February 1, 2018
lapel buttonhole on a suit
Published by D-D Lazenby on February 1, 2018
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About that lapel buttonhole: why is it even there?

Have you ever thought that it’s a bit odd to have a buttonhole on your jacket lapel, but no button on the other side? Why is it even there in the first place?  Like so many things in menswear, there are a handful of origin stories, many of which have very practical beginnings. This historical context has always been one of the reasons that I love being in the custom clothing business. It’s fun to research the genesis of sartorial tradition and style. And I’ve learned that my clients love learning about the history too.  So, about the buttonhole in question…while doing my […]
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November 3, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on November 3, 2017
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Fitted vs. Ill-Fitted

Last night I was out with some friends, one of them, Erik, relayed an experience he had with a salesperson recently while buying a suit. I should give a little background on Erik, he is 6’3″ weighs roughly 225 and wears a size 12.5 shoe. The salesman wanted to fit my friend in a pant with a finished 27″ thigh, tapering down to a finished 12″ pant bottom with an inseam of 32″. Erik wears a 35″ inseam! He’s all legs. This was not a custom suit, it was off-the-rack, he was buying in a pinch. When he put the […]
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October 2, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on October 2, 2017
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Tips to Get Your Wardrobe Ready for the New Season

Brought to you by CTDA Member, Wayne Glassman of Wayne Edwards Workshop in Philadelphia 1. GIVE AWAY Agree to give away the clothing that has not been worn in the last two years. If you haven’t worn the clothing in the last two years, you probably will not be wearing it this year. Here is some good news, There are many groups that would welcome your donations: Simply google men’s clothing donations and select the group you prefer. Some of the groups you already know are: American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Vietnam Vets of America, to name a few. 2. […]
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September 29, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on September 29, 2017
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Reflecting on My Friend Susan Igou By Dougal Monro

I always had great respect for Susan Igou and enjoyed her company at CTDA conventions over many years.  She was tenacious in all that she took on, a fighter with a gentle and giving personality, accompanied by her endearing smile.  She had a wonderful ability to make people feel good.  Nothing was ever given to Susan; she earned it all, set herself on a path and worked hard to realize her dreams and achieve her goals with her high end European sewing machine business, the sewing classes with those machines, as well of course as her design and tailoring talents, […]
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September 29, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on September 29, 2017
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Dear Friends of Susan Igou by Susan’s Daughter, Vanessa Empire

Dear Friends of Susan Igou, It is with great sadness and heartbreak that I write to inform you that on Friday, September 22, my beautiful mom passed away. At the onset of her unmistakable symptoms, my Mom started on her journey with unbelievable bravery and courage. We sought the advice of multiple teams of doctors, world renowned as the very best in their specialty… and through multiple surgeries, both invasive and non-invasive, infusions of many kinds, and finally a clinical trial to defeat this horrible disease, my Mom’s will to live was still strong. As the treatments began to compromise […]
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September 29, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on September 29, 2017
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CTDA past president Susan Igou has passed

Dear Members, It is with great sadness to share with you that fellow CTDA member and past president, Susan Igou, has passed away after her courageous battle with cancer. Susan was a Master Tailor and founder of StudioBernina in CO. She was very well respected and loved by so many in the bespoke tailoring industry. Susan was the first woman custom tailor to be on the CTDA board of directors and the first woman to serve as president of the CTDA. A memorial service is planned for Oct. 29th in the Boulder, CO area. Please keep Susan and her family […]
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September 25, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on September 25, 2017
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3 easy ways to boost your SEO and grow your business

In my experience, many custom clothing companies spend very little to no time at all with their website Search Engine Optimization (SEO). And even the mere mention of SEO conjures up feelings of frustration and criticism. But let’s back up a moment, what exactly is SEO? The whole idea is to optimize your business’s online presence so as to be well positioned in front of your prospective clients. In other words, if your clients are searching for, say, “custom suits in San Diego,” will they find you on the first page of whatever search engine they are using? That’s pretty […]
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September 14, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on September 14, 2017
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Designer Forum NY January 20-21-22, 2018

SAVE THE DATE! Join us for Designer Forum New York on Saturday thru Monday, January 20-21-22, 2018 at The London NYC Hotel (located @ 151 W. 54th Street, between 6th and 7th Avenues). Step into the most luxurious setting with your favorite bespoke clothing tailors and designers. Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Designer Forum New York caters to the finest upscale menswear buyers, in addition to the growing market of bespoke ladies wear buyers, custom clothiers and tailors / designers in the U.S., Canada and from around the world. Our boutique hotel style showroom format makes it […]
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June 6, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on June 6, 2017
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CTDA’s Harbor Dinner Cruise July 16th

You’re invited to the CTDA’s Harbor Dinner Cruise  Enjoy a lavish 3-hour cocktail party and buffet dinner along with dancing, entertainment and majestic city views of the NYC Harbor! What: Dinner, Dancing and Full Open Bar! Time: 6:30 PM to 10 PM (depart dock promptly at 6:45 PM) Where: Pier 83, W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036 Come Dressed in Red, White and/or Blue! Party Theme:  Patriotic Attire Come dressed in a red, white and/or blue to celebrate our Nation’s independence! Both formal and casual attire allowed. Cost: $115 for CTDA members $125 for non-CTDA members The Sights You’ll […]
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June 1, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on June 1, 2017
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DFNY July 2017 Exhibitor Packets due June 15th

Please join us for    Designer Forum NY July 2017 Saturday, July 15 – Monday, July 17, 2017 London NYC Hotel New York, New York    Exhibit at Designer Forum New York Get your vendor / exhibitor packet here Due by June 15th! Step into the most luxurious setting with your favorite bespoke clothing tailors and designers. Conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, Designer Forum New York caters to the finest upscale menswear buyers, in addition to the growing market of bespoke ladies wear buyers, custom clothiers and tailors / designers in the U.S., Canada and from around […]
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April 12, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on April 12, 2017
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2017 SPRING SUMMIT — BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM BEFORE 4/17!

2017 SPRING SUMMIT — BOOK YOUR HOTEL ROOM BEFORE 4/17! The CTDA is offering a negotiated room rate of $169 per night at the Element Hotel by Westin where the Summit will be held.  This rate includes a full hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. To reserve your hotel room, call 1-877-782-0151 or click here https://www.starwoodmeeting.com/events/start.action?id=1704113833&key=2E77F9B The closest airport is EWR – Newark Liberty International Airport. The hotel offers complimentary van shuttle service to and from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Amtrak Newark Penn Station seven days a week, from 7 AM – 11 PM upon request only and based on […]
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April 12, 2017
Published by D-D Lazenby on April 12, 2017
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CTDA’s Get Acquainted Party July 15, 2015

When: Saturday, July 15, 2017 When:  6 PM until ??? Where: Old Castle Pub (across from the London NYC hotel) Old Castle Pub 160 W 54th St New York, NY 10019 Cash Bar & Dining! Mark your calendars! We hope you will join us and bring your clients and friends along! No need to RSVP! Just show up!
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