Emily Allen: Columnist
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of having a piece of clothing tailor-made for you, whether that’s a form-fitting evening dress, or the perfect pair of new shoes. Yet in a world of mass production, and increasingly faster fast- fashion-cycles, where more importance is placed on profit than quality, the question arises: Is the bespoke industry still alive and well, or has it become so exclusive that its future is threatened?
As the concept of luxury evolves, consumer preferences shift, and reduced spending power makes people reconsider their wants and needs, handmade excellence faces threats, but also, unprecedented opportunities, as it navigates the fine line between maintaining exclusivity, and ensuring its survival.
Bespoke craftsmanship – whether in clothes tailoring, footwear, or watch-making – has always been synonymous with rarity, precision, and the highest quality. Historically, it was the only way fine goods were made, with immense value placed on the skills required.
Since the mid-20th century, the global fashion market has been dominated by machine-made, cheaper goods, and the unique appeal of bespoke craftsmanship waned.
Yet exclusivity is both the burden and the blessing of the bespoke industry. The steep cost of maintaining artisanal traditions, sourcing rare and expensive materials, and training and employing skilled craftspeople means prices soar beyond reasonable reach for most consumers. This has led to a reduction of customer numbers, yet at the same time, an increasing respect that almost borders on reverence for truly handmade goods.
So what is ensuring heritage brands that produce handmade loafers and tailored suits remain intact? The answer is complicated, and lies in a blend of heritage brands, independent artisans, and a new wave of affluent consumers seeking authenticity over mass prestige.
Names like Savile Row’s Henry Poole and Rubinacci in Naples continue to carry the torch for bespoke tailoring. While some fashion houses have introduced made-to-measure services to appeal to a broader clientele, they remain steadfast in preserving true bespoke craftsmanship – where patterns are cut from scratch, multiple fittings ensure a perfect silhouette, and every stitch is painstakingly carried out by hand.
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Likewise, in the world of handcrafted shoes, makers such as John Lobb, Gaziano & Girling, and Stefano Bemer represent the epitome of bespoke footwear. While factory-made Goodyear-welted shoes have grown in popularity as an accessible luxury, these shoemakers continue to create fully handmade footwear for those who appreciate the nuances and quality of individual craftsmanship.
With unparalleled attention to detail and care for their craft, the artisans who ensure the continued flourishing of these heritage brands ensure that every component of their creations is rigorously seen to, often using traditional, expensive, and time-consuming techniques that larger brands have long since abandoned. While the bespoke industry may never return to the golden age of ubiquity that it enjoyed before the Second World War,
its cultural and artistic significance has nonetheless increased in recent years. The digital world – ironically a key disruptor of traditional craftsmanship – has played an unexpected role in its resurgence. Social media, luxury forums, and bespoke influencers have brought artisans into the global spotlight, introducing a younger affluent generation to the value of slow and timeless luxury.
Furthermore, a shift in consumer consciousness toward sustainability and individuality is breathing new life into bespoke. The desire for pieces that last a lifetime – both in quality and timeless style – is now driving a fresh appreciation for craftsmanship. Rather than fading into obscurity, bespoke is slowly but surely finding its niche within the highest echelons of taste.
So, what is the verdict for the future of bespoke? As an industry is not disappearing; rather, it is evolving. It may be exclusive by nature, but exclusivity has become its greatest allure. While fewer artisans practice traditional trades in 2025, those who do are more revered than ever. The modern luxury connoisseur is rediscovering the joy of owning something created just for them – a rarity in today’s disposable culture – that they can then hand down to future generations.
As long as there are those who value true artistry, bespoke craftsmanship will not only survive but continue to define the pinnacle of luxury for generations to come
