Alexander S.
Kabbaz / Joelle M. Kelly & Sons Custom Clothiers
Alexander S.
Kabbaz / Joelle M. Kelly & Sons Custom Clothiers
New York ~ East Hampton
Contact us: AskCustom@Customshirt1.com
Fine Custom Clothing and Accessories Custom Made for
Ladies & Gentlemen
WHO ARE THEY?
Long known worldwide as one of the top two custom
shirtmakers, Alexander S. Kabbaz and his wife and partner, Joelle
M. Kelly, use only the finest Swiss fabrics in the construction
of the 10-15 shirts they produce each week. With such
notables as Tom Wolfe, Leonard Bernstein, and the Rockefeller
family amongst their unequalled list, Kabbaz and Kelly
are not always able to take on new clients. The shirts range in price from $600. The dynamic duo can be relied upon to produce the best
that can be made anywhere.
HOW DO THEY WORK?
They used to send a brochure which goes into great detail describing their continuing pursuit of
quality in a world where it is all too often left behind in quest of greater profits. But ... as most
people today have no time for lengthy reading ... they have prepared this quick summary of their
procedures and policies: (Or, for the Full Story, Go Straight to the Bottom of this Page!)
"Thank you for your inquiry. We would welcome you as a client and have
prepared the following as a summary of our work. We no longer maintain a shop in
Manhattan but I do come in to visit clients, usually in their homes but
sometimes in my hotel, each Wednesday evening. I also make regular Tri-state
area trips to visit out-of-town clients. Other arrangements can be made when the
necessity dictates.
"At our first meeting, measurements are taken and styling determined through an
intensive discussion. We then design and strike your individual paper pattern
from which we cut a try-on shirt. A week or two later, faster if necessary, we
meet again for you to try on this laundered sample. This is not a shirt you
keep; it is merely for pattern corrections. You criticize, we criticize and
pin-fit. These fitting steps are repeated and repeated if necessary. When we
consider that we have accomplished our initial goals, we make the final
alterations to your pattern and, a few days later, send over a real shirt. This
you wear for a day or two thus insuring that you like everything about it. Once
your pattern has been finalized - and only then - we cut your order. We are not
interested in one-time clients. Perfecting your pattern is absolutely essential.
After that, you literally never need see us again to order shirts as we have
your pattern and shall gladly furnish swatches by mail. FYI, our definition of
custom differs somewhat from those shirtmakers who custom-size one of their
standard designs. We don't do that. Each client's pattern begins as a blank
paper, not an alterable template. Our definition is simple: "Custom means
exactly what the client wants it to mean". Yes, we have the temerity to opine
when we believe the client's choice is lacking in expertise ... but it is not we
who decide. It is you.
"What will we do? As far as shirts, blouses, or furnishings, virtually anything.
We will design originals (our preference), copy your old favorites, or work from
photos or sketches. In the arena of fabrics, we stock some 3000 of the best
Swiss or Italian woven, Egyptian-grown cottons and the finest Silks from Europe
and the Orient. Our preferred cottons are the 140 count, 170, and 200 count
2x2’s. Shirt prices range from $500 to $875 (average $675 - 1st time minumum of
8; thereafter 2) depending strictly on the selected fabric. Delivery varies
seasonally and depends (the first time only) on your availability for fittings.
We can, if you come stay locally on any Monday through Wednesday, complete the
shirt fitting process in just two days/one night and deliver an order within a
week, but this is not our preference. Quality should not be rushed! Monograms,
if desired, are done here by hand and are charged. All work is done here on the
premises. No exceptions; no qualifications - we farm out absolutely nothing. Our
ethic is simple...perfect, or corrected without question. "
Copyright © 1997-2001
Alex Kabbaz & Joelle Kelly
Last modified: November 08, 2002