Friday was the annual MTBA summer party (Master Tailors’ Benevolent Association). It’s one of two events every year that brings together all the tailoring fraternity and is consistently a great event (the other big gathering being the dinner just before Christmas).The Merchant Taylors’ Hall, where it is held, is a wonderful series of rooms around a stone courtyard dating back to 1347. It was particularly lovely this year, as the shelter and stone construction made it a cool place to spend a hot summer evening.
Sharing a few pictures of the night, at top is myself with Graham Browne cutters Dan (left) and Russell (right). Below are another Dan (left), a tailor at Anderson & Sheppard who received an MBTA certificate and Eric Musgrave (right), author of Sharp Suits and now director general of the UK Fashion & Textile Association. Bottom is myself, again, with Karl (centre), front of house at Anderson & Sheppard, and James (right), a coat cutter at A&S.
Photos courtesy of Andy Barnham, Savile Row Bespoke Association photographer for the evening
A gathering of some real names in the industry, must be great to spend some time with these guys, and yourself of course Simon!
Coincidentally I was just looking at my copy of Sharp Suits at the weekend!
Savile Joe
I take it you were the only man wearing a tie?
You wear the sportcoat well Simon, very nice–looks like it was a great evening
You appear to be the only chap wearing a neck tie. WTF?!
The dress code was certainly rather patchy, but fear not many men were wearing some very elegant ties. Anderson & Sheppard’s head cutter Mr John Hitchcock was one, worn with a lovely summer double-breasted. And though you can’t see it, Eric is actually wearing a nice brown satin tie with his suit – picking out the brown overcheck in his jacket.
Simon
Simon,
How long have you been associated with the MBTA?
Looks like a wonderful affair.
Great post!
TS, I’m not associated with the MBTA, I was merely there as a guest of my tailor, as many in attendance were.
Thanks for the kind comments
Simon