I am the fourth generation of my family to take up the tailor’s shears. I joined the family business straight from school at 16 years of age. Even before that date I had taken a keen interest in bespoke tailoring and shirt making. During my holidays from Sydney Grammar, I would visit the shop to learn about tailoring. I even made the occasional waistcoat for members of staff at the school.At 18 I followed in the footsteps of his grandfather and father before him, and travelled to London, the home of bespoke tailoring. Whilst working at one of the world’s foremost woollen houses Dormeuil Freres, I got to know the tailors in Savile Row. I also attended the renowned Tailor and Cutter Academy in Soho’s Gerrard Street where I studied ‘cutting gentlemen’s tailor made garments’, graduating in 1969. The Academy, which sadly no longer exists, was for many years the cornerstone of British institutional tailoring.I returned to work with my father Bruce in the family business before taking over the cutting in 1972 and as Managing Director in 1976. To this day I remain the designer, cutter, and Business Principal with over 50 years of experience.“ I ventured into this rare trade with passion, knowing there would always be a buoyant demand at the top end of the market. There will always be those who insist on the very best.”More than 50 years on that demand remains as robust as ever, and I continue to maintain the exacting standards and quality that have made J. H. Cutler synonymous with exclusive bespoke clothing in Australia and overseas.For further information on my bespoke tailoring and shirt making business J. H. Cutler, which this year celebrates its 133rd anniversary see www.cutlerbespoke.comSpecialties: bespoke tailor, cutter, designer