Raymond Chung, whose real name is Yat On Chung, is a name synonymous with excellence in tailoring.
Born in Hong Kong, Raymond grew up in a family of artisans, learning the art of stitching clothes from the tender age of six.
It was clear from an early age that Raymond had a passion for tailoring, and by his twenties, he had already established his own tailoring shop in downtown Hong Kong. From these humble beginnings, Raymond’s exceptional skills began to shine, and his journey would soon take him to the heart of bespoke tailoring.
In Hong Kong, Raymond quickly made a name for himself as a master of cutting and trouser making. His talent caught the eye of prestigious clients, and he tailored garments for members of the British Royal Family, Paul Smith Bespoke, Anderson & Shepard, and several military tailors. Yet, Raymond’s ambition pushed him further. To be recognised as the best in his trade, he knew he had to work full time in London, the home of tailoring.
Moving to the UK in his thirties, Raymond initially worked for military tailors. His precision, speed, and ability to tackle even the most complex alterations made him stand out. With incredible skill, Raymond could mark and cut directly on to cloth, bypassing the need for traditional card cutting templates. His reputation grew as a tailor who combined artistry with efficiency.
In 2012, Ian Fielding-Calcutt, founder of Fielding & Nicholson, advertised for a tailor to handle in-house alterations. On paper, Raymond seemed perfect for the role, but there was one challenge, he spoke almost no English. With his son David acting as a translator, Raymond attended the interview. Ian immediately recognised his talent and energy, hiring him as an alterations tailor.
It wasn’t long before Raymond’s extraordinary skills became evident. His ability to cut and create bespoke garments was unmatched, and he proposed producing Fielding & Nicholson’s bespoke tailoring in-house.
This marked the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership. Today, Raymond is instrumental in crafting the company’s bespoke Elegance products, all made entirely in England. His contribution extends beyond tailoring; he is also a valued friend and member of the team.
A typical day for Raymond begins early in the workshop. His morning might start with reviewing the day’s orders, discussing measurements, and preparing fabrics for cutting. Every piece is meticulously crafted, with Raymond often working directly with clients during fittings to ensure the perfect result. His ability to interpret measurements and translate them into flawless garments is unparalleled.
Raymond’s afternoons are often spent on bespoke projects, from marking and cutting to sewing and finishing. He works closely with the Fielding & Nicholson team to bring their vision to life, ensuring every garment meets the highest standards. Even complex alterations are handled with ease, as Raymond’s years of experience allow him to solve tailoring challenges with remarkable speed and precision.
Bespoke tailoring is an intricate craft that combines artistry with technical skill. At Fielding & Nicholson, every bespoke piece is a collaboration between tailor and client, resulting in garments that are unique and personal. Raymond’s expertise ensures that each suit is not just a piece of clothing but a masterpiece tailored to fit perfectly and last a lifetime.
Have you ever wondered what it takes to create a bespoke suit? From the first measurement to the final stitch, the process is a testament to the dedication and skill of master craftsmen like Raymond. What would you want in your ideal bespoke garment?
Raymond Chung’s journey from a young artisan in Hong Kong to a master tailor in London is a story of talent, determination, and passion.
His work at Fielding & Nicholson showcases the best of bespoke tailoring, combining tradition with innovation.
We invite you to meet with Raymond and our team to understand the process firsthand.