Images: LaMilago Bespoke Tailors (Tina and Blake’s wedding).
When Adelaide groom Blake confirmed the date for his wedding to Tina, one of his first calls was to a tailor he had known for almost a decade.
More than two years before the couple walked down the aisle, Blake commissioned bespoke suits for himself and his entire wedding party through LaMilago Bespoke Tailors in Rundle Mall.
While his two-and-a-half-year lead time may be unusual, third-generation tailor and LaMilago owner Milap Gohel says it reflects a broader shift he is seeing among Adelaide grooms, who are becoming more involved in decisions around colour, fabric, fit and personal details.
“Five or ten years ago, many grooms approached the wedding suit as a fairly traditional choice,” Milap said.
“Today, Adelaide grooms are much more involved in the styling process. They are considering the venue, season, wedding colour palette and how the suit reflects their personality.”
For Blake, the decision was about creating something that carried meaning beyond the wedding day.
“Marrying Tina, the love of my life, was the most important day of my life, and I wanted to make sure every detail reflected that,” he said.
LaMilago created a black-tie look inspired by the couple’s venue and overall vision, while also coordinating suits for the wider wedding party.
With spring and summer approaching, Milap said grooms are currently leaning towards light and mid-tone blues, navy, soft greys, earthy neutrals and greens, while peak lapels, three-piece suits and textured fabrics are being used to put a more individual spin on traditional formalwear.
“Working with some of the world’s respected cloth houses, including Ariston in Italy, Dormeuil of Paris and Huddersfield Fine Worsteds from England, gives us access to an exceptional selection of fabrics suitable for different seasons, occasions and personal styles,” Milap said.
Milap recommends grooms begin the bespoke process around three to six months before the wedding, and earlier for larger wedding parties.
At LaMilago, a bespoke commission begins with an in-depth consultation covering the venue, season and time of day, alongside the wedding colour palette, the partner’s outfit and any inspiration the couple has collected.
From there, the tailoring team studies the client’s proportions, posture and body characteristics before determining details including shoulder structure, jacket length, lapel width, trouser rise and overall silhouette.
“The aim is not simply to create a suit that fits, but to create balance, comfort and a flattering shape that helps the client feel confident,” Milap said.
Each bespoke commission is personally overseen by Milap himself, with detailed measurements taken in-house to ensure every garment is created around the individual client.
“For me, tailoring is more than a profession. The craft has been part of my family heritage for generations, combining traditional tailoring knowledge with a modern approach,” Milap said.
The groom can choose custom linings, buttons, lapels, contrasting buttonholes and waistcoats, while discreet embroidery inside the garment can make the commission even more personal.
Milap added that details such as “the wedding date, the groom’s name, their partner’s name or both names together” are increasingly popular.
They may never be visible to guests on the day, but become part of a garment designed to be kept for years.
For wedding parties, LaMilago also takes a considered approach to creating cohesion without making the groom disappear among a row of identical suits.
The same colour palette, cloth or accessories can be carried through the group, before the groom is distinguished through a different waistcoat, lapel, texture, shirt or level of suit construction.
“You become part of a very important moment in someone’s life, and the finished garment becomes part of the photographs and memories they will keep for years,” Milap said.
LaMilago Bespoke Tailors
Where: G5, G6, 50 Rundle Mall, Adelaide
When: Thursday from 9:30am to 5:30pm, Friday from 9:30am to 8pm, Saturday from 9am to 5pm, Sunday from 11am to 3pm, and Monday to Wednesday from 9:30am to 5:30pm.
To explore LaMilago’s bespoke wedding tailoring or book a fitting, click here.
