Follower of fashion no longer fitting suits

END OF AN ERA: Bruce Giorgi is retiring after 28 years with Thomson's Suits in Hastings and 48 years in the menswear business. PHOTO/WARREN BUCKLAND

Bruce Giorgi remembers the 1960s when Hastings had 22 menswear outlets - a time when The Beatles popularised thin lapels and slim trousers.

He worked through the 70s when fashions moved toward bright coloured suits in burgundy or bottle green with flared legs, wide lapels and cuffs - he's been privy to every trend since.

"I have seen a lot of changes ... the old saying fashion goes around in circles is very true," he said on the eve of his retirement from Thomson's Suits. "I was lucky enough to see The Beatles live in Dunedin, they had the slim ties and slimmer trousers, that style is all back in now."

Yesterday, Mr Giorgi finished a 48-year career dressing Hawke's Bay men, before retirement sees him ease into days fishing, travelling and spending time with family.

He spent 28 years at Thomson's as a senior salesman following the closure of his own business Giorgi Menswear, which brought an end to 86 years of his family's business in Hastings. Prior to opening Giorgi's on the Karamu Rd site, which now houses Bollywood, he worked alongside his father and brother at Millar and Giorgi, across the road, which closed when he moved on.

"I have had some wonderful years. In the 60s and 70s, there were 22 menswear outlets in Hastings, now there's only three - if that."

But after a period when local lads favoured casual clothing, he's noticed somewhat of a resurgence in dapper dressing.

It could be in part due to a drop in the price of looking good, with the average cost of a suit dropping from $800 to about $600 in recent years. "The young people are starting to look at fashion a lot more, we are selling suits again, which a few years ago the young person wasn't wearing."

Mr Giorgi said an open-necked shirt and sports coat was fine for less formal occasions but he liked to see a shirt and tie with a suit.

Thomson's is also a family business, which managed to expand and make menswear work by stocking a wide range of products, including the Airtex shirts that have been a mainstay.

Mick Thomson opened the store on Heretaunga St West in 1957 before son Michael joined in 1967, followed by grandson Angus in 1998.

Now, Mr Giorgi said it was time to move on and let a younger generation take over his role, which for the latter part of his career was spent fitting school uniforms.

"It's time to give the younger salesmen a chance to come through, it's their turn now, I just want a bit more leisure time."

He left with a "pretty good wardrobe," including four wearable suits and would always take an interest in fashion.