"Hand-Needlepoint c1956 Gentleman's Blue/ Grey Waistcoat w/ Sporting Pursuit Motifs" Sz 38
$1,200
Chest (pit-pit): 19"W
Body (collar-hem): 25"L
Tailored by L.R. Ermilio & Co. Philadelphia
In lovely/ as new/ deadstock condition
Ermilio Clothier & Specialty Shop is considered America’s oldest and most venerable equestrian tailor shop.
As the designer and maker of distinguished men’s and women’s clothing since the turn of the 20th century, Ermilio’s boasts a roster of famous designs that includes Gen. Dwight Eisenhower’s classic bomber jacket, golf’s coveted green Masters coat, and riding britches for Grace Kelly.
With a patrician touch, Ermilio’s crafts finely tailored attire worn for horse shows, foxhunting, carriage driving and clay shooting. Its reputation is driven by the love of tradition and the desire to maintain those traditions.
In the late 1890s, Anthony opened a small, exclusive tailoring shop on Chestnut Street in Philadelphia. It offered a wide array of gentlemen’s clothing but catered to the carriage trade and luxury sporting set. The business moved to 1613 Walnut St. in 1905.
In the 1920s, Ermilio’s became the sole American exporter of the finest tweeds and gabardines to Europe. Quality wise, they rivaled the acclaimed British materials. As the business expanded, the shop produced 200 suits a week, cementing its reputation for sporting attire as it provided comfort and classic elegance.
Then one day, Gettysburg resident Dwight Eisenhower visited the shop. In a confidential meeting 18 months before the United States entered World War II, Bob’s father, Arthur, was asked to reconfigure the military officers’ clothing. In doing so, he traded the long double-breasted uniform with four large pockets for a shorter, belted waistcoat.
During the 1950s, Ermilio’s acquired the fabric from a legendary mill in England that was cut and sewn to create the first Masters green jacket. More recently, Bob obtained the material to produce signature plaids and jackets for the 400 members of the Pebble Beach Club in California.
Ermilio’s clients total roughly 200 families, many in the elite world of show horses and equestrian competitions. After his father retired, Bob designed and created the carriage clothing, dressage coats and riding clothing for Augie Busch, late owner of the Anheuser-Busch company.