Tales From My Wardrobe, a style series that explores the wardrobes of THE GLOSS community, is a love letter to the pieces we reach for again and again, the hard-earned investment purchases that make us smile with each wear and the items that supercede mere ‘clothing’ to carry memories and foster emotional connection.

Tailor Patricia Grogan has never been busier. Her atelier in a beautiful Georgian building in Belfast city centre is where local actors, business people, screen writers, politicians and celebrities such as Rihanna (yes, really), make personal appointments for her made-to-measure service which provides a high level of expertise with a keen eye for fashion and style. It’s no secret she made Robert Egger’s tuxedo for the Oscars when he was nominated for the his film The Lighthouse.

Grogan founded The Cut after graduating in fashion design at the university of Ulster. She worked in London and trained under the watchful eye of her mentor, Mr Raife, a Savile row tailor.  As for her own wardrobe, it’s carefully curated. Instead of acquiring random pieces, she knows what suits her. “I look for items that are well made and have longevity,” she says.  See her best-loved pieces below …

I would describe myself as an eclectic shopper. I love to browse independent stores, especially on city breaks. It’s such a great feeling to discover an item of clothing or an accessory that isn’t mainstream. I tend to lust after the latest cloths that arrive into my showroom; winter is by far my favourite season. I was drawn to a beautiful mid-grey wool cashmere fabric from which I’ve made myself a three-piece suit. I love adding a waistcoat to my winter suits. It’s a very versatile addition.

I am always suited and booted at work. I call my look ‘street-tailor’. Wearing a heel or a brogue with a suit takes it into a different realm. I like to keep my look fresh and a must is always to wear a suit with a cool pair of trainers. I have an eclectic collection of trainers from Alexander McQueen to Off-White and Adidas as well as vintage styles. 

The favourite piece in my wardrobe right now would have to be my black trouser suit in an English wool cloth. I like it so much it is actually the second one I’ve made myself. It is very versatile and can be dressed up and down. The jacket can be worn with a pair of jeans or over a little black dress. My most hardworking accessories would be my collection of handmade Italian ties and scarves that I wear with my suits for work. Depending on what colour I choose or how I wear them, they can really change a look.

The most sentimental piece I own is an Eddie Borgo gold cuff my sister gave me on her wedding day for designing and making her wedding dress. It was such a lovely thing for her to do and an absolutely perfect gift.

The most recent item I have bought is a pair of Alexander McQueen boots. I kept thinking about them for my winter wardrobe and how I wouldn’t be without them. They are great for day wear with my suits for work instead of my usual trainers I wear in summertime.

I have a thing for pyjama suits, which can be very elegant and also versatile. I have a silk pyjama suit by Mary Katrantzou for Cowshed, which was a total bargain buy. It had completely sold out but I managed to hunt one down for a quarter of the price on eBay. That was a very satisfying experience.

The biggest investment piece I own has to be my Lanvin Happy bag. I have other designer bags that I have used more often but I have to say it is a beautiful thing. I really enjoy wearing it and appreciate the quality and workmanship.

As for other accessories, cost per wear, the best purchase would have to be my Moncler glasses. My work involves a lot of close up detailed work, so I use them every day.

The least fashion item I own is my gym gear. Although I have to admit I do have a few Y-3 and Adidas x Stella McCartney pieces in my kit bag. I always like to be somewhat stylish. On a recent camping trip I absolutely refused to wear a fleece!

I never leave home without my mum’s wedding band, which I wear on a silver chain as a bracelet. I think it looks very cool and makes me feel like she is always with me.

My sequinned bandeau top is a very special piece in my wardrobe. It was given to my mum by Freddie Mercury and passed down to me. The story goes that it was a gift from him to my mum for looking after his dog when he was in Dublin visiting friends at the height of his career. I have only worn it once but love the story attached to it.

To find out more about Patricia’s bespoke tailoring service visit www.cut-tailoring.com. You can follow Patricia on Instagram (@thecuttailoring) here. Got a wardrobe worth sharing? Email digital@thegloss.ie with the subject line ‘Tales From My Wardrobe’.