Finding a good tailor in Los Angeles -- someone who can make a store-bought suit or dress look like it was custom-made for you -- can feel like digging for gold in your backyard. And it's not because we don't have our share of nip and tuckers here.
It's because the best tailors in town don't have to advertise -- they're already swamped with clients. And those clients are often loath to even speak the names of their secret weapons, for fear they'll become even less available to them. This busy pool of L.A. tailors, many of whom grew up with parents in the rag trade, are most in demand during awards season, which was supposed to kick off with the Golden Globes tonight and wrap up with the Academy Awards. (Apparently, despite the Globes' cancellation because of the writers strike, the red-carpet set is convinced at least some shows will go on; all the tailors in this story said they are as busy as always this year.)
But though getting in good with Drew's and Denzel's people goes a long way in cementing a tailor's reputation, fitting Versace gowns and Armani tuxes isn't the bread and butter of most of them. Hemming pants, taking in waistbands and shortening jacket sleeves are their daily pursuits.
But even these less complicated tasks can go awry in the wrong hands. Hasn't everyone had a garment ruined by a tailor who either didn't listen to a request or didn't put forth the necessary TLC?
The tailor you choose should always depend on what you need tweaked. Although tailors will often say they can repair, alter or re-create anything, most specialize in certain categories of clothing -- be it denim, suits or gowns (the three most complicated garments to construct and, therefore, alter). So at the risk of revealing the style set's most closely guarded secret weapons (bring it on, Mrs. Beckham), here's a rundown of some of the best alteration artists in town.
Suiting up
The dashing salesmen at the Beverly Hills outpost of British gentlemen's brand Turnbull & Asser turn to Harold Keleshian, tailor and owner of Novex Custom Tailor, to finesse suits and shirts for themselves and their customers. Keleshian and his staff do everything by hand and are known for being able to flatter extreme body types. "Suits are the most difficult thing to tailor," Keleshian says, "and few tailors really understand how to do it." In business since 1961, Keleshian also makes bespoke suits and has custom made glittering get-ups for Siegfried & Roy and Neil Diamond. Prices start at $45 for simple fixes.
