Men of the Cloth

Men of the Cloth is the moving story of the unfortunately disappearing art of tailoring. I come from an entirely not fashion/tailor/clothes-anything related background and I have to say this film held my attention throughout every single minute.

I was moved to tears following the stories of these committed, hardworking, and talented gentlemen as they discussed their passion for the craft and their stories of growing up with a needle and thread in their hands.

On another note (I come from a filmmaking background) I was impressed with the direction of the film, watching the men talk about their passion with a garment in hand or while fixing a suit so delicately. I understand how difficult it can be to interview "regular" people about their passion, while putting them in front of the camera. Not only did they seem comfortable on film, but even as English as a second language, everything they had to say was clear and kept me as an audience member on the edge of my seat. I felt for them, and cared about them, and cared for the tailors' clients and felt pride watching as the clients walked away from their shops in beautiful hand tailored suits.

This is an excellent film. It will appeal to many people, on many different levels, but if you are interested in impeccably made clothing, master level craftsmanship, and honoring traditions, you will love this documentary. Such wonderful, talented men. I am so glad that the film-makers honored them by taking the time to document their skills before they are lost. Fine Tailoring is a time-consuming art, requiring years of training, and in this disposable world full of cheap clothing there is not as large a market for these beautiful clothes as there used to be. There are also not a lot of people anymore who are willing to spend the years required to learn these skilled trades. Hopefully, this will inspire people to not only learn to appreciate the skill involved, but maybe to even take up the art so this does not become a lost art.

I had been waiting to view this film after learning of it from my husband's tailor. Finally Men of the Cloth came to Minneapolis as part of the exhibit Italian Style: Fashion since 1945 at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

Vicki Vasilopoulos brings to our attention the art of the custom tailor and the dilemma facing the trade as the old guard ages without enough apprentices to pass on their knowledge. She introduces us to three well established Italian (in Italy and the US) tailors and gives us a glimpse of their dedication and talent as well as a few of their modern apprentices.

In recent years, there has been some revival of the hand crafted in this country and hopefully this film will inspire such a revival in the custom suit trade. The tailors, the clients and their suits restore some beauty and humanity back into our lives.

Who would want to see a film about three custom tailors? Those who themselves are tailors or sewists, certainly. But people who have never picked up a needle and thread will enjoy the film as well. This is not a film about bespoke suits; it is is a film about character, craftsmanship and artistry. It is a film about perseverance and patience. It is, above all, a film about excellence. The viewer will take away a new appreciation for what we are losing in our quest for the new, the cheap, the fast. The pride that these tailors take in their creations is well-earned. The joy that their customers take in their investment in fine clothing is evident. There is beauty in this film, and it brought tears to my eyes.

The preservation of craft and the stories around it are both relevant and fascinating. this film tells the story of several master tailors, separated geographically, but united in mastery of the craft. It honors the dedication and skill required to be a master tailor, and highlights both the loss and in some cases the resurgence of the craft. The film breaks down the complex series of steps required to produce a custom made suit of high quality. Following the practice of three master tailors who eloquently express their fear for the future of the craft, and the loss of skills in a generation not interested in taking the time to apprentice. A thoroughly worthy film, and an enjoyable watch.