TUXEDOS • SUITS • BLAZERS • TROUSERS • VESTS • SHIRTS • COATS • JACKETS
REMOTE APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
EMAIL: rolando.roblero@billyreid.com
WHAT TO EXPECT
We start with a private appointment at our Flatiron New York location, that typically lasts an hour during which we will discuss the occasion or use case of what we're creating, the design and fabric, and timelines. Then you will have a fitting to address your measurements and posture, create the garment, and when it arrives in New York we will schedule a follow up fitting to see how it fits and make tailoring adjustments if necessary.
Alex going downhill in his Black Tie Tailcoat, styled and fit by Rolando.
THE PROCESS
1. ASSESS YOUR NEEDS
EVENTS: Are you getting married? Do you need a glorious tuxedo because the last time you had to wear a lovely suit? There are plenty of luxurious fabrics and elegant designs to fulfill any spectacular event.
WORK: Do you wear tailored clothing for work, such as suiting, blazers, or flattering trousers? There are a wide range of fabric choices to support any climate, body type, or circumstance.
FASHION: Accepting an award? Looking for something that you cannot find off the rack, or have but you wish it looked a little different? Do you seek bold colors, interesting customizations, or historical designs? Let's bend the rules and make custom clothing for you that is unique.
2. DECIDE THE FABRIC
CLIMATE: Fabric that's woven widely for breathability in the summer, brushed wools and cashmere fabric for the winter, and mid-weight options for every time of the year.
USE CASE: Do you travel a lot? Then consider a dry wool which doesn't wrinkle or a wool synthetic blend for added stretch for comfort. Allergic to a particular composition, let's find what you love and that you're comfortable wearing.
UNIQUE: If you only wear navy or black suits then we have fabric with subtle differences for optionality. Do you want a lime green trench coat? A pale pink with sky blue windowpane blazer? Sure, we can do that.
3. HAVE A FITTING
BODY TYPE: Virtually any body shape, swimmers, soccer players, very short, very wide, or extremely tall. A full custom fit means you never have to think of if it will fit.
COMFORT: It's important that we assess your body shape, but also your overall preferences on how you like to feel when wearing your clothing. Perhaps you want a looser, trendier fit...or you want to feel like James Bond with a close to the body, higher armhole, contemporary aesthetic.
4. WAIT FOR IT
TIMING VARIES: It depends on the fabric we're using and what we are creating with it, for example, I can make a suit in as little as 3-4 weeks because that fabric is at the facility that we use to create the piece. Loro Piana, or other speciality fabric is usually held offsite, thus there's shipping times to factor, etc.
UPDATES: I am notified on nearly every step of the development in my garments, and can relay that information to you. I know when items enter the production phase, shipping phase, and final tailoring timings...for the purpose of knowing when we can expect your beautifully created custom order.
5. FINAL CHANGES
THE FITTING: Once everything arrives we can schedule a fitting of the created piece to address any fit changes that should be altered before you can wear it with confidence. Our tailors are in house and final changes can take days.
UPDATED MEASUREMENTS: I update your clothing measurements with the post garment creation alterations done with our tailor so that every garment we create for you arrives in the best possible form.
BACKGROUND ON YOUR CAREER?
I studied Psychology at University partially to enhance my stand up comedy which I've been doing for over a decade. I also worked in the wine industry in Napa during which I became familiar with more elevated experiences as a whole. My interest in tailored clothing started in New York, when I wanted to look better on stage, and thus began researching the history of tailored clothing, and investing in my wardrobe.
FAVORITE PART ABOUT CREATING CUSTOM CLOTHING?
Creating clothing that is utilitarian, functional, and elegant. Clothing that someone would actually wear, yet can exist as a standalone work of art in one's closet, and the effect of that art being the near speechlessness from a customer when they put it on for the first time.
Michael in a white, white tie tail tuxedo Styled, fit, and designed by Rolando
YOUR CUSTOM GO-TO'S?
My black velvet jacket, it's bold and I wear it with a bowtie or with a pair of black jeans, and my tan linen suit because I can easily wear the jacket with jeans, or the pants on their own on a hot day or with a blazer if I want more elegance than a pair of chinos.
USING THE BEST FABRIC FROM
CUSTOM EMBROIDERY
I love adding custom embroidery to clothing that I design because it's even more unforgettable when it has that special touch.
TOP 5 ARTICLES OF CLOTHING THAT EVERYONE SHOULD OWN?
1. A black blazer that is slightly heavier than normal and can be dressed up or down.
2. A pair of well fitting stone colored cotton trousers that can be worn without thought when the sun is shining.
3. A pair of jeans that you feel comfortable wearing at night with a blazer.
4. A casual jacket that has an elevated look which you can wear to your corner shop or to get a weekend coffee.
5. A formal dark, not so business looking, suit that you feel comfortable wearing to an upscale event or other event that requires formalwear.
STYLING FEATURED IN
Sophisticated Weddings Magazine
WHAT IS YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY?
Design clothing that you will actually wear because they're functional and fulfill a purpose. Design them historically accurate and not too modern because that could quickly date them. Create something that you both desire and exists in your closet as a solitary piece of art.
MY CLIENTS AND FRIENDS
My customers are people who I work with to make them look and feel amazing, people who I have the privilege of creating beautiful clothing that elevates other areas, and I'm glad to have the opportunity to know they're wearing the custom clothing that I've helped to create in their everyday life.
ANY MEMORABLE CLIENT STORIES?
The story that Richard, who owns a successful private wealth management company that specializes in the finances of young pro athletes, told me. He asked the man who gave him his first job, why did you hire me and not one of the other finance guys who were dressed exactly like me? And the man responded, because you're the only candidate who shined the backs of his shoes. Point is, details matter because you never know who will be paying attention.
CREATED CLOTHING
It's amazing when I have the opportunity to make something for someone, and I get to see their wonderful response, but before it lives in their closet...it lives in my camera.
Brandon Armstrong (@brandonarmstrong) styled by me for Sophisticated Weddings Magazine