The Coat Route

'A fabulous story, brilliantly told ... I couldn't have enjoyed it more.'

-- Bill Bryson OBE, author of Notes from a Small Island and When Things Go Wrong

'[A] rich, entertaining read, paying tribute to craftspeople dedicated to timeless quality in a mass-produced, fast-fashion world.'

-- Daniel Herborn * Sydney Morning Herald *

'[U]tterly beguiling account of ... the rarefied world of bespoke tailoring and centuries-old craftsmanship ... an inspiring, often sad, altogether illuminating David and Goliath story of small family businesses pitting their talents against the tide of history.'

-- Bron Sibree * West Australian *

'[A] fascinating book with a serious message about the real costs of fast fashion.'

-- Deborah Bogle * Adelaide Advertiser *

'[A] lively journey … Traditions of bespoke tailoring (and other related crafts) are skirting the edge of extinction. Noonan’s delightful story makes us hope they endure.'

* Publishers Weekly *

'[E]vocative travelogue and eloquent tribute to the craft of tailoring — in particular a homage to the coat’s creator, John Cutler — as well as a spectacular window into the rarified world in which a genuinely bespoke creation bests an uber-designer label any day.’

-- Rebecca Tansley * North and South *

‘Lush writing and eagle-eyed reportage uncloak the insular world of bespoke fashion … Globe-trekking travel writer Noonan is well-equipped to bridge the chasm and bring back a narrative every bit as finely rendered as the title’s subject. Outfitted with an infectious curiosity and enviable eye for detail, the seasoned correspondent executes a sartorial odyssey that spans a remarkable portion of the planet. The fantastic journey is both fast-paced and rich … The author’s descriptive prose is consistently illuminating and occasionally poetic … While delving deep into the unseen universe of complex dyes, magical silkworms and gold-laced textiles, the author also understands that it is the far-flung personalities dedicated to transforming these varied elements into a one-of-a-kind jacket that make this tale of topcoats and tailors so tantalising. An elegantly engaging book aimed at everyone from the off-the-rack crowd on up.’

* Kirkus Reviews *

‘As captivating as any mystery or thriller, The Coat Route demystifies the rarefied universe of bespoke tailoring and provides a lens into the culture that covets it. It educates and inspires. I couldn't put it down!’

-- Tim Gunn, author and television personality

‘An informative joy from start to finish.’

-- Richard Anderson, author of Bespoke: Savile Row ripped and smoothed

‘A spirited tour of fashion history … The Coat Route compels us to remember that behind every garment is a deep history and a pair of human hands — whether those hands stitched the dress’s hem or pulled a lever that stringed together that $30 must-have jacket.’

* The Wall Street Journal *

‘Delightful … The Coat Route celebrates those who work with their hands, creating something beautiful and lasting.’

* The Seattle Times *

‘[Meg Lukens Noonan’s] exploration of the business of fashion is fascinating and thorough, and her examination of bespoke goods redefines the words luxury and obsession.’

* The Daily Bea