This overcoat from Ettore de Cesare in Naples has been featured earlier than, in the fashion characteristic a few weeks in the past speaking about silk scarves and shades of navy.
Nonetheless, there have been just a few feedback not too long ago that readers admire articles on new commissions, even when I’ve used the tailor earlier than and successfully reviewed their work.
I can see the way it serves as a spotlight for present ideas on a class of bespoke tailoring, corresponding to overcoats at present. I’d make one a yr, for instance, and overlaying it’s a helpful jumping-off level for discussions of how one’s wardrobe evolves, or altering views on worth – or just a spot the place readers can ask all of the questions they’ve proper now about coats.
So right here’s a little bit evaluate of this new coat from Ettore, adopted by extra normal factors.
Ettore de Cesare is a stable technician. All of the items I’ve had from him have match effectively from the beginning, and this coat was no exception.
The primary issues I search for on the first becoming are inevitably those the place I do know tailors have difficulties. They embrace a clear drop on the prime of the sleeve, which isn’t all the time simple with my rounded shoulders; the precise facet of the garment (my proper) as my decrease proper shoulder could make the stability laborious; and a detailed match on the collar, which makes an enormous distinction on my barely lengthy neck.
Ettore nailed all these items. In fact, he has a longtime sample for me now, however that was true with the first coat six years in the past too.
I’ve included some straight-on photographs under as an instance. The one factor I’d need to enhance can be lifting up the shoulders on the again, though keep in mind I like loads of fullness at the back of a coat: there’s nothing worse than making an attempt to get on a coat over a jacket when the match is only a bit too tight.
In fact, this fashion of Ulster coat additionally intentionally has fullness visibly gathered into the waist, no matter type of pleat or fold it’s executed with.
The place Ettore and I typically differ is fashion. His default with a jacket with a excessive gorge, a shorter size and a detailed match. The extra modern finish of the Neapolitan fashion spectrum.
Luckily we’ve established that this isn’t my fashion now, and once more, fittings run effectively because of this. The quantity of consolation I like has been famous – not simply mentally, however I’m certain someplace bodily on the patterns.
Type points did rear their head once more with this coat, nevertheless, due partly to an absence of communication, and partly the shortage of examples to strive on.
I might see most elements of the fashion of the coat on the becoming – the peak of the waist button, the quantity of overlap, the road of the lapel. However as is commonly the case, we have been drawing on the place and angle of the gorge – and due to this fact the form of the collar.
The gorge line on the ultimate outcome was extra downward-sloping than I anticipated, actually in comparison with different Ulster-style coats. Take a look at my Liverano or Ciardi variations, and you may see the distinction.
When the collar is up, this simply means there’s a barely smaller, barely extra pointed form across the chin. However when it’s down I feel the form of the collar slightly stands out, and I do put on coats extra with the collar down today – often with a shawl, with a better outfit.
Not like different overcoats, Ettore additionally included a button on the cuff of the coat. It’s not an enormous factor, however had I identified it was going to be there I might have gone with out. I feel it seems a little bit misplaced subsequent to the large turn-back cuff.
The highest set of buttons on the entrance have been additionally set fairly far aside, however that after all could be modified.
Total, whereas I just like the coat, it’s a reminder of the purpose I made in my first piece on my favorite tailors: each time doable see an instance of the factor you’re going to fee, particularly if it’s a DB or overcoat, the place design selections make such a distinction.
The fabric, then again, was completely good: a Fox Brothers 20oz merino in a midnight herringbone (CT12). Intentionally a little bit lighter in weight than a few of my others, however dense and with a stunning drape.
My different navy DB coat, a cashmere from Cifonelli, continues to be nice however isn’t fairly as versatile this shall be. Not simply due to the seen ending on the Cifonelli, however as a result of that cashmere makes it too formal (for me) to look good with denims.
Though I’ve by no means worn that Cifonelli closely – given it’s by no means been my solely coat – I nonetheless assume the cashmere has aged fairly effectively. However this wool shall be higher, and have that versatility of fashion.
That’s illustrated by the outfit right here. Even thought it’s pretty good (the navy jacket and trousers detailed beforehand right here) the previous Ralph Lauren cap sits higher with this coat than with the luxe Cifonelli. Distinction is meant, however not fairly that a lot.
Different issues to notice are the suede that Ettore typically makes use of on his clothes, and I’ve right here in black on my undercollar.
And on the flip facet, I feel it’s honest to say Ettore’s ending isn’t fairly nearly as good as some Neapolitans, and definitely not on the degree of the English, French or Milanese. That lapel buttonhole is about common for Naples, with some finer and longer.
We took these photographs one night in Naples, by the way in which, on the waterfront after a busy day visiting factories. I feel the small print come out sufficient, but when something isn’t clear please do ask.
Seeing them once more jogs my memory how nice a DB overcoat like this seems in use, in movement, with arms in pockets and even in trouser pockets. Static poses simply by no means do it justice.
Ettore de Cesare travels to London often, often utilizing the Holland & Sherry showrooms, now in a much bigger house on Savile Row.
The overcoat price £3500, which is Ettore’s beginning value for all wool coats. Jackets begin at £2500. You’ll be able to see the place they’re made, in Ettore’s Neapolitan workshop, from our go to right here.
