Beyond Fabric • Store info: Laboratorio di Sartoria

Store info: Laboratorio di Sartoria

When one hears the word tailor, the image of an older gentleman in a suit, chalk in hand, instantly comes to mind. Indeed, tailoring is viewed upon by many as an art of old whose life long apprenticeship is only mastered by well lived men who dedicated their whole lives to it. Although this isn’t far from the truth, the art of tailoring is currently luring new talents into its world: young men bet on perpetuating the century-old tradition of making one look his best.

One such talent is Ayres Gonçalo. Born to a family with strong roots in the tailoring business, he developed a passion for the art at an early age. Growing up in his grandfather’s atelier, to this date one of Porto’s most renowned tailors, he eagerly watched and learned the trade over the years. When the opportunity to study abroad rose, he set course for London’s Savile Row having joined Gieves & Hawkes, where he crafted suits for Prince Charles and Gordon Brown among others. Then followed Hong Kong and New York where his outstanding bespoke creations continued to impress with awe.

Earlier this year and driven by the desire to start his own brand, Ayres returned to his hometown of Porto, where he opened business with fellow tailor and associate Paulo Rodrigues. Laboratorio di Sartoria is not your usual tailor atelier: upon arrival you’re greeted by bold cobalt blue walls, a reflection of these high spirited craftsmen, now in their 30’s. The overall relaxed vibe and good mood is only surpassed by their professionalism and love for the craft easily perceived just a few minutes into the conversation. As a new generation of tailors, their interests and know how are much more up to date and dynamic, allowing the customer to feel not only comfortable but confident that his vision will be perfectly understood, which may pose a challenge with old school tailors. Offering made to measure shirts starting at €80 and two suiting lines, one made to measure starting at €500 and another bespoke fully handmade from €1.800, they offer the perfect chance to get hold of outstanding one of a kind pieces.