How this Kelowna master tailor is adapting in the face of fast fashion

Fast fashion is killing a time-honoured trade, and a local tailor is doing all he can to preserve his art and adapt to the changing climate.

63-year-old Samuel Galvez runs El Zorro Tailoring and is one of the last master tailors in Kelowna.

“I went to a master school of tailors back in Chile when I was 14, so I've been doing it for a little bit,” Galvez told Kelowna10. “My mom was a dressmaker, and my grandma on my father's side was a tailor. She was actually the first woman that was a tailor in my country. So, it’s kind of in the blood.”

But his career has changed a lot in the past 49 years since fast fashion has become industry norm; clothes are produced by mass retailers quickly and cheaply to get thrown out as soon as they are out of style.

Until about 10 years ago Galvez made his living creating custom suits, but now his business is primarily focused on alterations.

“Most men don't wear suits anymore. Everyone used to wear suits, so it was a good business to be in because you were always making something,” he said. “Now it’s so cheap, you can buy a suit that was made in China for $300 and you can’t even buy the fabric here for $300. So, there’s no point to be making something when people don't want to pay for it because [when] it comes from China, it’s a lot cheaper.”

Though he would like for there to be a culture shift in the fashion industry, Galvez said he doesn’t think it’s likely anything will change anytime soon.

As time passed, there were fewer and fewer people left in his trade. He had been trying to find people to pass his knowledge onto, but he hasn’t seen much interest.

He believes it to be an art that most people don’t have an appreciation for anymore.

He has been able to adapt to the changing climate by utilizing his skills in tailoring to create boat covers and upholstery, something he takes just as much pride in.

“Every time I get something new, it's sort of like it's a new piece of art,” he said. “Even working on a cover for a boat or a seat for a boat. It's a new piece of art because we’re working with the hands.”