Why Bespoke Is Best - Take a trip to Manesh Manolo Bespoke Couturier

In an era of fast fashion and a throw-away culture, the bespoke suit stands as a bastion of individualism, craftsmanship and sartorial excellence. There are a plethora of tailors to choose from in Hong Kong, but one name has risen in recent years to prominence - Manesh Manolo Bespoke Couturier in Sheung Wan, recently honoured with the Silver award in the hotly contested 2025 Sassy Reader’s Awards.

I’m lucky enough to own one of their creations and this is the story of how some lovely blue cloth became my favourite article of clothing. 

In an unassuming alley in Sheung Wan, on the 8th floor of Cheung’s Building, lies Manesh Manolo Bespoke Couturier. I open the door to find the man himself, Manesh Chellaram, greeting me with his wide and easy smile. He welcomes me in and offers me a drink. Within a minute, I feel like I’ve known Manesh for years.

The walls are filled with cubby holes containing various swatch fabrics from exotic Italian names including Zegna, Cabalane and Albini. They could have just as easily been seaside towns along the Italian coast. I’m a little daunted by the choice and at a loss as to where to start. Manesh guides me with questions such as where I’ll be wearing the suit (social, boardroom or job interview), what sort of hang I like–a thinner cloth gives a more casual look and crucially, what my budget is.

Armed with this information, Manesh starts to pull 5 or 6 cloth swatch books from the wall and lays them out across the table. I’m immediately drawn to a beautiful blue with a subtle chequered pattern. Next up - the lining. Again, there is a wealth of options, but in my budget and style choice, I go for a tan reminiscent of a Ferrari’s leather seats. The foundations of the suit have been set, now to add the details. Lapel width, cuff proportions, sleeve button holes… The list is endless but great fun. 

The difference between an off-the-rack suit and bespoke is palpable. Where off-the-rack clothing imposes its structure onto the wearer, bespoke garments move with the body, creating a silhouette of class that feels like a second skin. The bespoke process prioritises not just fit but fabric integrity, hand-stitched resilience, and personalised aesthetics impossible to replicate industrially.

Manesh Manolo Bespoke distinguishes itself through a holistic philosophy where client collaboration isn’t just encouraged; it’s foundational. Every lapel width, button stance, pocket angle and lining choice becomes a deliberate expression of the wearer’s identity and intent. 

This was the journey I was now embarking upon. We moved from the main room to a smaller back room with floor-to-ceiling mirrors. Manesh and his team set to work laying fabric across my shoulders and pinning pleats and cuffs here and there. Their movements are fluid, and it’s clear there is strong muscle memory at play. 

Manesh ensures you stand as you usually would, not too straight, as he wants to make sure the final ensemble sits properly on your frame. I asked what happens if I were to shed pounds, or more likely, put pounds on, and he explained that they leave enough fabric in the seams that they can let out a few centimetres if needed. He said he keeps all his clients' exact measurements on file, so provided that my body shape doesn't change too much, I can quickly and easily call in new shirts, trousers or jackets, even if I were to move countries. 

The recent accolade of Silver award in the fiercely competitive ‘Best Tailor’ category of the 2025 Sassy Reader’s Awards is a resounding testament to their exceptionalism. Voted for by the public, this award specifically honours ‘professionalism, dedication to quality, and commitment to customer service’, a trifecta that Manesh Manolo embodies as he finishes up taking my measurements.

With the first fitting out of the way, it was a short wait until I could go back for the fine-tuning. Luckily there wasn’t too much to be done. It was such a great experience to be standing there, looking at my very own bespoke suit come to life. I already felt more confident and stood proud. 

The collection day was amazing. Manesh brought out the suit with a magician’s flourish. The finished article looked and felt even better than I imagined. Manesh had added in a gorgeous rainbow stitching to the lining, and my name was carefully stitched into the right-hand inner pocket. The suit was a thing of beauty. Now all I needed was an occasion to wear it!

Choosing bespoke, particularly with a couturier of Manesh Manolo’s calibre, is an investment in self-expression, confidence, and longevity. While the initial outlay is greater than off-the-rack, the value proposition is undeniable. You acquire not just a suit, but a garment of such perfect fit that all other clothing immediately feels clunky and outdated.  

If you too want a suit that makes you feel superb and will last for years to come, visit them Manesh in person or check out the website at www.maneshmanolo.com. Tell him Andrew sent you!

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