Prada's Made-to-Measure Service Comes to Manila

You need a suit. No matter what line of work you're in—doctor who mends hearts? creative louche? career cubicle jock?—you need at least one great suit that will serve you well during the occasions that require the wearing of a suit.  

So why not get one that's made for you and made by one of the most exalted style houses today, Prada? The Italian label's made-to-measure service will be avilable in Manila, on the 28th to the 30th of September, at its Greenbelt boutique. 

No need to convince you why a custom suit that conforms to (and even improves) the pecularities of your body is superior to off-the-rack options, so we'll just clue you in on the very special service. The makers of discreet and often odd clothing translates its runway mastery into the strict world of tailoring, which is to say it's just doing what it does best: The creation of clothing, in this case, suits, shirts, and coats, via a hand-done process featuring hundreds of stages carried out by expert tailors.

Here's what to expect:  

A staggering amount of fine fabrics

There are 300 fabric options for suits and jackets, 30 for coats, and around 230 for shirts, to be exact. Expect textiles ranging from classic kid mohair and textured wools to exquisite Vicuña, Guanaco, and Guanashina, as well as a range of wools up to Super 210S. Silky-to-touch cottons complete the selection of shirt fabrics, while archive prints, the showpiece of the made-to-measure service, are exclusive to Prada. 

The suits come in three fits

The classic is soft and timeless, with jackets made with two or three buttons and trousers done with or without pleats. The slim is described as clean, and available in a two-button jacket with notch or peak lapels and trousers with no pleats and with side or slanted pockets. The fitted, the latest addition to the service, is a contemporary shape with a lighter shoulder construction. 

The shirts can be monogrammed

Within the three models—classic, slim, and bowling—your Prada shirt can be further customized with 10 collars, eight cuffs, and four monogram colors. For a most special piece, choose from Prada's archive prints. And, yes, the shirts can be done with short sleeves.  

The coats are luxurious   

You can push the boundaries of luxury by choosing, from the 30 types of fabrics available, exquisite cashmere, Vicuña, or Guanaco. The coats are available in three classic fits: one with three buttons, the other with two, and another that is double-breasted with pointed lapels.  

Prada describes the clients of its made-to-measure service as men “interested in presenting a classic image with a nod to the latest trends with meticulous attention to detail.” Which is exactly how you want to dress.

While its best to lean toward the traditional way of dressing (the suit! the tie!), it is also wise to subscribe to contemporary fashion. You don't want to be the relic in the room. You want to be impeccably dressed in the now.  

The made-to-measure service will be available on September 28 to 30 at Prada, Greenbelt 4.