Matt Deckard Apparel

[Fletch]

Here is the thing, with MDA, Matt's knowledge of the vintage suits combined with the tailor he uses allows him to get the construction , details, fit and look to be correct. His tailors are accustom to taking his direction ...
In spite of the tailors being shown detailed drawings and actual vintage suits the tailors were not able to duplicate the construction and design. They were so ingrained in the modern style of construction they either could not or would not do it the way Matt wanted.

This is a hard thing to accept for craftsmen of any kind, but especially difficult for craftsmen who came up under a very strict traditional apprenticeship.

Going against what your master taught you is just wrong if you come from that tradition. There's no room for what Matt is doing - no history, no scholarship, no context. The master's knowledge is everything - there is nothing beyond it. So what he does not pass on cannot be brought back - unless the pupil breaks faith. And that can be a very serious matter.

 

[cordwangler]

This is a hard thing to accept for craftsmen of any kind, but especially difficult for craftsmen who came up under a very strict traditional apprenticeship.

Going against what your master taught you is just wrong if you come from that tradition. There's no room for what Matt is doing - no history, no scholarship, no context. The master's knowledge is everything - there is nothing beyond it. So what he does not pass on cannot be brought back - unless the pupil breaks faith. And that can be a very serious matter.

How true this is, and you only get this understanding from first-hand experience.

On a couple of occasions I've tried to get certain elements incorporated by tailors, and sought advice on certain things from shoe menders, with real examples and illustrations to hand, and drawn a blank. I'm enthusiastic but alert to people's sensibilities, especially craftsmen (family members were craftsmen, so I know you've got to tread carefully) and want to get a rapport going. However, I've had to accept that I'm the archetypal nightmare know-it-all dilettante customer, even though I'm the one asking for help as a non-expert and we're both in the dark about practicalities.

It's so refreshing to be able to see what you want in advance of buying.

 

[Qirrel]

Not only are many bound by the knowledge of their masters, but learning and experimenting with new methods takes a lot of time. With many tailors working long hours for low pay that simply is neither economical nor something that they would like to spend their free time doing. Perhaps if you went to Savile Row or some other tailor in that price range, they could accommodate such detailed requests. Or if one went to a theatrical tailor. But they are usually not available for private customers, and even they take shortcuts when making period fashions.

 

[MisterCairo]

For some reason I cannot access your website. I use an iMac so Safari is my browser. Is this just me, a "flash" issue or some such possibility?

I'm wondering if the Toronto connection I'd heard about is in place or otherwise progressing.

Mr. C.

PM sent.

Mr. C.

 

[MisterCairo]

He looks a little grimly fiendish to me....

Dave Vanian wearing Matt Deckard Apparel.

 

[Matt Deckard]

He looks a little grimly fiendish to me....

Is that good or bad?

 

[Chrome]

ha ha!

Depends are you with or against him.

 

[MisterCairo]

Is that good or bad?

First, I cannot access your website from any computer from my home, it must be some issue with my service.

Second, do you or do you not have a Toronto "location" as appeared to be the case when I was able to access your site at one point. Toront had been added beside Los Angeles on the header.

To answer your question, it's very good indeed in my opinion. Your client didn't look 1930s vintage when I bought this album in 1985, but a little MORE vintage:

[video=youtube;jTtHpHf5BQE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTtHpHf5BQE[/video]

 

[MisterCairo]

Is that good or bad?

[video=youtube;b31L4P7G5j8]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b31L4P7G5j8[/video]

 

[Matt Deckard]

I don't have a Toronto location, I lived up there for a small while last year. I'm in LA. If you'd like, you can call me. Just been keeping up with shirt orders as of late.

 

[MisterCairo]

Matt,

thanks for clearing that up. Really confused about your site - can't access it via computer but I CAN access it via by Blackberry. Will look into it.

Reason I was keen on a possible local (for me) location is my desire to get proper suits made. I have some Indy Magnoli suits, they're fine, but proper fitting, vintage-based tailoring techniques (arm holes, for eg.) and better fabrics are key for any future purchases.

I'll be in touch with you directly soon to see what, if anything, we can do via distance. I'm an RCAF officer, off on duty soon, returning in early spring.

Mr. C.

 

[Matt Deckard]

 

[Feraud]

Very nice job on the button-down collar!

 

[Matt Deckard]

Thank you. They're doing very well too. It's like a button down version of a collar bar. It dresses up the shirt whereas other button-downs dress the shirt down.

 

[Tomasso]

Versace made the exact collar in the 80's.

 

[Burma Schave]

Versace made the exact collar in the 80's.

As did Georgio Armani.

 

[Flat Foot Floey]

So does it look 80s to you? I was too young then to notice different collar shapes.
The curve looks great and I agree that it reminds of a collar bar. In general I am not a big fan of button down collars but this seems nicer

 

[volvomeister13]

This made me wince. You can say that he found no tailor at the price-point he was looking (and at where his suits are now priced) but please do not say that they do not exist today.There are dozens upon dozens of old line tailoring firms who can and regularly do make these Golden Era styles to the same standards of their predecessors; albeit at a much stiffer price. I don't mind a bit of puffery with the sales pitch but..........

That said, getting even a reasonable facsimile of Golden Era style from the likes of Mytailor.com/Hemrajani is quite an achievement and MDA should be commended.

Tomasso, which old line firms are you referring to? It would be helpful to know about them (even if they end up being too expensive).

 

[Alex Good]

Hi All,

Is Matt Deckard still making clothing? I was really hoping to get some of his 1930s shirts, and possibly a suit, and though I've contacted him 4 times, I have not received a reply. His website is still up, so I'm assuming he's still in business, so the silence is a bit frustrating.

Many Thanks,

Alex