As well as being an amicable person to be around, we quickly noticed that Ally maintains high standards and possesses an incredible eye for detail. It was clear from the moment we met, that the blazer he wanted us to make would be no run of the mill request.

So to open up the field of ideas, we reached into the cupboard for a bottle of our 15 year old cask-conditioned Single Malt, poured a dram apiece, and relaxed into the flow of things. A leading question here and there from us, a gentle opening up of an idea, an exploration, a new direction. Then a lightbulb moment and a swift decision – so sudden that it seemed to have been waiting for Ally to uncover it all along.

The clubs’ colours demand that we make the Jacket form a luxurious Fine Super 100’s sage green wool, however the linings, detailing and personalisation are where we start to see the character and personality of each year’s club captain.

During our conversation Ally asked us if we felt his family tartan – Hunter Modern – would complement the green-based outer fabric of his blazer. We know from experience that there are as many as 7,000 tartans, and so there was a danger that it might not work. Sometimes a big part of being a tailor is helping clients realise what won’t work and why, as much as what will.

But to our delight, we studied the pattern, impression and detail of Hunter Modern Tartan, and realised it was absolutely perfect. We mutually agreed and instructed our master lining makers in Milan to design, create and dye an individual length lining from our finest lining materials. The process would have to take place over the Christmas holidays, given the time crunch, so a touch of patience would be required to get the very best results.