Model Citizen: Raymond Partito, 72
- Photography by Jonathan Pushnik
Who: Custom tailor extraordinaire, crafting suits from scratch in everything from worsted wool to silk for high-profile clients like Sylvester Stallone and power attorney Jimmy Binns.
His lucky break: At age seven, Partito was playing outside a tailor shop in Casteltermini, Italy, when the owner offered him an apprenticeship.
How he wound up here: In 1967, after he won the prestigious Fondazione Maestrelli gold medal for tailor work, a friend in Philly helped him secure a contract here, and he moved “for adventure.” Ten years later, Partito opened his own shop at 1315 Walnut.
How quickly he can make a suit: Less than two weeks.
How long his handiwork can last: “Some clients have had suits for 15 or 20 years.”
Proof he would cringe at Philly’s newest title — “Sweatpants capital of the U.S.”: “Philadelphians are too casual. In a suit, you look elegant, powerful, and in good taste.”
By appointment only. 1845 Walnut Street, suite 653, 215-563-8377.
His lucky break: At age seven, Partito was playing outside a tailor shop in Casteltermini, Italy, when the owner offered him an apprenticeship.
How he wound up here: In 1967, after he won the prestigious Fondazione Maestrelli gold medal for tailor work, a friend in Philly helped him secure a contract here, and he moved “for adventure.” Ten years later, Partito opened his own shop at 1315 Walnut.
How quickly he can make a suit: Less than two weeks.
How long his handiwork can last: “Some clients have had suits for 15 or 20 years.”
Proof he would cringe at Philly’s newest title — “Sweatpants capital of the U.S.”: “Philadelphians are too casual. In a suit, you look elegant, powerful, and in good taste.”
By appointment only. 1845 Walnut Street, suite 653, 215-563-8377.
Originally published in Philadelphia magazine, November 2007
