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Bespoke

created by Webster 1913

(idea) by Kesper North (8.1 hr) (print)   ?   (I like it!) 1 C! Tue Nov 14 2000 at 13:33:13

An adjective describing an item which has been custom-made, most often referring to clothing that has specifically designed for the person who will be wearing it. This term is unfortunately archaic, as bespoke clothing is not nearly as economically viable in the days of mass-production and sweatshop labor as it was during its height in 19th century Europe. However, most fashion designers can be contracted to design and create bespoke items, for a suitably astronomic fee.

Smilin Zack has also pointed out that the term still exists in modern usage, describing software. It serves as an antonym to "shrink-wrap".


(thing) by Ed Halley (2.2 y) (print)   ?   (I like it!) Tue Nov 21 2000 at 5:28:40

In Neal Stephenson's novel, The Diamond Age, Bespoke is the name of the Engineering department of Machine-Phase Systems, one of many corporate entities making up Apthorp, headed by Lord Alexander Chung-Sik Finkle-McGraw. It is the employer of a main character, an artifex named John Percival Hackworth, who designed a very special nanotechnological book: A Young Lady's Illustrated Primer.

(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Tue Dec 21 1999 at 22:06:56

Be*spoke" (?),

imp. & p. p. of Bespeak.

 

© Webster 1913.


printable version
chaos

To which side does sir dress? Bespeak Don't tell her she's beautiful Savile Row
The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer We've Replaced Your Freedom with the Illusion of Freedom Ipecac Gieves and Hawkes
disintermediation Neal Stephenson steampunk sh'ma
Aquascutum Cigarettes and Classical music Besmoke The whole nine yards
Acid Wash acid Make your own jeans The Weathered Man
Buying lingerie for your girlfriend - the definitive guide suit Favrile glass DOD
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