By Rama Gaind
Sam’s Tailor is an unpretentious shop in Hong Kong, but what makes this outlet unique is its A-list clientele that reads like an international Who’s Who.
The warm welcome from Manu Melwani far outweighed the slight waiting time inside the crowded shop.
Founded by Manu’s father Narindas (‘Sam’) in 1957, the shop is still in its original location in Burlington Arcade, 94 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
After learning of the ‘celebrity’ status enjoyed by Sam’s Tailor, I made a point of visiting the store and meeting Manu. One cannot escape the pictures of famous people that adorn the walls. One could spend hours here reminiscing.
What was it like to work with such celebrities?
Mr Melwani was modest in his answer: “We are in a privileged position to have them come to us, but we pay attention to all our customers”.
“Everyone who comes to us is special – whether you are a superstar or ordinary citizens like yourselves from Australia or New Zealand, Britain or the US,” he said.
“We treat everyone equally – and we do everything we can to ensure that everyone is satisfied.” That includes the 25% of women customers.
Easy tailoring
It’s all so easy to get garments stitched. Get measured for a suit on the morning of day one. Then take the iconic Star Ferry across Victor Harbour and enjoy some stunning views, have dinner, have a drink in the Soho district and party into the early hours in the former British colony. The next day, go back to Sam’s for a second fitting. Take in high tea at the Peninsula, then return in the afternoon to pick up your one-of-a-kind Sam’s Tailor suit, shirts or slacks – all in 24 hours!
Burlington Arcade is off Nathan Road which is part of the ‘Golden Mile’ of terrific bargains! It’s almost as obligatory to visit it as it is to go to Aberdeen’s Jumbo floating restaurant or taking the tram to The Peak.
Sam’s Tailor is renowned for discretion and has an unequalled reputation for quality and quick service.
Until the handover in 1997, it was the only official uniform tailor for British troops in Hong Kong.
Sam’s Tailor was honoured with a postage stamp on the 50th anniversary of its founding.
Sam’s Tailor is a well-run business with more than 70 workers stitching countless number of pants, jackets, dresses, suits and shirts a week.
Sam’s Tailor is a family business which is destined to prosper for many generations. Manu Melwani is assisted by his brother Sam, together with his son Roshan.
Sam’s Tailor is just as much of an institution in Hong Kong as Harrods is in London or Macy’s in New York. Its location in one of the smaller territories holds no barrier to the patronage of kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers and widely assorted celebrities.
Rich and famous list
Oh, and what about that illustrious register of names?
The record of the rich and famous clientele at Sam’s Tailor is never-ending. It includes such luminaries as Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Phillip, Prince Charles; U.S. Presidents Gerald Ford, George H. W. Bush, George W. Bush, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton; UK Prime Ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair; other celebrities such as Kevin Spacey, John McEnroe, George Michael, Michael Jackson, Boris Becker, Bob Hawke, Pierce Brosnan, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, David Bowie and Richard Gere. Michael Palin had his suit made there while doing his travel documentary, Michael Palin: Around the World in 80 Days.
Wait, there’s more: the late Diana, Princess of Wales; former South African President Nelson Mandela and former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau; former US vice-presidents Dick Chaney and Al Gore, who is also an environmental activist; and actors Sir Cliff Richard and Bruce Willis…
By now, you are impressed, so a visit to Burlington Arcade, Kowloon, is sure to be on the cards in the not too distant future. Right?
