On a cloudy day in October, I found myself in a cozy townhouse on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, having my measurements taken for a pair of pants. This was not your typical shopping experience – I was in the studio of designer Patricia Voto, the mastermind behind the One/Of atelier concept. Tired of the impersonal nature of online shopping, Voto created a space where clients could have pieces made to measure or fully bespoke, using deadstock fabrics that might otherwise go to waste.
As I chatted with Voto and browsed the fabric swatches, I couldn’t help but feel at ease. The atmosphere she created was welcoming and pressure-free, a stark contrast to the usual stress of finding the right size in a store. Voto’s approach of cutting each item to fit the client’s unique proportions made styles that once seemed out of reach suddenly accessible.
This personalized shopping experience is not unique to One/Of. Brands like Old Stone Trade and Safiyaa are also offering made-to-order clothing, providing a sense of connection to the product and the people behind it. At Old Stone Trade, luxury items are handmade to order by specialized artisans, requiring patience from customers accustomed to fast fashion. Melissa Ventosa Martin, the founder, emphasizes the importance of understanding the time and effort put into each piece.
Safiyaa, a London-based brand, produces all U.S. orders in their New York atelier. Their garments are made to order and available in a wide range of colors, offering clients a unique shopping experience. Founder Daniela Karnuts believes that the initial intimidation of bespoke shopping transforms into empowerment as clients see the garment take shape.
In Brooklyn, The Consistency Project is revolutionizing the denim shopping experience. Founder Natasha Halesworth, known for her “pant therapy,” helps customers find the perfect pair of vintage Levi’s. By providing real-time fit analysis and tailoring services, Halesworth ensures that every customer leaves with a pair of jeans that fits like a dream.
Personalized shopping experiences like these harken back to a time when clothes were made for individuals, not mass-produced for the masses. In a world dominated by fast fashion and online shopping, these brands offer a respite, a chance to connect with the clothing we wear on a deeper level. So next time you’re in need of a new wardrobe piece, consider stepping away from the online cart and into a world where your measurements matter more than a generic size tag.
