It was nice to meet Simone Righi in Florence. I’ve been into Frasi, and Tie Your Tie as it was before, but not when he has been in the shop.
Simone rebranded his shop three years ago, leaving the Japanese group Tie Your Tie. The stock and service were always very much Simone’s own, however, and therefore little has changed. It offers a range of luxurious knitwear (Fedeli, Hawick), knitted ties (Mattabisch, Tie Your Tie) and jackets from the likes of Sartorio Napoli and Orazio Luciano.
One thing Simone has expanded is the ‘bespoke’ service, in which he measures customers and has suits made up by one of three tailors – Kiton, Attolini and a Florentine tailor. There is one basted fitting, changes are sent back and then the final suit arrives. Simone is not a trained tailor, but he is certainly a perfectionist when it comes to fit – as you can see on any customer he is fitting, and of course on himself. (My favourite ever shotfrom The Sartorialist is of Simone.)
The shop is fun and worth a look in. The stock isn’t much of a draw, but the appeal has always been the man, the space and the community around it.
Photos: Luke Carby
Simon I am a huge follower of your blog and a big fan. I am curious as to what you think the effect physical appearance and looks should have on the way you dress. I don’t mean to sound vain but is there not a danger that extremely well dressed good looking men have the danger of appearing very vain?
Absolutely. Dressing well has to be about not appearing to make an effort – nonchalance, sprezzatura – and that should hopefully undermine much of the assumptions of vanity.
In other words, you need to be comfortable
Thank you very much. I was also wondering if you would be interested in doing a piece on upcoming young talent on the Row and that scene, if there is any its great to hear of young blood!
Sure. I write about the apprentices at Anderson & Sheppard a lot, on The Notebook site that I edit for them. And I’ve written about a few in my ‘Style and the Tailor’ series too. There will be more coming in that series
On that note I was in Chittlebrough & Morgan the other day and bumped into a young chap called Harry Mundy who appears to be working on ready-made Row designs. Simon do you know anything about him as extensive Googling has given me nothing? If not could you possibly look into it as I am really quite interested, quite a charismatic young boy (at least compared to an old buffer like myself…)
Hi – yes, Harry works at Chittleborough and has ambitions to start his own shirt company. His thoughts on the subject are very interesting, though he’s some way off being on Google for that reason. (Though maybe we have now changed that?)
Oh thank you Simon. I very much got the impression that it was a slightly more youthful and dare I use the word “edgier” style but still very much incorporating a traditional tailoring feel and style, something I believe this business needs to help keep it all fresh!
I would really appreciate it if you could keep us updated on his movements, if they ever amount to anything!
Francis
Will do Francis. That description goes for pretty much everyone at C&M – see interview with Michael Browne too. Even Joe and Roy are very much young at heart!
Simon
What is the etiquette on one wearing OE socks?
I’m probably being dumb, but OE socks?
Simon, that suit you are wearing is lovely, it deserves so much better than a turtleneck!!
Thanks. It’s an A&S in Lesser flannel. I’m not a huge fan of turtlenecks but they are great for travelling, on days like that flying into Florence.
You should have seen the plane flying out there – so many buyers, so many beards and turtlenecks. It’s a bit disconcerting, to suddenly realise you’re part of a trend and you had no idea.
Simon, that Lesser flannel is a beautiful shade of blue. And, damnit, A&S can cut the hell out of a double breasted suit, that thing is incredible. And hilariously enough, you were part of two trends without knowing it (turtlenecks & shawls) and you looked more natural than anyone else.
Hi Simon, I got gifted a jacket from Frasi, I was wondering whether you know how the Florentine tailor in question is called?
I don’t know anything about the tailors they use I’m afraid, no
No worries, thank for the quick reply, I’m a huge fan of your work and am thankful of what you do for menswear on a daily basis.
Thanks Ruben, that’s very kind