Sam is the pioneer who studied bespoke tailoring in Italy, because of their progress that more Chinese people will think of a more mature route to learn arts abroad in the future. No matter whether they will go back to China or not, they will have more exchanges with China, so that our clothing level can quickly meet the international standards.
Learn his story together.
Introduce yourself briefly.
I am HU Chaoshuai, born in 1991, from Bengbu, Anhui Province. My friends usually call me “Old Four” or “Sam”.
Graduated from Suzhou University in 2013. There are many hobbies, but I prefer men’s wear.
How did you end up in Florence?
Because I like the cutting style in Florence, I came here directly to study.
Was it easy to become Guida’s student?
When I visited him for the third time, he agreed to my request to be an apprentice.
Is Guida your dream?
In 2017, I went to Napoli to learn from Mr Antonio Pascariello. Because AP’s studio could not take more apprentices at that time, I came back.
When you were in China, already a taster of suits?
Because I run own bespoke tailoring shop in Shanghai, it can be regarded as dealing with this circle every day.
However, at that time, I was only in contact with this industry for a few years, which was far from being a connoisseur.
Explain the Florentine style, and is there any subdivision in the Florentine style?
The Florence style in my eyes is elegant, neat and comfortable.
Florence style is not just the so-called “no front dart” or “one piece back”.
How long do you think it will take to train an independent tailor?
10 years.
Are there any plans to return to China? When and in which city will you stay?
At present, I haven’t considered returning to China. If I return to China, it should still be Shanghai.
There are very few independent tailors in China. Do you think this road is difficult?
It is not easy, but more people will come out to study.
I believe that in 10 years’ time, in Italy, besides Japanese and Korean, there will also be many Chinese apprentices.
Great to see Sam on the blog. Been following him since the day he apparenticed under Master Guida, now he has his own shop in Florence.
And Francesco Guida works for him, that is amazing.
I knew that Master Guida worked with him but didn’t know that now he’s working for Sam. How about the brand Francesco Guida Sartoria? I heard from a friend in HK that it’s not associated with Master Guida which is quite funny.
Maybe that Master Guida is working with Sam is more proper.
It seems that Master Guida has never opened his own shop, but only worked for others even the shop bears his name.