Our Most Generous Tailor

There is an air of mystery surrounding Rishabh Manocha when you meet him. At first glance, you would assume he is a dandy—immaculately dressed, sharp wit, an ambassador of Manhattan culture. New York is an epicenter of talented wayfarers who imbue the city with their talent, and Rishabh is no exception. He's a bespoke tailor, menswear designer, and most generous gentleman.

Rishabh began his career as a protege of fifth-generation Savile Row tailor, Rory Duffy. He studied classical menswear design at Parsons School of Design and continued his studies at London's Central St. Martins. He respects sartorial heritage but also invokes a sense of rebellion and revolution in his tailoring. His signature is creating magnificent tailoring feats that focus on a body positive message, longevity, and liberation of the self.

He is also our go-to tailor at HUNT Auctioneers. Paul Florez-Taylor sat down with Rishabh to discuss what it’s like to create bespoke suits for Auctioneers, what makes a perfect Gala look, and what cause he holds close to his heart.

Rishabh, tell us what it’s like to style the team at HUNT Auctioneers?

It’s certainly a pleasure! I am fortunate to work with people who embody their characters so well. My clothes are just a mere reflection of this authenticity.

Lucas looks immaculate in the velvet suits you’ve tailored for him in the past.

Mr. Lucas Hunt is a perfect brand ambassador for me. He embraces quality, craft and the ability to embody my clothes so well!

How is styling and tailoring for an Auctioneer different from your other clients?

One always has to think of the utilitarian aspect of clothing when it goes on stage. Designing and making clothes for Auctioneers is similar to doing so for actors and dancers.

That makes sense. Auctioneers are always moving around!

Accounting for movement, ease, durability is paramount. Hence, my armholes are higher or there is a greater reinforcement in certain areas. It is making clothing to not just make an impact but also to last, and to make the wearer feel their most compelling self.

How would you describe your style of tailoring and design?

Classic tailoring without too much fuss. A lot of designers and makers get lost in the nuances of so called 'perfection. My idea is to have a sinuous silhouette that is both flattering to the body and comfortable at once. There is a substantial amount of handwork that goes into my work.

I do not get lost in the stream of drab pedantry when it comes to craft. I use the aid of a machine to reinforce, spruce up and finish a variety of my products. In one word, my work is discerning in that it uses the merits of both handcraft and the machine made to best manifest the garment.

In your opinion what is lacking in modern tailoring?

Tailoring as in industry is very closed off to the outside world and elitist to a degree. I feel that more doors need to open for a younger generation to appreciate and embrace the trade. In unity, tailors and makers can enable the industry to truly thrive not just survive. Also, tailors need to talk about how sustainability is inextricable to craft.

What is the process like for creating a bespoke suit?

Bespoke as a process is so calculated that one rarely wastes any supplies or raw material. That's incredibly relevant to our planet and to the larger conversation of conscious consumerism.

How has the idea of non-binary humans effected your approach to design?

One always needs to know the rules in order to break them. I design for the person, for his/her/their physical, emotional and ergonomic needs, everything else is secondary. Yes, certain typicalities are salient in men's garments or women's garments, but so long as we are making informed decisions, and that is reflected in the clothing, then it truly is an act of self-empowerment.

What is your favorite bit of clothing to design?

Morning coats and frock coats in general. So hard to fit, yet so rewarding to see the finished outcome.

You have some exciting news on an upcoming venture.

Two upcoming ventures actually! I am serving as the director of tailoring for a young unisex brand called Georgie. Based out of Chelsea, New York, everything is made in house. It is easy, wearable and luxe #Slowquality is our mantra. From using fabrics on a made-to-order model to final touches, all aspects are done to minimize resource consumption.

The other is my by appointment showroom in TriBeCa. We are collaborating with Global Fashion Exchange and The Walker Hotels.

Many of our readers are going to want to know your opinion on this. What do you think is the most important element of a gala look?

Comfort. One needs to feel comfortable in what one's wearing, physically and mentally.

What's been the best gala look you've ever seen?

Mr. Hunt at many of the galas in my Japanese velvet double breasted suit!

Before we let you go. Tell us about a cause that's near and dear to you.

I have lost many friends to the fight against drug abuse. That is a haunted side of human existence that I would like to make a positive impact in.