I rejoice in the way unannounced encounters can bring about unexpected changes. A couple of weeks ago I was at Salisbury for Prince Edward's visit to the Spinal Unit. My eye was caught by a strikingly attractive guest in a wheelchair. He looked fabulous in a perfectly tailored suit.
I have a perhaps higher than average interest in clothes by male standards. I feel better in well-made garments and find that clothes simply don't look as good when you're seated, not to mention the challenge of keeping said clothes clean as I wheel about in the rain. Suit jackets are a particular problem as they ruffle up and don't hang well. I'm frustrated by the lack of male designers who seem interested in the field (and it's a big market!). People have enough preconceptions when they see me in a wheelchair: it's great when what I'm wearing doesn't add to those (at worst) or changes assumptions (at best). And then there's the simple feeling of well-being that everyone has when they know they look good.
I approached said attractive man. "I have to say, you look amazing. Where did you get your suit?" It turns out he knows a tailor who used to work on Saville Row and who now works from home. "A bespoke suit should cost £1,200. This guy charges £600". I've started saving...
