Sartoria
La Sartoria is a place of magic, a place of boundless inspiration, a place of timeless craftsmanship. Here, large swaths of fabrics are transfomed into all sorts of sartorial creations.
The sarto, the master tailor, works in a precise scientific like manner. With years of study and experience, he understands all typologies of the human form and he crafts his pieces to best the client. Unlike a robot, however, the sarto works through key parts of the production process by hand. This allows the sarto to better personalize the garment to the client but also add a characteristic flair to the garment which elevates it and makes it human.
This process ascribes the garment to a tradition, a way of doing things, that has been refined over the ages and bestowed upon it a spirit.
Our Method
Born, nurtured, and maintained by a rich tradition of stewardship and appreciation, the sartoria today is in peril of extinction. Many sartoria’s which once existed, no longer do, and many sartoria’s which once adhered to the ages old tradition of craftsmanship have shifted to fast fashion and cheap manufacturing techniques.
At Mesciu Gigi, we endeavor to preserve the concept of the Sartoria by continuing the work of our founder Master Luigi (i.e. Mesciu Gigi in Leccese dialect). Maintaining these sets of practices is paramount to preserving the rich cultural tradition present not only in Italy but also fundamental to Apulia. For in many ways, the rich history of Italian design and craftsmanship is an Apulian tale. Countless skilled artisans have grown up and been educated in Apulia only to leave for more prosperous lands giving fame and fortune to other regions. Nevertheless, a new narrative arises, one that recognizes the unrivaled history, tradition, and beauty inherent to Apulia.
The suit is the foundational building block for any sartorial outfit, the central force to which all others must conform. The suit is also the capolavoro of the master tailor, the one garment which requires all of the sarto’s knowledge. In the Apulian tradition, the lapels of the suit coat round gently from the base into the notch. This technique is entitled al stondato and demonstrates the superior skill of the sarto. At Mesciu Gigi, we elaborate upon this tradition by specializing in suit coats that exaggerate the width of the lapels to more fully showcase its elegant contours.
The shirt is the body of the sartorial outfit, it supports the suit in its aesthetic but also offers a point of departure for further accessorizing. In the Apulian tradition, the shirt collar mimics the rounded nature of the suit lapel harmonizing the two and creating an elegant ensemble. At Mesciu Gigi, we draw great pride in our ability to execute this technique while also offering other contemporary options for our clients.
The tie is the greatest accessorizing tool in any sartorial outfit, it unifies an ensemble and tastefully allows for the expression of self. In consonance with the rest of the Italian sartorial tradition, the Apulian Sartoria constructs ties with two pieces of fabric. This gives the tie a more solid and regal presentation. At Mesciu Gigi, we offer ties within this tradition in various fabrics and styles. Nevertheless, we have grown particularly adept at crafting ties from our signature flannel fabrics.
In addition to our traditional sartorial offering, we also offer other garments made-to-measure such as our sweater and coat collections. Inspired by the majesty of Apulia, these models invoke both the natural landscape of our land and the key elements surrounding our built environment. Whether a sweater or a coat, each style offers some perspicacious insight into the Apulian way. Furthermore, these garments layer beautifully into our sartorial offering enhancing its total look and enriching the cultural consequence.
Made-to-measure
Our made-to-measure offering for these garments are available via our trunk shows, our showroom in Lecce, or at one of our featured boutiques such as in NYC.
All sartorial items require selection, patience, and attentiveness. Thus, at Mesciu Gigi we only offer these items made-to-measure in a way befitting to their artisanal nature. Clients interested in these highly elaborated forms, of partaking in the Apulian tradition, of continuing the life of the Sartoria may register for any one of our upcoming trunk shows or visit our showroom in Lecce, Italy.
Our made-to-measure sweater and coat offerings are crafted in Italy from the finest fabrics and available to you at our partner boutique, Silvano Italian Bespoke in Midtown East. Plan your in-store visit today to experience Italian elegance in the heart of New York City.