Vintage Couture Tailoring

Traditional tailoring is a fascinating craft, which has not changed for many centuries, however, the techniques are now known only by a few practising in the best couture ateliers and bespoke tailor's workrooms. Nothing feels quite so luxurious or sophisticated as bespoke clothes, but the tailoring skills they require are often seen to be shrouded in mystery and the clothes therefore only accessible to the rich and famous. This practical book reveals the trade secrets of couture tailoring and brings vintage couture tailoring within the reach of all. With step-by-step photographs and professional tips throughout, it shows how a ladies' jacket is made and thereby introduces a range of fundamental tailoring techniques. These can be used for garments for either gender, as well as other sewing projects: moulding fabric to shape with the iron; employing loose interfacings; hollow shoulder construction; pad stitching canvas; interlining and weighting hems;making tailored and bound buttonholes;.... and many more forgotten techniques.Written by a tailor of international repute, Vintage Couture Tailoring is dedicated to all who appreciate the highest standard of craftsmanship, and who like using their eyes and hands to produce beautiful garments.Vintage couture tailoring is practised by only a few establishments around the world today and this practical book reveals the trade secrets of couture tailoring. An invaluable guide for professionals wishing to further their skills, and for enthusiasts with an interest in traditional tailoring. Shows how to make a ladies' jacket from preparation through to assembly and reveals the exquisite finishing details that are the hallmark of couture tailoring. Superbly illustrated with 417 colour step-by-step photographs.Thomas von Nordheim is a tailor of international repute.

Thomas von Nordheim learnt traditional tailoring during an apprenticeship in an old-style German couture salon. In the early 1990s, his love of fashion and all things English brought him to London, where he worked for many designers. For seven years he cut and tailored for an illustrious clientele of aristocrats, politicians and members of international society at the last surviving great London couture house, Lachasse. When the house sadly closed, Thomas established his own successful business offering tailoring to private clients. His expertise has also drawn commissions for cutting and making one-off showpieces for fashion designers, famous musicians and stage productions, including the Royal Opera House. He supervises an annual tailoring project at The Royal College of Art, and since 2002 has taught unique specialist short courses at London College of Fashion on tailoring and vintage couture techniques, attracting students for all over the world.