ReOrient yourself Grooms and the only knot you tie won't be on your neck

Photos with permission from Shanghai Tang

"It’s my wedding too and I don’t want a regular tux”. This is what I’ve been hearing a lot from grooms I’ve met at events. "It’s always the girl that gets the dress and I just get ‘rent-a-tux’". Today’s man is looking for something to make this day just as special for him. What if you’re not a traditional tux or suit kind of guy? What if you’re looking for something a bit more unique? What if you just hate ties, but still want a formal look? I think the designers at Shanghai Tang may have an option for you.

They create made-to-measure suits that ‘emancipate’ your need to wear a tie. You can choose from an array of fabrics, including a lush cut-velvet, hand-woven silk jacquards, linen, cotton or silk. Once you have chosen your style, there will be anywhere from ten to twenty measurements from which a ‘toile’ or mock-up of the piece is taken and the construction of your jacket or suit begins. At the first fitting, any changes or adjustments are made and then it’s cut out in your chosen fabric (choose velvet – it feels so luxurious!). A few weeks later – your custom made jacket or suit is ready to be worn.

While having a Mandarin collar may be a new idea to some, there is a growing trend to getting rid of the necktie all together. Raphael Le Masne de Chermont, Executive Chairman of Shanghai Tang, recently created the Mandarin Collar Society. This timely, compelling and slightly cheeky initiative unites men who are shaping the world in diverse fields, such as sports, business, politics and the arts. To spearhead the effort, Shanghai Tang has appointed MCS Ambassadors around the world, including British sprint champion Linford Christie, Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire and world renowned pianist Lang Lang.

Ok, so there still may be a bit more fuss when your bride walks down the isle in her dress, but I guarantee you will get just as many oooh-ahhs in a custom tailored Shanghai Tang outfit. If there was ever a time to have something made for you, on your special day, this is it.

For more info: Take a look at their wonderful website, www.shanghaitang.com and if you decide that you too want a unique grooms-look, visit their New York boutique at: 600 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022 - Tel: 1 212 888 0111