Posted Monday, November 15, 2004; 21:00 HKT
Manu Melwani opens up a chunky ledger and points to the spidery scrawl at the top of a page. It takes some moments before you appreciate that you are looking at Kate Moss's home address, phone number and, below that, her bust size. Putting his finger to his lips, and drawing you closer in a manner at once conspiratorial and priestly, Manu wordlessly indicates another entry. It is Jude Law's inside-leg measurement.

It would be no exaggeration to say that the Melwanis—starting in 1957 with Manu's father, Sam, and now including Manu's son, Roshan—have been bespoke tailors to some of the most celebrated figures of the late 20th century. One wall of their discreet Kowloon premises is consecrated to signed photos of and framed thank-you notes from clients who elsewhere would be considered extraordinary. But here they are just bread-and-butter business. Bill Clinton, David Bowie, Pavarotti, Prince Charles, George Michael, Pierce Brosnan, Whitney Houston. It's a tailoring Mount Olympus and, best of all, anyone can breathe its heady air by parting with a surprisingly reasonable sum charged for a gorgeously crafted suit (from about $320). Manu will even throw in a few cold beers while you're being measured. If that doesn't persuade you, you can ask him for a list of satisfied clients and A-list references. But be warned: it'll take all week to get through it.

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