Tailoring
The tailoring side of the business developed as the Normals noted that customers shopping off-the-rack could be better served with a bespoke tailoring service.
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. Dr Who, Robert Mitchum and Bond inspired.
Film work involves tailoring for male leads - Sir Anthony Hopkins, Tommy Lee Jones, Hugh Laurie, Danny Huston, Martin Clunes, Jesse Plemons, 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..
Movie and TV wardrobe jobs have been as diverse as; The World's Fastest Indian, Savage Island, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez, The 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 and Hercules.
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) $1650 plus GST (this is based on English Worsted Wool Cloth @ $180 per metre). 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 $450 + GST). Lead-time is approximately 5 weeks from time of order to receipt of suit.
Allow 1 hour for an initial measure and fabric selection. A 40% deposit is required at this stage. There are usually 3 fittings within the fortnight before completion.
The suits are made to measure NOT made to order (i.e. NOT from a chart service supplied by Rembrandt or Cambridge) We make the client's own pattern and the suits are constructed in our Avondale workroom so the suit can have a unique look.
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 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 can be discussed with the client at the first appointment.