. Some techniques, of course, cannot be improved, although others I have personalised to my own view as to how i feel optimises the silhouette for the wearer. I would describe my own dress as a mixture of an 18th century dandy and a 21st century rock and roll star, but always done quite subtly (never try too hard), I don’t own too many clothes, just the ones I love. Our house cut is rooted in the London Cut. i.e. clean chest, exact shoulder width on the given frame, and a clean trouser line (neither tight nor loose.) The store was born through natural evolution and the building of a loyal clientele which financially allowed me to expand on completely independent terms. It has been very well received in general as I cater for all ages and offer flexibility in terms of style. If a customer wishes to deviate for what i am known for, this is not a problem for us as we are a highly creative organisation.

Never, ever let clothes wear you. Style begins with personality and it is the essence of your personality that you are decorating. Equally, be bold and confident about what you chose to wear as it is this confidence that will override all other doubt about how you feel you look. Never search for reassurances over this matter as that in itself represents doubt. I am very interested in contemporary art and indeed pursue it creatively in my spare time. Start by building the cornerstones of your wardrobe with versatile items eg. a smart black suit, a good dinner suit, a couple of more confident business suits, possibly stripes,  and a few nicely fitting shirts that possess an element of neutrality to accompany your suit collection.

4 or 5 pairs of very smart shoes, a good overcoat and some matching ties and pocket squares, again which possess versatility, within your stable of clothing.  All items should have an element of connectivity without being too matchy matchy. Equally some of these items should be able to stand alone with jeans and a more casual flavour depending on your occasion. Its also good to have one special occasion/party piece, a stand out in the crowd item, for that particular type of event.”

Pictures: © Tom Baker