The world’s best basement

Have you ever wished you could enter a clothes shop and then leave magically wearing a new bespoke outfit that would change your life? Yes? Well, the chances are you watched too much Mr Benn as a child, then.

In the real world, acquiring a transformative outfit requires more than just a few seconds. In the case of Hostem’s new ‘Chalk Room’, for example, it will take four to six weeks. But it will be worth it.

As part of the brand’s Hostem Bespoke initiative, its Shoreditch store has just opened this unique basement space dedicated exclusively to luxury made-to-measure clothing and accessories.

Upon entrance you’ll enjoy an in-depth consultation with Charlie Casely-Hayford of high-end menswear brand Casely-Hayford. His previous sartorially satisfied customers include Michael Fassbender and Robert Downey Jr, so you’re in good hands.

Once Charlie has helped you create a shirt and/or suit with its fabric, lining and cut all designed especially for you, you can then move on to select accessories by Fleet Ilya, hand-stitched leather shoes by Sebastian Tarek and even a bespoke suitcase by Globe-Trotter.

Warning: this experience, starting at £1,200, may make flicking through the racks in a high-street clothes shop utterly unbearable in future.

hostem.co.uk