Tailoring
The tailoring side of the business developed when the Normals noted customers buying off-the-rack could be better served bespoken.
As varied as the clients are, so are the individual requests for suits. These include; zoot, rock 'n' roll, Queen's Council barjackets, tuxedos, western detailed, Elvis‘68 comeback, period costume,Rat Pack, Mitchum and Bond inspired.
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Film work involves tailoring for male leads - Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugh Laurie, Danny Huston, Martin Clunes, Jesse Plemons, Elijah Wood, Keith Carradine along with local stars.
The Sean Parker wedding was arguably the biggest Strangely Normal tailoring production to date. 150 VIP males were dressed in 3 piece and Nehru suits of varying styles and fabrics to attend the spectacular themed wedding at The Big Sur - A major challenge!
Hollywood producers and directors have also had the Strangely Normal treatment including Eric Gruendemann, Michael Laughlan and Charlie Siebert; two Oscar Winners have also accepted their awards in Strangely Normal tuxedos..
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Strangely Normal is often the go-to choice for the film industry looking for male lead tailoring. Projects include The World's Fastest Indian, Savage Island, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, Power of the Dog, Mr Pip, The Making of the Mob, The other side of Heaven, Emperor, The Hugh Hefner Story, Mahana, That's Country with Ray Columbus,30 Days of Night, Sione’s Wedding, The Modern Maori Quartet Show, Cowboy Bebop , Ghost in the Shell, Bookworm, Hercules and East of Eden
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The label continues still maintaining a personal approach to service and
Claire and Michael continue to be involved with every garment that leaves the building.
The average price of a suit is (NZ) $1850 plus GST based on English Worsted Wool Cloth @ $210 per metre, there are less expensive options available. A second pair of trousers is recommended if the suit is worn more often than once or twice a week. We make the second trouser on a smaller mark-up as a courtesy (approx $600 + GST). Lead-time is approximately 6 weeks from time of order to receipt of suit.
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Allow 1 hour for an initial measure and fabric selection. A 40% deposit is required at this stage. There are usually 2-3 fittings within the fortnight before completion.
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The suits are made to measure NOT made to order (i.e. NOT from a chart service supplied by another tailoring company We make the client's own pattern and the suits are constructed in our Avondale workroom so the suit can have a unique look.
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The client should consider the following:
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The function of the garments and how versatile the colour and cut should be-bearing in mind the lifespan expected.
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The amount of use the suit is expected to have will determine whether a second trouser is needed.
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Single or Double Breasted Jacket and height of break, i.e. 1, 2 or 3 or even 4 button front.
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One or two vents or plain back on jacket.
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Trousers to be pleated or flat front.
All ideas and expectations should be discussed with the client at the first appointment to avoid styling becoming compromised.