Harold Batiste sits at a desk he built himself. His clothes are impeccable, perfectly blending color and a style that tells anyone who sees him that he is a man who takes pride in himself and the way he dresses. With fabric swatches laid out before him, he works in a drawing pad, filled with sketches of suit designs for the clients he has dressed through the years. Batiste is the founder of Bespoke Batiste Collection, a bespoke tailor known for its beautiful and custom suit designs, with a clientele from all over the country.
“This is a very special suit,” said Batiste. “This client lost his young son in a tragic accident. He and his wife divorced amidst the grief many years ago. But time and the grace of God brought them back together and they are getting remarried. I’m designing a custom lining that is a tribute to his son that he will wear on the wedding weekend. The fact that we get to be a part of that story is amazing.”
Stories like this are becoming a regular part of Bespoke Batiste Collection’s work. When Lafayette native, Jack Bech, was drafted by the Raiders this past April, Batiste worked with Bech to create a lining for his suit vest and jacket that was a tribute to his brother Tiger, who was one of the victims of the New Year’s Day terrorist attack in New Orleans.
“Draft night, I got to wear one of the best suits ever. I couldn’t have asked for a better suit to be made. The way it looked, the way it fit, the details – everything about it was perfect. And the fact that they incorporated Tiger, including his favorite quote embroidered on the inside and his initials on my shirt cuffs, made it so meaningful. The entire process was incredible, especially for one of the biggest nights of my life, and I can’t wait to work with them again,” said Bech.
Bespoke Batiste will be dressing Bech for some of his NFL games this season. “I’m a huge believer that clothes should make you feel good and a suit that fits is a game changer. I see so many people wearing expensive, store-bought suits and I want to walk up to tell them I can make a custom suit, designed just for their body, and do it at the same price they paid for something off the rack. Once someone cuts a suit with me, they don’t ever want to wear store bought again.”
And it isn’t just about the clothes. More often than not, it’s about the experience.
“When we work together, everything is a choice – materials, lining, buttons, cut. Every single item we create is as individual as the person wearing it. It’s a custom experience and I want our garments to make our clients feel the most confident they have ever felt.”
It’s the confidence factor that gained Batiste a business partner two years ago. After dressing former KATC Sports Director turned businesswoman Amy Jones Kane for two years, Kane decided to invest in Batiste and help grow and expand the business.
“I’m almost 6 feet tall and I like to make a statement with my suits. After Harold started dressing me and I felt the difference a custom suit makes, I knew I wanted to work with him. We live in a world where fast fashion dominates, but a bespoke suit remains a symbol of timeless elegance, craftsmanship, and personal expression,” said Kane. “I love seeing our work when I go to events or watch commercials on TV and I especially love how often I get stopped by people who want me to know they can’t wait to get their first suit with us.”
Bespoke Batiste’s client list is impressive. Their work has been seen on red carpets for the Grammy’s, Broadway opening nights, the NFL draft, the Kentucky Derby, TV commercials, fashion week runways and countless weddings, but Batiste is quick to point out that much of their work is people that just want to look and feel good in their everyday lives.
“Sure I love people to feel extraordinary with things we make for a special occasion, but what I love even more is helping someone understand that wearing custom suits should make an ordinary Tuesday feel just as unique.”
As we move further into 2025, the reasons to invest in a bespoke suit continue to grow. Here’s why Batiste feels a bespoke suit is worth it.
PERSONALIZED FIT AND COMFORT
One of the most significant advantages of a bespoke suit is the perfect fit. Unlike off-the-rack suits, which often require alterations to achieve a reasonable fit, bespoke suits are tailored to the wearer’s individual measurements and preferences.
“In 2025, with the increasing importance placed on comfort, especially in a post-pandemic world where remote work has become more common, having a suit that not only looks good but feels good is essential. Bespoke Batiste takes into account the individual’s body shape, posture, and movement, ensuring that every suit is comfortable for long wear, no matter the event or occasion,” said Batiste.
