Oscar H. Grand
Today, I am very happy to introduce to you Oscar H. Grand, a charming guy and an excellent tailor who operates out of the shop he has in the Born, on Carrer Barra de Ferro 7.
I met him through a mutual friend, and often run into him on the street, and one day asked him if he would like to be featured in the BCN Handmade section of my blog. To my delight, he said yes, and so last week I visited him at the shop, and in between client enquiries and fittings, shot the images I share with you today.
In progress
Oscar works in a completely artisanal way, where each item of clothing he sells in the shop, be it bespoke or ready-made, is made by hand. It starts with the patterns, followed by the cutting of the fabrics, interlinings, etc. and finally the pieces are assembled by hand to form the creations he has on display, or which his clients commission from him. Pattern making and cutting is done by Oscar himself, right there, in his shop, while the sewing is done by specialised tailors and seamstresses who work off-site.
Using high quality fabrics imported from Italy and the UK mostly (unfortunately the Spanish textile sector has all but closed down), Oscar applies his craftsmanship to the unique and timeless garments he designs and creates. True contemporary classics, which are full of charming details, and of course made to perfection for each client.
But see for yourself, in the following slideshow, and afterwards, Oscar will tell you in his own words about his work…
Where are you from?
I was born and I trained in my profession in Barcelona.
What does Barcelona mean to you?
Barcelona is my city, of which I recognise its scent, its energy, its charm, like one would of a mother.
Favourite spot?
I could say one of my favourite spots is the terrace of the Frederic Marès Museum, to have a coffee surrounded by history and tranquility, it’s a pity they only open in the Summer.
Favourite restaurant?
Kibuka, a Japanese located in the neighborhood of Gràcia. Good service, excellent sushi that never fails and an unsurpassable price. I always return after trying different restaurants for a while, to find some disappoint and others also inspire love, but Kibuka is always there, and I hope for ever. I don’t like places that change their philosophy, I prefer those who are true to themselves for a long time. There are about 3 or 4 of which I think the same.
Background?
I started working very young doing all sorts. At 20 I decided to start with fashion, and very quickly I put into practice all that I was learning, and after working for a few companies in the textile sector and selling my own collections to several shops, I opened my own shop in 2000.
80% of what I know I learned while working with clients, I consider myself a bit of a self-taught person, and I give myself the time to get to grips with how things work by myself.
How did you get here?
I have more or less answered this question in the previous response; I have managed to be independent, depend on myself only and enjoy my work by being patient.
What inspires you?
In the early days, when I was studying and just opened my shop, I was inspired by other designers, at that time the Belgian and Japanese, and by top trends. Now my work has its own style. I apply small variations to the same idea, which is to base my work on garments and designs that are already a classic in menswear. And where suits are concerned, my inspiration is based on experience and the changes occur with time, subtle modifications that make the suit fit better according to the body shape of each client.
When / how does inspiration strike?
Inspiration appears out of a necessity, from when I tire of something and need to find a new joy in my work. It surges from the exhibitions that I visit, from films, concerts, from what I read, etc.
Which part of your process do you find the most satisfying?
I enjoy the whole process, choosing the fabric, the pattern, dealing with clients… but I believe what I enjoy the most is cutting the suits, especially when a client has chosen a really very good fabric.
Dreams, hopes?
To continue enjoying my work in an independent manner.
Expert hands
Thanks very much Oscar, for welcoming me into your shop, and sharing your Barcelona, as well as your inspirations, with us so generously!
For more information, check out Oscar’s very cool website here and his Facebook page here, and if you find yourself in the Born, why don’t you drop in and see for yourself the gorgeous clothes he makes? The shop is open from Tue-Sat: 11.30am – 2.30pm + 4.30pm – 8.30pm.
cute suite 
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