Lusting over the latest Lanvin without the credit limit to back it up? Tailors, known as retouchers, occupy hole-in-the-wall boutiques in every neighbourhood and will undertake all manner of services, from taking up a too-long hem to making three-piece suits from professional patterns. There are a few tips to remember: bring your own material, even buttons and zips; they can copy clothing without patterns; and prices depend on the tailor. Also consider that standards of quality do vary, so seek local advice on the most experienced retouchers in your local area where possible. For special occasion items such as formal gowns, wedding dresses or suiting it can be a good idea to seek out specialists. Bespoke by Bryaub create beautiful made-to-measure men’s suits and shirts. More costly are the services offered by the made-to-measure suiting at luxury boutique, Hermés, and the historic Charvet boutique, one-time suit maker to Emile Zola and John F Kennedy among others. At Atelier de Style en Aiguille, Marie Demarty will help you design the wedding dress of your dreams for as little as €800 for a custom creation. Her team also designs and makes men’s suiting and children’s wedding clothing. A little pricier are the services of Nathalie Durieux at her self-named boutique and Mireille Brunel at Mercerie d’un Soir, both of whom specialise in made-to-measure wedding gowns.

When it comes to the home, tailors will happily whip up table accessories and linens, however made-to-measure curtains are best done by specialist curtain stores. Like tailors, there are a few locale boutiques in most neighbourhoods. Unlike tailors, these stores will stock an enormous range of curtain fabrics and dressings, fabric catalogues and measuring services. Printemps Maison on blvd Haussmann has a great soft-furnishings floor which is worth seeking out, if only to browse the beautiful materials.