UNMATCHED CRAFTSMANSHIP
Bespoke suits are crafted by skilled artisans who dedicate countless hours to ensuring each piece is of the highest quality. The materials are often sourced from the finest fabric mills, and the construction techniques used are more elaborate than those found in mass-produced suits.
“Our clients should be discerning about the quality of garments they are buying,” said Kane. “The craftsmanship behind a Bespoke Batiste suit stands out. Each stitch, seam, and detail is meticulously considered, resulting in a suit that not only looks amazing, but is also built to last.” This durability means the investment will last over years of wear, making it a financially sound choice.
TIMELESS STYLE MEETS PERSONAL EXPRESSION
Fashion is increasingly about individuality. While trends come and go, a bespoke suit allows wearers to express their personal style. From fabric choices to lapel shapes, lining colors, and pocket styles, every detail can be customized to reflect personality and taste. The notion of style is shifting towards a preference for personalized expression rather than simply following trends. A bespoke suit is a wardrobe staple that can be designed to stand the test of time, both in terms of style and quality. Bespoke Batiste prides itself on blending personal style with classic tailoring to ensure that a bespoke suit will remain a cherished part of a client’s wardrobe for years.
CLIENT-CENTRIC EXPERIENCE
The bespoke suit experience is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey. From the initial consultation with Bespoke Batiste to the fittings and final adjustments, the process is highly personal and focused on the client’s needs. “When I opened my doors, I learned very quickly that our clients value experiences over products and the custom tailoring journey provides a unique opportunity for anyone who works with us to engage with the craft of suit-making. Many clients find this process not only educational but also fun and they walk out with a true appreciation for the artistry behind their garments,” said Batiste.
LEGACY AND HERITAGE
Bespoke suits often come with a story—a narrative of craftsmanship, tradition, and familial legacy. Owning a bespoke suit from Bespoke Batiste can create a sense of connection to that legacy. A bespoke suit can also be a special gift to future generations, symbolizing milestones, achievements, or family traditions. And Kane is insistent that the increasing demand for bespoke fashion is going to expand past clothes to footwear as well.
“Sports stars started the sneakers-with-suits trend and it’s now mainstream, but customizing shoes to wear with suits is certainly growing in popularity. It’s why this year, I invested in a custom sneaker company. Shoefly is creating hand-painted sneakers that will complete the entire bespoke look,” said Kane. “If you are going to wear a custom suit with sneakers, then make sure what’s on your feet is a one-of-one as well.”
Shoefly custom sneakers paired with a bespoke tailored suit create a signature look that tells a story—perfect for professionals, creatives, or entrepreneurs looking to stand out. The old rules of fashion are gone. Sneakers with suits are no longer a faux pas—they’re a statement. Custom painted sneakers take it further by injecting individuality into an otherwise traditional outfit. It’s that reason that Kane said yes when Lafayette artist Brandy Cavitt approached her about partnering together to launch a custom hand-painted shoe company.
“A tailored suit is one-of-one. Why pair it with mass-produced footwear?” asked Cavitt. “Custom sneakers ensure your entire ensemble is bespoke. No one else in the room will be wearing your design, and that will turn heads in the best of ways.”
“Custom art on sneakers naturally invites curiosity and compliments,” added Kane. “Whether it’s a bold color scheme, symbolic artwork, or personal message, it breaks the ice in every situation.”
Kane picks up a fabric book, but stops after flipping through a few swatches. “You know what I love the most about these two companies—both are showcasing incredible talent right here in South Louisiana. In a place that prides itself on its ingenuity, Bespoke Batiste and Shoefly are the epitome of that.”
A bespoke suit represents much more than just a piece of clothing; it’s an investment in personal identity, quality, sustainability, and timeless style, and Bespoke Batiste Collection ensures that it’s worth every penny. From unparalleled fit and craftsmanship to personal expression, a Bespoke Batiste suit stands out as a testament to who the wearer is and who they aspire to be.
“Investing in a bespoke suit is not just about aesthetics,” reminds Kane. “It’s about making a meaningful choice in an increasingly disposable world.”
“What she said,” Batiste said with an infectious grin, and puts his head down to start drawing again.