March 21st, 2025

At just 23 years old, Yousef Tammar has already carved a remarkable path in the world of bespoke tailoring. Born and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, he moved to Florence at 19 to study patternmaking and sewing at Polimoda. Now in Rome, completing a prestigious three-year menswear tailoring course, he is set to graduate in May. With a passion for craftsmanship and a keen eye for detail, Yousef aims to excel as a luxury bespoke tailor and fashion prototyper, collaborating with designers to bring their visions to life.

From Jeddah to Florence and now Rome, your journey has been nothing short of ambitious. What initially drew you to the world of tailoring and garment making?

My curiosity about how clothes are actually made was what first drew me to tailoring. Seeing bespoke tailors on Instagram crafting suits from scratch in their ateliers fascinated me, and I wanted to understand the process behind it.

Polimoda and your current menswear tailoring course in Rome are both renowned institutions. How have these experiences shaped your technical approach and creative philosophy?

Polimoda helped me become much more creative and open-minded about clothing. Being surrounded by so many unique individuals and engaging in diverse assignments expanded my perspective. My friends at Polimoda had distinctive styles that influenced me greatly, reinforcing the idea that fashion has no strict rules—it just has to look right. At Accademia Nazionale dei Sartori, I gained a deep appreciation for technical refinement and traditional methods. There, the emphasis was on ensuring quality and purpose in every stitch.

Luxury bespoke tailoring is an art form with deep heritage. How do you see yourself contributing to this tradition while bringing a fresh perspective to the craft?

I believe my experience in fashion school and my connections in the fashion industry give me a fresh perspective on bespoke tailoring. At the same time, having trained under elder bespoke tailors for three years, I hold great respect for the craft. With insight into both fashion and tailoring, I feel I can contribute meaningfully to luxury bespoke garment-making.

“My goal is to be an adaptive tailor—one who can use bespoke techniques to create modern silhouettes and experiment with contemporary fabrics and colours.’’

Pattern cutting, sewing, and prototyping are highly technical skills. In an era driven by digital innovation, how do you balance tradition with modern advancements in fashion production?

There has to be a compromise on both ends. Traditional methods might need to be adjusted to accommodate faster production and larger quantities, while modern technology may have to take a backseat when creating true artisanal work.

The role of a fashion prototype is often behind the scenes yet crucial in realizing a designer’s vision. What excites you most about this collaborative aspect of your craft?

What excites me most is knowing that I play a significant role in bringing a designer’s collection to life. I don’t mind being in the shadows as long as I can smile, knowing I contributed to the garments walking down the runway. Of course, recognition is always welcome—after all, it is deserved.

Menswear tailoring is undergoing a shift, with contemporary designers reinterpreting classic silhouettes. How do you see the future of tailoring evolving, and where do you position yourself within it?

I believe there will always be a distinction between tailoring in fashion and bespoke tailoring. While tailoring is becoming more prominent in fashion, I’m not sure how much it will influence traditional bespoke tailors, who take immense pride in their classic cuts and details. My goal is to be an adaptive tailor—one who can use bespoke techniques to create modern silhouettes and experiment with contemporary fabrics and colours.

Saudi Arabia’s fashion landscape is rapidly developing. How do you see your work fitting into or influencing this emerging sartorial scene?

I see myself playing a significant role in Saudi’s evolving fashion industry, especially given my focus on production and my experience in Italy. True sartorial craftsmanship is not yet fully established in Saudi, and I aim to bring that tradition to the region.

Mastering bespoke tailoring requires precision, patience, and years of refinement. What has been the most challenging technique or lesson you’ve had to learn so far?

The most technically difficult aspect has been crafting a world-class sleeve—it’s one of the hardest elements to cut and stitch at an elite level. However, the most challenging lesson has been learning to remain calm and accepting that I don’t know as much as I think I do. Sometimes, that realization is a hard pill to swallow.

You’re set to graduate in May. What’s next? Do you envision establishing your own atelier, collaborating with established houses, or exploring new avenues in fashion craftsmanship?

After graduation, my plan is to work in the atelier of a high-end fashion brand. Once I’ve gained more experience, I aim to open my own shop and atelier in Saudi Arabia.

For young designers or aspiring tailors looking to follow a similar path, what advice would you offer about mastering the craft and navigating the industry?

My advice is to always remain open to change, but when you are certain of something, stand by it. It may sound paradoxical, but both flexibility and conviction are essential in this field. Be stubborn enough to believe in your potential, but also check whether your abilities align with your ambitions. Finally, understand that this profession demands an immense amount of time and effort. Be prepared to put in the work, even if it means sacrificing other aspects of your life.

What is style to you?

To me, style is simply the way something appears, whatever the characteristics are.

Less is more or more is more?

Both can be true; it depends on the situation. Sometimes less gives you a better result, but sometimes more does really give you more.

What is authenticity to you?

Authenticity is the gauge of how authentic something is. The more true to the origin and to the reality of the given example, the more authentic it is.