Borrie’s Tailors

Les Sherlock is a tailor. He knew he wanted to make individual clothing right from the time when he was dissatisfied with the fit and lack of style of his High School Uniform & pulled it to bits and remodelled it on his mothers’ sewing machine.

Les was given an apprenticeship with the tailoring department at Ballantynes in Christchurch, New Zealand. After a period of time he felt he was learning nothing new and so transferred to the tailoring establishment of Jim Patterson. There he completed his trade under the superb guidance of an elderly gentleman from London’s Savill Row. He also did a cutting course by correspondence with the Tailor & Cutter Academy in London.

Les then took over a small tailoring business from Borrie Perryman in Christchurch – hence the name “Borrie’s”.

In those days (the 1960’s) young men were extremely interested in fashion – with Carnaby street in full swing and business was brisk, emulating the style of the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Kinks etc. with grey flannel suits (black velvet collars of course) dandy velvets, frilly shirts, everything imaginable.

Life continued in the same vein, making flamboyant clothing that couldn’t be obtained elsewhere. However, Christchurch was very conservative and after a brief holiday on the Gold Coast in 1981, Les and family decided to change their lives. They saw that nobody was making their type of clothing and it seemed like a great place to live!

Since then, we have had an absolute ball making the most amazing garments covering the whole spectrum – clothing for magicians, with all the necessary “secrets”, suits for grooms, best men and fathers of the bride & groom, right through to corporate clothing for Bank Managers, Solicitors & Accountants.

Our Clothes

Unlike most tailors, who will only use natural fibres such as wool, silk & linen, we like to experiment with the amazing effects which can be obtained with newer fabrics, such as lycras, spandex & lurex, giving careful consideration to the fit & ease of movement & the intended use of the garment. On the other hand, well cut, well made suits, in the conservative, wonderful Italian wools, cashmere, lambswool & merino are also extremely satisfying to make.

Theatrical

Over the years, we have made some amazing and unbelievable outfits. Elvis, Dracula, Bumble Bee – many outfits for theatre restaruants: magicians outfits complete with all the hidden extras; motivational and evangelist speakers who want their audience’s total attention.