Back to Indiana, for his real start in tailoring. This time the work consumed him; he became obsessed. But most of his father’s work was made-to-measure (for a RTW brand called Society Brand) not bespoke. He made suits at the weekend, for friends, but that was it. (“This was during the Second World War, when there was a wool shortage. When people heard my father had some wool in, they would just show up at our door,” Chris recalls).
So, to New York to talk to Louis Scalise – the first American designer to have his name on the clothing label along with the brand. Scalise put Chris to work in one of his two tailoring shops in New York, under Austrian tailor Frederick Blum. Blum was then 69 (this was 1974) and had opened and run two tailoring schools in Europe. Prior to coming to New York he worked under Angelo Litrico in Rome. (Litrico famously made suits for both JFK and Khrushchev during the Cold War. Each had a separate mannequin in the back of the shop.)
Chris one of the nicest, most genuine guys I’ve ever met. I once randomly walked into his showroom in Chicago just to see if he was around and we ended up talking for two hours. Literally just shooting the shit. It was a great experience and he’s a passionate guy. I can’t wait for the followup.
In my opinion, the finest tailor in the U.S. (edging out even the NY stalwarts like Raffaelli, Corvato and Logsdail).
Chris is not only a very genuine guy, his eye for fit is second to none. I have been fully satisfied with all of my Despos pieces. Luckily, I have not had the displeasure of “literally shooting the shit” with Despos. 😉
I’ve known Chris for years. My first experience with him was similar to Jeff H’s. Shortly after graduating from college, I was in Chicago for training. I guess I had mentioned it on AskAndy or StyleForum, and Chris sent me a PM inviting me to stop by his showroom.
It was five years before I could afford to have him make my first piece, which was the tuxedo for my wedding. Chris is a true bespoke tailor — the man you meet with, measures you, draws your pattern on paper by hand, cuts the fabric, and then personally does all of the fittings.
Chris is without question one of the best, if not the best, bespoke tailor right now in the United States.
You do not find this level of service even at the most renowned bespoke tailoring houses. And his work speaks for itself.
I’ve had only one suit made by Chris so far, but I hope to have many more. It’s by far my most comfortable and best fitting bespoke suit. He and his team do terrific work, and Chris is a true pleasure to work with.
What I recall most is that even though I never ordered a suit from Chris before and even though he probably has other clients who order suits by the dozens, he made me feel like his most important client all the way through.
Does Mr Despos make visits to NYC for bespoke customers?
Not usually no. Always worth contacting him and asking though.
I have read that Mr. Despos will only do referral work. I live in Alaska and we haven’t any fine tailors here in the great north. So after doing my own research online, all the reviews speak for themselves about the work Chris Despos has done for so many. I unfortunately don’t know anyone personally with one of his suits, but I would love to fly to Chicago to get fitted for a Tuxedo for my wedding this November. Does any one know if a walk in would be welcome? I’d hate to fly to Chicago from Alaska and find out he can not.
You should certainly contact him and ask
Chris finished a suit for me earlier this year. It took quite a while because his work load was so high. In fact, he told me his capacity for 2016 was fully taken before the end of 2015. Great guy and a great tailor. Came to my house to do the very final adjustments (though I live a lot closer to him than Alaska.) worth asking though. If he can accommodate you, I’m sure he will.
Chris, hello. This is Laura, Antonia Hernandez daughter from Dallas. Momma is still well. Call me 214.733.0160. I’m sure momma would love to hear from you.