The Coat Route by Meg Lukens Noonan
In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat? To answer that question, Meg Noonan takes readers to the Sydney studio of John Cutler, a fourth-generation tailor; to the mountains of Peru, where villagers shear vicunas (a rare animal known for its soft fleece); to the fabulous Florence headquarters of Stefano Ricci, the world’s greatest silk designer; to the esteemed French textile company Dormeuil; to the English button factory that makes products out of Indian buffalo horn; and to the workshop of the engraver who made the 18-carat gold plaque that sits inside the collar. These artisans create a rich tapestry of bespoke tailoring, which began in 17th-century London, but their dedication to their craft is about more than tradition; they believe that their way is best — for customers, for the environment, and for the workers involved. Fascinating, surprising, and entertaining, The Coat Route is a timely love song to things of lasting value in our disposable culture.'A fabulous story, brilliantly told.. I couldn't have enjoyed it more.'
-- Bill Bryson OBE, author of Notes from a Small Island and When Things Go Wrong'[A] rich, entertaining read, paying tribute to craftspeople dedicated to timeless quality in a mass-produced, fast-fashion world.'
-- Daniel Herborn * Sydney Morning Herald *'[U]tterly beguiling account of ... the rarefied world of bespoke tailoring and centuries-old craftsmanship ... an inspiring, often sad, altogether illuminating David and Goliath story of small family businesses pitting their talents against the tide of history.'
-- Bron Sibree * West Australian *'[A] fascinating book with a serious message about the real costs of fast fashion.'
-- Deborah Bogle * Adelaide Advertiser *'[A] lively journey … Traditions of bespoke tailoring (and other related crafts) are skirting the edge of extinction. Noonan’s delightful story makes us hope they endure.'
* Publishers Weekly *'[E]vocative travelogue and eloquent tribute to the craft of tailoring — in particular a homage to the coat’s creator, John Cutler — as well as a spectacular window into the rarified world in which a genuinely bespoke creation bests an uber-designer label any day.’
-- Rebecca Tansley * North and South *‘Lush writing and eagle-eyed reportage uncloak the insular world of bespoke fashion … Globe-trekking travel writer Noonan is well-equipped to bridge the chasm and bring back a narrative every bit as finely rendered as the title’s subject. Outfitted with an infectious curiosity and enviable eye for detail, the seasoned correspondent executes a sartorial odyssey that spans a remarkable portion of the planet. The fantastic journey is both fast-paced and rich … The author’s descriptive prose is consistently illuminating and occasionally poetic … While delving deep into the unseen universe of complex dyes, magical silkworms and gold-laced textiles, the author also understands that it is the far-flung personalities dedicated to transforming these varied elements into a one-of-a-kind jacket that make this tale of topcoats and tailors so tantalising. An elegantly engaging book aimed at everyone from the off-the-rack crowd on up.’
* Kirkus Reviews *‘As captivating as any mystery or thriller, The Coat Route demystifies the rarefied universe of bespoke tailoring and provides a lens into the culture that covets it. It educates and inspires. I couldn't put it down!’
-- Tim Gunn, author and television personality‘An informative joy from start to finish.’
-- Richard Anderson, author of Bespoke: Savile Row ripped and smoothed‘A spirited tour of fashion history … The Coat Route compels us to remember that behind every garment is a deep history and a pair of human hands — whether those hands stitched the dress’s hem or pulled a lever that stringed together that $30 must-have jacket.’
* The Wall Street Journal *‘Delightful … The Coat Route celebrates those who work with their hands, creating something beautiful and lasting.’
* The Seattle Times *‘[Meg Lukens Noonan’s] exploration of the business of fashion is fascinating and thorough, and her examination of bespoke goods redefines the words luxury and obsession.’
* The Daily Beast *| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781922247599 |
| ISBN 10 | 1922247596 |
| Title | The Coat Route |
| Author | Meg Lukens Noonan |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Paperback |
| Publisher | Scribe Publications |
| Year published | 2014-02-06 |
| Number of pages | 272 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |