History:
Tailoring as a trade, has its origins in the early Middle Ages.
During this period, the figure of tailor rises as a craftsman, who produces pieces based on personal request of the clientele, taking the size of each individual and making the required pieces by hand.
In Florence, the tailors did not have their own guilds, but they were part of the Arte dei Linaioli and the Rigattieri, and until the mid-fourteenth century they were included in the Silk Art.
In this context, their job was mainly to cut the clothes according to the requests of the customers, while the seam work was exclusively a female task.
How does it work:
The tailor’s job consists of mending and repairing fabrics and garments in need, also in making handmade and tailor-made clothes.
For this reason it is essential to take the measurements of the different proportions of the customer, on which the craftsman cut the fabric and obtain the different pieces to be assembled, sewing them together.
The clothing item is also completed with decorations, accessories or elements such as buttons, hems, embroidery, etc.
Today’s Production:
Whether or not the Industrial revolution changed and weakened the tailored craft, we must never forget the creativity and manual skills required for this profession have given rise to the works of the greatest names of Italian style, such as Valentino, Armani, Dolce & Gabbana and Versace, that made the Made in Italy famous worldwide. Without this capacity, we wouldn’t have the durability of high quality clothing brands today.