I recently shared on my Instagram that I had to come to Minsk and apply for a new visa. Unfortunately (as it turned out, for the better), I was denied the visa and had to cancel my two trips, so I’ve been in Minsk for two months now.
The Tailor Experience: A New Idea
Right after the refusal, I decided it was a good experience and didn’t want to feel down. I had met the best tailor in Belarus a while ago – Dmitry Zabolotny, and I wrote to him. I suggested visiting him, having a face-to-face conversation, catching up, and just chatting with an interesting person. From our dialogue, an idea emerged. Why not try to make a jacket and turn it into a mini-series? Dmitry would tell me everything and show me, and I would execute. My goal isn’t to become a tailor, but rather to be a professional, to know what I’m talking about from the inside, and to be versatile in working with gentlemen, helping them create their own style and emphasizing their individuality.
Crafting a Bespoke Jacket: A Journey to Pitti Uomo
The next day, I went to a fabric store and bought beautiful linen, wool, and silk fabric. On Monday, I went to Dmitry’s, we took measurements, and started cutting the fabric for the jacket.
Naturally, Dmitry helps me with the difficult tasks, but he trusts me with the easier ones, and every day I come to the studio, work on the sewing machine, hand-sew, or assemble something. We’re making the jacket using the Bespoke technique, where almost all the work is done by hand.
We also have a deadline. We need to finish our jacket by Pitti Uomo, so I can wear it there and showcase our result.
Balancing Passion and Daily Life
Every time after working in the studio, I take some items home and continue working there. I really enjoy it, it’s like a form of meditation for me, helping me relax and unwind. However, because of this, my schedule has been a bit off, and I go to bed late and have to wake up early to manage work, learning, and my healthy habits.
Progress Update On My Bespoke Jacket
At the time of writing this article, we’ve already cut all the pieces, and today I worked on the lapel and got the task to assemble it and also the sleeves at home. If everything goes well, we’ll assemble the jacket for fitting tomorrow and have our first fitting.
Valuable Lessons I've Learned
I’m looking forward to it, and from all of this, I’ve learned a very important lesson – not to think about everything at once, just to take it step by step, and eventually, we’ll reach our goal.
Naturally, we exchange experience and energy throughout the process. I have immense respect for Dmitry and I’m grateful for the trust and the opportunity to participate in such an interesting experience.
Fact in the Spotlight
Suits made with the Bespoke technique are crafted exclusively from natural materials, and the canvas interlining typically consists of horsehair, cotton, and a bit of polyester. Typically, low-quality jackets lack proper canvas interlining and instead use adhesive materials, resulting in a jacket that never looks good.
Quote of the Week
Not to think about everything at once, just to take it step by step, and eventually, we’ll reach our goal.
Anton Masko
That’s all for today. See you on Saturday next week!
Yours sincerely, Anton Masko
