West Side Canvas: Robert Beck Goes Bespoke

Alterations
By Robert Beck

I believe that the Universe calls the shots. Some things are meant to be, and some are meant to not be.

I have a once-snappy sports jacket that is getting tired. I mentioned to my wife that I was thinking of getting another, but I wasn’t sure where to go for what I wanted. Shopping is different now.

Two days later, I was walking along 72nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam and noticed some dresses on forms and a man at a sewing machine in a second-floor window. It is not unusual to see someone making repairs in the front of a dry cleaner, but this had a singular, detached-from-the-street, real-tailor feel. A painting and essay about that would be an excellent addition to my West Side Canvas series, I thought. I went up and introduced myself.

Ramon Cruz of Alterations by RC has a long history of custom and bespoke tailoring for elite customers, first in the Dominican Republic, where he was born, and then New York.

Mr. Cruz liked the idea of me painting in his shop. We agreed I would show up the following Monday. That gave me time to go online, see the shop’s story, look at tailoring in general, and let the idea percolate a bit. I was going to arrive and pick a view based on what I remembered from the first visit, and I didn’t want to miss something.

Mr. Cruz was not there when I showed up, but his associate, Elias, was. There are two rooms—the space where they work overlooking the street, separated from a fitting room by a wall with a large window. There was a large, fabulous, fitting mirror, with corners arcing out in a visual fanfare—the perfect way to see yourself dressed. This was 100% tailor shop. I get excited when I find a place that describes the jobs people do there.

I set up in the fitting room and painted through the glass at Elias as he worked the sewing machine. Seeing him roll the hand wheel brought back memories of my mother, who sewed a lot. She made my clothes when I was a kid. From there, I took the mental leap to needing a new jacket again.

I’ve had a rack suit or jacket altered to fit me, but I’ve never had one made from scratch, where you go somewhere, pick out fabric, and have fittings. That involves a bit of trust, but not unlike when someone asks me to paint something for them. And the Universe is pushing this, so a lack of follow-through can have consequences. This could be the answer to my question. Instead of spending money on stupid stuff, why not get something that’s just mine, and makes me look and feel good. Maybe you should get some bespoke clothing, too. The UWS could use the upgrade, and the Universe will approve.

Note: Before Robert Beck wrote West Side Canvas, his essays and paintings were featured in Weekend Column. Read Robert Beck’s earlier columns here and here.

See more of Robert Beck’s work and his UWS studio by visiting www.robertbeck.net  And let Robert know if you have a connection to an archetypal UWS place or event that would make a good West Side Canvas subject. Thank you!

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