The Coat Route

craft, luxury, and obsession on the trail of a $50,000 coat
Meg Lukens Noonan

'[A] rich, entertaining read, paying tribute to craftspeople dedicated to timeless quality in a mass-produced, fast-fashion world.'

Daniel Herborn, Sydney Morning Herald

'[U]tterly beguiling account of ... the rarefied world of bespoke tailoring and centuries-old craftsmanship ... an inspiring, often sad, altogether illuminating David and Goliath story of small family businesses pitting their talents against the tide of history.'

Bron Sibree, West Australian

View all reviews

'[A] fascinating book with a serious message about the real costs of fast fashion.'

Deborah Bogle, Adelaide Advertiser

'[A] lively journey … Traditions of bespoke tailoring (and other related crafts) are skirting the edge of extinction. Noonan’s delightful story makes us hope they endure.'

Publishers Weekly

'[E]vocative travelogue and eloquent tribute to the craft of tailoring — in particular a homage to the coat’s creator, John Cutler — as well as a spectacular window into the rarified world in which a genuinely bespoke creation bests an uber-designer label any day.’

Rebecca Tansley, North and South

‘Lush writing and eagle-eyed reportage uncloak the insular world of bespoke fashion … Globe-trekking travel writer Noonan is well-equipped to bridge the chasm and bring back a narrative every bit as finely rendered as the title’s subject. Outfitted with an infectious curiosity and enviable eye for detail, the seasoned correspondent executes a sartorial odyssey that spans a remarkable portion of the planet. The fantastic journey is both fast-paced and rich … The author’s descriptive prose is consistently illuminating and occasionally poetic … While delving deep into the unseen universe of complex dyes, magical silkworms and gold-laced textiles, the author also understands that it is the far-flung personalities dedicated to transforming these varied elements into a one-of-a-kind jacket that make this tale of topcoats and tailors so tantalising. An elegantly engaging book aimed at everyone from the off-the-rack crowd on up.’

Kirkus Reviews

‘As captivating as any mystery or thriller, The Coat Route demystifies the rarefied universe of bespoke tailoring and provides a lens into the culture that covets it. It educates and inspires. I couldn't put it down!’

Tim Gunn, author and television personality

‘An informative joy from start to finish.’

Richard Anderson, author of Bespoke: Savile Row ripped and smoothed

‘A spirited tour of fashion history … The Coat Route compels us to remember that behind every garment is a deep history and a pair of human hands — whether those hands stitched the dress’s hem or pulled a lever that stringed together that $30 must-have jacket.’

The Wall Street Journal

‘Delightful … The Coat Route celebrates those who work with their hands, creating something beautiful and lasting.’

The Seattle Times

‘[Meg Lukens Noonan’s] exploration of the business of fashion is fascinating and thorough, and her examination of bespoke goods redefines the words luxury and obsession.’

The Daily Beast

'A fabulous story, brilliantly told ... I couldn't have enjoyed it more.'

Bill Bryson OBE, author of Notes from a Small Island and When Things Go Wrong

In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat?

To answer that question, Meg Noonan takes readers to the Sydney studio of John Cutler, a fourth-generation tailor; to the mountains of Peru, where villagers shear vicunas (a rare animal known for its soft fleece); to the fabulous Florence headquarters of Stefano Ricci, the world’s greatest silk designer; to the esteemed French textile company Dormeuil; to the English button factory that makes products out of Indian buffalo horn; and to the workshop of the engraver who made the 18-carat gold plaque that sits inside the collar. These artisans create a rich tapestry of bespoke tailoring, which began in 17th-century London, but their dedication to their craft is about more than tradition; they believe that their way is best — for customers, for the environment, and for the workers involved.

Fascinating, surprising, and entertaining, The Coat Route is a timely love song to things of lasting value in our disposable culture.

'[A] rich, entertaining read, paying tribute to craftspeople dedicated to timeless quality in a mass-produced, fast-fashion world.'

Daniel Herborn, Sydney Morning Herald

Bron Sibree, West Australian

View all reviews

'[A] fascinating book with a serious message about the real costs of fast fashion.'

Deborah Bogle, Adelaide Advertiser

'[A] lively journey … Traditions of bespoke tailoring (and other related crafts) are skirting the edge of extinction. Noonan’s delightful story makes us hope they endure.'

Publishers Weekly

Rebecca Tansley, North and South

Kirkus Reviews

Tim Gunn, author and television personality

‘An informative joy from start to finish.’

Richard Anderson, author of Bespoke: Savile Row ripped and smoothed

The Wall Street Journal

‘Delightful … The Coat Route celebrates those who work with their hands, creating something beautiful and lasting.’

The Seattle Times

‘[Meg Lukens Noonan’s] exploration of the business of fashion is fascinating and thorough, and her examination of bespoke goods redefines the words luxury and obsession.’

The Daily Beast

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Details

Format:Paperback

Size: 198mm × 128mm

Extent:272pp

ISBN (13):9781922247599

RRP:£8.99

Pub date:6 Feb 2014

Rights Held: UK & Commonwealth

High-res cover:Download Image

AWARDS

CATEGORIES / tags

Fashion & society DESIGN / Fashion Consumerism Fashion & beauty industries TRAVEL / Special Interest / Literary BUSINESS & ECONOMICS / Consumer Behavior

AUTHOR

Meg Lukens Noonan

Meg Lukens Noonan has written for many publications, including Outside, National Geographic Adventure, Travel + Leisure, Esquire, Men’s Journal, and The New York Times. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and two daughters.

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The Coat Route

craft, luxury, and obsession on the trail of a $50,000 coat
Meg Lukens Noonan

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AUTHOR

Multi-time winner of the Australian Small Publisher of the Year Award

The Coat Route

craft, luxury, and obsession on the trail of a $50,000 coat Meg Lukens Noonan

Related content

AUTHOR

craft, luxury, and obsession on the trail of a $50,000 coat
Meg Lukens Noonan