Talented Tailors: Bilal Egilmez the Genius Tailor is Among the Very Best in Manhattan

If you think because Thanksgiving is over you're not going to hear about turkey anymore, you're wrong.  We've got a lot to say about Turkey because it has produced one of the premiere tailors in Manhattan: Bilal the Genius Tailor.  In over 6,000 posts we have not highlighted a tailor because quite honestly we have not found anyone as extraordinary as Bilal.  We have tried other tailors, however, we were not impressed.  Many other tailors have little vision for what looks sharp on people and do not have the mind of an engineer.  Peachy loves math and used to structure bonds and if you have the aptitude for that it translates into engineering and tailoring-not that she does it herself but she understands who can see minute differences that make a difference, and Bilal sees them.  Bilal not only has the mind of an engineer, but he has the mind of a magician thrown in as well.  Eliminating a buttonhole, changing the width and angle of a lapel, relining a fur coat, whatever you can think of that's most challenging- we have seen the amazing work of Bilal Egilmez. 


At first, Peachy thought she'd have to see for herself.  Everyone tells Peachy they are the best at whatever it is they do and a lot of these people she has to privately roll her eyes to herself about.  Seriously, you would not believe some of the stories of mediocrity that claim excellence she sees.  We take the high road and don't tell you about them.  She totally reserves judgement until she can see what each person can do...so when we saw Bilal's business card that says Genius Tailor...well, we had to see for ourselves.  And boy does Peachy see now.  She is totally scared to give new tailors her clothes because she's fairly emotionally attached to them...and with a wrong cut here or there- they could be sent to the grave of her closet.  So, we started with something straightforward.  She gave Bilal two rather simple projects: one was to shorten the hem of a dress and another was to shorten the hem of a skirt.  If you know Peachy she is a bit undertall but Bilal claims compared to most people around the world she is not so short...thanks Bilal, however you know Peachy can look YOU in the eye not wearing heels.  Proportionately both problems were solved perfectly and now both the dress and the skirt fall correctly.  The stitching is done by hand in absolute excellence.  Remember, Bilal has been doing this probably longer than many of the Whom You Know readers have been alive...    


Now that we know Bilal we wish we gave him something more difficult!  Bilai Egilmez, otherwise known as  "Genius Tailor," which we can now say is justified, started tailorship at the age of 12 in Turkey. Growing up he learned the trade from as he calls it "the masters" in the Profession. His specialty growing up was making suits and dresess and routine tailoring work.   He was under the influence of an apprentice for six years, until he was recognized a Tailor. Through many travels and works he arrived in NYC in the early 1980's where he was employed with several different tailors throughout New York City, starting from Harlem uptown to Times Square to the Lower East Side, and finally settling in the Upper Eastside where he's been employing himself and providing his services of tailorship for the past 30 years. 
 
Our friend Bilal the Genius Tailor has several items on the menu and truly is a specialist that most consider challenging in the field for Tailoring. Besides the regular tailoring of items,  his specialties include the following: tailoring items of leather and suede (jackets, pants, skirts) to wedding gowns, tuxedos and work on fur.  Countless customers/brides/grooms, finding their way into his unique tailor shop and revel at how unique it is.  You will not see the gloss or glitter that other places may be adorned with but what you get is more important: quality work.  It is tucked away in a basement that is well lit and you change behind a simple aqua curtain.  He's very proud of his space and everything he does -and he should be.  Also we must highlight we are thrilled with his philosophy: he does everything himself so everything is done correctly.  He says he likes to get all the credit because he does all the work and we can assure you this leaves no margin of error like you can get in tailoring shops where multiple people work on the same garment possibly, or worse yet, one person fits you and another person cuts it irretrievably which did leave Peachy in tears over a past project, NOT with Bilal.

Many tailors due to the intricacies involved with alterations and with the high end fashion world don't accept the liability of these difficult items due to thier lack of skill to work with delicate and unique fabrics. This highlights their lack of familiarity in their abilities.  Also, even if they do accept the liability and your garment is ruined, that is devastating too if you cannot replace the garment and it is one-of-a-kind, and doesn't everyone that reads Whom You Know acquire one-of-a-kind items?  We think you do...  We're not telling you about these inferior tailors, but you should know they exist so you can appreciate true talent like Bilal, the best kept secret of the New York Tailors we've seen thus far.  Bilal effortlessly reaches for his infamous scissors to cut $5000.00 trousers in front of his clients' eyes only to be greeted with awe, but after the alteration is complete, Bilal gains a customer for life with recommendations of their experiences.

 

Bilal what do we have to do to get you to start your own website?  We are proud to introduce you to the world of the internet.  He does not have a website, but we highly encourage you to call him at 212 628 0086 and he is located at 347 East 65th Street between first and second.  Next time you have a garment that doesn't fit, we highly recommend Bilal the GENIUS TAILOR!!!