An initial one-to-one consultation with Ritchie will take place either in Mayfair, London; the Kent studio, or at a location of your choice - this could be your home, hotel, or private members’ club. Here, we will discuss your requirements. Ritchie will advise you on fabric which is chosen from a vast selection of cloth bunches, and your measurements will be taken.

A paper pattern is cut to your measurements and figure. It is then marked around or ‘struck’ onto the chosen fabric with tailors’ chalk. The fabric is cut, and the resulting panels are put into a ‘bundle’ along with the ‘trimmings’ which are integral to the construction of the garment. These include linings, canvasses, pocketing, and buttons.

The garment is then made to the first ‘baste’ fitting. This is to establish the pattern. Ritchie will personally fit this prototype garment, checking that the balance and proportion are to his exacting standards and your requirements. As this is a collaborative process, alterations and adjustments to the garment are discussed and marked onto the baste fitting. This will ensure that the finished garment both fits and enhances your figure. Ritchie will only progress the garment to the next stage, a ‘forward’ fitting, when you - the client and Ritchie are completely satisfied with the fit of the baste. Re-basting the first fitting with all revisions and fitting again is quite normal and to be expected.

After each baste fitting, the garment is carefully taken apart and re-cut to include any alterations discussed. This is when adjustments are made to the original paper pattern, ensuring that both pattern and garment are identical to each other at every stage of the process.

The garment is then progressed to the forward fitting. The bulk of the tailoring work is done by hand in preparation for this fitting. The facings, top collar, pieces of fabric for the pockets, and the linings are cut. The ‘stays’: pieces of linen, lining or cotton silesia are sewn into areas of the garment prone to stress; for example, the vents and pocket mouths, to prevent the garment from distorting.

The lapels are then padded by hand, the pockets made, the edges cut down to a seam, taped and turned and the facings basted on. The side seams are closed, the shoulders are sewn by hand, the collar is shaped and again basted on. The top collar is shaped with an iron and also sewn on by hand. The sleeves are inserted with a basting stitch and backstitched, again by hand with a silk thread. The linings are not permanently sewn at this stage to allow access for further alteration should it be required.

When both parties are satisfied with the results at the forward fitting, the garment is taken to a finish. Finishing refers to the completion of the garment by hand. The buttonholes are added, edges are stitched, the linings are felled, and facings are sewn. The garment is pressed, and buttons are applied.

After a final fitting, any further adjustments and small alterations to ensure perfect fit, comfort and style will be made. Your completed garment will be delivered personally by Ritchie.

Meanwhile at the studio, we’ll archive your unique pattern so that it is ready for your next order. In future fewer fittings will likely be required, yet the pattern will continue to evolve with you, being refined as necessary to accommodate any changes to body shape or style preference.