halifax: early foundations in menswear
My journey into bespoke tailoring began in Halifax, Nova Scotia, while working as a sales associate at Dugger's Menswear. This experience offered my first real immersion into fashion, menswear, and the world of tailoring. What began as a casual interest quickly grew into something more profound — a genuine passion for clothing, craftsmanship, and style.
During this time, I took the initiative to learn how to sew, practicing at home on evenings and weekends. These early efforts were modest but formative, building the foundation of practical skills I would later refine. I was also fortunate to be mentored by local designer Catherine Arsenault, who generously shared her knowledge and became a lifelong friend. Her guidance sparked not only technical learning but also a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind bespoke garments.
dalhousie: academic training in garment construction
In 2014, I formally turned my passion into a career path by enrolling in the Costume Studies program at Dalhousie University. With its focus on the theatrical arts, the program offered a unique education in both historical and contemporary approaches to garment construction.
The historical emphasis provided an invaluable perspective: by understanding how clothing was constructed centuries ago, I gained context for the evolution of tailoring and the techniques still relevant today. This academic grounding in cut, fit, and fabric became an ideal launchpad for my future work in bespoke tailoring. It was here that I learned the importance of precision, patience, and respect for tradition — all essential to the craft of custom tailoring.
england: apprenticeship in savile row tradition
Upon completing my studies, I set my sights on England, long considered the heart of bespoke tailoring. The world looks to Savile Row as the international benchmark of craftsmanship, a place where tailoring traditions have been refined and preserved for centuries.
I was fortunate to apprentice under third-generation master tailor Desmond Merrion, a craftsman with more than 40 years of experience. His dedication to preserving the highest standards of bespoke tailoring, along with his generosity in sharing trade secrets and refined techniques, shaped my understanding of the profession. This apprenticeship was a proper, hands-on education — an authentic training ground that bridged theory and practice. It provided me with not only technical mastery but also an appreciation for the responsibility that comes with creating garments intended to last a lifetime.
calgary: establishing allan david bespoke tailoring
After returning to Canada, I chose Calgary, Alberta, as the home for my tailoring practice. Having grown up in Northern BC with a love of the outdoors, Calgary — situated at the edge of the Rocky Mountains — felt like a natural fit. Beyond its scenic beauty, Calgary also represented opportunity: a city where creativity, entrepreneurship, and craftsmanship could thrive together.
In the autumn of 2019, I launched Allan David Bespoke Tailoring, combining the lessons learned in Halifax, Dalhousie, and England with my vision for modern bespoke tailoring in Canada. Here, I continue to honour the traditions of Savile Row while offering clients a profoundly personal experience. Each commission is not just about constructing a garment but about creating clothing that empowers, inspires, and stands as a true reflection of the individual.
