Tailor Made in Hoi An, Vietnam!

March 9, 2014 at 10:30 pm  •  Posted in Education, fashion, Inspiration, Vietnam by

There is no place in the world quite like Hoi An, Vietnam. The lanterns are magical! And the street are lined with beautiful pagodas and amazing street food. There are fisherman with gigantic nets at sunrise, reeling in their catch and beckoning all photographers who are awake. There is a peaceful and picturesque beach. But, by far, the most unusual thing about Hoi An is the fashion scene!!!

Every other storefront is a tailor or cobbler waiting and willing to make you ANYTHING you can dream up with a turnaround of 24 hours…what!?!

Mouni, Kim and The Roaming Jones had arrived in Hoi An a few days before us, so they quickly gave us the inside track with the best restaurants, hotel and, most importantly, tailor and cobbler. Armed with information, we surfed the web and sketched a few things, dreaming up the ultimate shoes and/or clothes…then we hit the streets.

We went to the shoe place first. It was hard to believe they could turn around 7 pairs of shoes in 24 hours but we decided to test the limits of their capacity. We ordered everything from red Ugg knockoffs with a pink star (Jones) to stylish suede high tops with a custom logo (Wescott) to metallic, open-toed, fringe boots (yours truly!)

Next we went to the tailor. Yve designed a cool dress with two different fabrics and cut outs on the sides. Tuck had a button down shirt made to fit perfectly. Otto ordered a funky striped shirt too! Cliff had them knock-off an über hip coat he had restrained himself from getting in Barcelona. Rather than paying $400+, he got a made-to-order version that was better for $40!!!

We sat down to dinner that night and guessed as to whether or not anything would actually be something we would wear. The next day we went for a fitting. EVERYTHING was awesome! So awesome, we ordered a few extra items :)  Not only did everything come out great but they boxed it all and shipped it for us! Full service!!!

What a crazy, whirlwind experience! It was so fun to see what each person decided to order, given a blank canvas!

I am putting Hoi An back on my MUST VISIT list, but next time I want to go with 4-6 adults and each of us bring $1000 on a mission to design a new wardrobe! We can go for a week, shop all day and meet for dinner each night to talk about what we have designed and ordered! How fun would that be?! Who’s in?

Jones getting measured by Sonny for his custom Alidaba pants!

Jones getting measured by Sonny for his custom Alidaba pants!

 

The finished product!

The finished product!

 

Tuck and Sonny rare practically the same size :)

Tuck and Sonny are practically the same size :)

 

Tuck with his finished shirt!

Tuck with his finished shirt!

Yve describing the dress she wants to Sonny

Yve describing the dress she wants to Sonny

 

Final fitting with Sonny for Yve's dress she designed

Final fitting with Sonny for Yve’s dress she designed

The gang brainstorming on shoe ideas!

The gang brainstorming on shoe ideas!

 

A close up of my new boots because they are SOOOOO UBERCOOOOL I can't even stand it :)

A close up of my new boots because they are SOOOOO UBERCOOOOL I can’t even stand it :)

This is the shoe maker The Roaming Jones recommended and we second that…they did an awesome job!

This is the shoe maker The Roaming Jones recommended and we second that…they did an awesome job!

 

The outside of Sonny's shop…she was also recommended by the Roaming Jones and she was definitely the best tailor in town!

The outside of Sonny’s shop…she was also recommended by the Roaming Jones and she was definitely the best tailor in town!

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13 Comments

  1. Alesia / March 9, 2014 at 11:05 pm /

    OMG. Love the boots. I’m in for the adult trip. I can’t wait to finally get my die cut summer boots made. Alesia

    • Lisa / March 11, 2014 at 5:17 pm /

      Sweet!!! I am putting you on the list :)

  2. K.A. / March 9, 2014 at 11:14 pm /

    No question…. I am IN. That is my absolute 100% dream come true. Love the boots, love the alidaba pants, LOVE the Alex P. Keaton Shirt Tuck designed.

    I want to go so bad!

    • Lisa / March 11, 2014 at 5:16 pm /

      They could make you clog boots! Any color, any style!!! EMERGENCY :)

  3. Mouni / March 10, 2014 at 12:20 am /

    Me three! I’m IN! I am SO happy you guys rearranged your itinerary to come to Hoi An!!! All your stuff arrived safe and sound! It’s all unpacked and “breathing” ready for your return. :)

    • Lisa / March 11, 2014 at 5:15 pm /

      Sweet! Thank you for being on the receiving end of all our crazy shipments :) xoxo!

  4. Vanessa / March 10, 2014 at 8:51 am /

    A bespoke wardrobe for only $1000? I would so love to be IN. Sigh.

  5. Mara Krieps / March 10, 2014 at 5:04 pm /

    I’m in for that trip! Love those crazy metallic fringe-y boots, and everyone’s creations!

  6. Mindi Oberg / March 10, 2014 at 8:20 pm /

    I need this! I never find what I’m looking for because it doesn’t exist. This is my chance!!

    BTW Hello Sharples! The island misses you but loves hearing your stories!

    -Mindi

    • Lisa / March 11, 2014 at 5:13 pm /

      You would LOVE it! Your dream can be made in 24 hours! :)

  7. Terry / March 11, 2014 at 11:48 am /

    I am coming too.

    • Lisa / March 11, 2014 at 5:12 pm /

      Awesome Mom :)

  8. Regan McCrary / March 17, 2014 at 4:05 pm /

    OMG Lisa those boots are awesome! I see some dancing in your future.

Comments are closed.