In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Sam Eid stands out for his steadfast commitment to craftsmanship and timeless style. As the co-founder of Pyne & Eid Tailoring, Nelson's exclusive bespoke tailoring studio on Bridge Street, Sam brought with him over 18 years of experience in high-end garment creation, alteration, and remodelling.
Before establishing himself in Nelson, Sam honed his craft in Sydney, where he and partner Grant Pyne were trusted tailors for prestigious menswear labels such as Calibre and Burberry. Their clientele included high-profile figures, including then-Prime Minister of Australia Malcolm Turnbull and his wife Lucy. After 13 successful years in Sydney, Sam brought his passion for quality tailoring to Nelson, where he celebrates five years of growing local support.
We caught up with Sam to reflect on his journey, the value of handmade garments, and why a well-tailored piece is always worth the investment.
What changes have you noticed in how people approach tailoring, particularly in Nelson?
I’ve noticed more men becoming interested in how they dress, especially grooms. Rather than hiring a suit for their wedding day, many are choosing to invest in a custom piece. Time and time again, they’ll tell me it’s the best investment they made – having worn the suit several times since the wedding. We’ve also seen huge growth in bridal tailoring and alterations, which is a big part of the business now. Some of the most meaningful projects involve garment remodelling – taking a piece that’s no longer worn, either due to body changes or a past impulse buy, and giving it a new life. I’ve also created complete bespoke bridal outfits using fabric from a client’s mother or grandmother's wedding dress. Those are incredibly special moments.
Your skills come from both formal training and real-world mentorship. Tell us about that journey.
I studied at the Whitehouse Institute of Design in Sydney and launched my tailoring business straight after graduating. But gaining a qualification was really just the starting point. I had the privilege of learning from three incredibly experienced European tailors who had migrated to Sydney in the 1930s. Tailoring was in their DNA – they lived and breathed it. Having them share their knowledge with me was so valuable and showed me the importance of hand-tailoring and handmade garments. Their knowledge became the foundation of my practice. Even
now, I think about their techniques daily. They were my greatest mentors. Learning from them gave me the confidence to take on any project, no matter how complex.
What’s your approach to working with a new client?
It starts with understanding their lifestyle, body shape, and preferences. Then I advise them on cloth and style accordingly. I always look at their current wardrobe first – what’s working, what isn’t. From there, we might create a couple of custom pieces each season, building a personalised wardrobe over time. Educating clients on balance and proportion is key. With different heights and body shapes, having a tailor and investing in custommade clothing is, to me, a necessity. A lot of people make impulse buys or follow trends, only to find the piece doesn’t fit properly, doesn’t suit them, or doesn’t pair well with anything else they own. That’s where custom tailoring changes everything. It’s about fit, function, and form.
How important is fabric choice in your work?
It’s everything. We have access to high end fabrics from all over the world – some manufacturers who’ve been producing premium cloths since the 1800s, exclusively supplying to top-tier tailors globally. I’m constantly researching materials, sourcing the finest natural fibres ranging from wool and cashmere to cotton and linen. For me, it’s such a pleasure to work with high quality cloths and seasonal collections to keep things exciting while building my dream wardrobe one piece at a time.
You have been in business for five years now. How has the local community contributed to your success?
The support has been amazing. I’m grateful to every client who has trusted me with their garments, whether it’s a custom-made piece or an heirloom item that needs restoration. There’s a real connection formed through tailoring – people open up about their lives, their style, their memories. It’s personal work, and I’m proud to be a part of that journey.
What makes Pyne & Eid different from other tailoring services?
It’s the blend of tradition and personalisation. Every stitch, every cut is considered. Our service covers everything from hand-made custom garments and complete remodelling, to high-end alterations and even leather work.
Finally, what’s your message to readers considering a bespoke piece?
Invest in yourself. Custom tailoring is not just about looking good – it’s about feeling confident and having pieces that fit you perfectly, reflect your personality, and last for years. Start small if you need to – one well-made jacket or a pair of tailored trousers. Over time, those key pieces become the foundation of your wardrobe.
Pyne & Eid Tailoring
181 Bridge Street, Nelson
@pyneandeid_tailoring
