In our special this month, we bring you ‘Eighth Wonder’, a custom clothier, footwear, and luxury leather goods brand that is doing incredible work. During my visit to Eighth Wonder, I explored their range of essentials and was truly impressed by the quality and attention to detail. From bespoke tailoring to the meticulous crafting of shoes and leather goods, each piece reflects remarkable creativity and craftsmanship that truly stands out.
Perez Muhwezi, the Founder and Director, showed me around while taking me through both the bespoke, as well ready-to-wear attire and accessories. With its unique, exotic touch, and harmoniously balanced colors, each piece offers exceptional style and lasting value. I envisioned the desire, to create unique bespoke tailoring experiences, by the in-house artisans with guidance of their director. And of course, most things about the creative process may be forgotten, but the excellence here sticks.
I asked him about prices, and this is what he had to say, “We are a service-driven entity. Money is not the first thing we discuss when someone walks in. Our priority is to understand the client’s needs and respond to them. Many people start by asking, ‘How much is this?’ and I always tell them — let’s first figure out how best I can serve you. I know service is paid for, but that comes afterwards. For instance, if someone says they’re traveling for a summer holiday or black tie event, I immediately think about what’s suitable for that season or event. We advise and demonstrate what is suitable. Each of those needs carries its own value.”
He added; “Or if someone says, ‘Look, my problem is that I have issues with my ankles or my knees,’ I immediately know what kind of sole or shoe to propose. At the shoe designing stage, we think about how to best serve that person. For example, I might recommend a rubber sole — it’s flexible, supportive, and allows you to stay on your feet for 12 hours without even feeling like you’re wearing anything. Our shoes are designed with these features in mind, comfort, classy, and timeless elegance but above durability.
How it Works
Your unique experience begins with a creative conversation with the ‘Master Tailor’ there, who will bring your vision to life by selecting fabrics woven in every imaginable color and pattern.
▪ Design consultation with the tailor
▪ Choose a fabric
▪ Get measured
▪ Tailor works on your clothing
▪ Come back to try on and fitting
▪ Take home your perfectly crafted clothing
Worth it
All their products are well labeled and branded “Eighth Wonder”, a conformation of their authenticity. Accessories included shoes, watches, silk neckties, silk pocket squares, designer hats, on top of the customized suits, and African shirts. “At Eighth Wonder, we carefully select our fabrics from some of the best textiles in the world. These include Loro Piana, the supplier for suit and shirting fabrics. Loro Piana is a 100 year old textile that has over time invested in R&D to create unique blends of superlative fabrics all aimed at giving a luxurious wearing experience to people that look for value from what they wear. He adds; “We also have Reda, an Italian textile. Also quite a good number of years in existence. And of course, Montlino, too, our shirting fabric suppliers”
Fabric
The foundation of every perfect attire is its fabric. And I personally had a feel of thousands of wool super numbers, dressed in their various swatches. From here (the swatches- a booklet really) is where you have a bit of a view, and then feel the fabric you want. The dress shirting fabrics have been interestingly categorised as follows; the Presidential, corporate, entrepreneur, and the Chairman / CEO sections. These categories are derived from the inspiration on how different career stratas and the individual characters harmonize. So, whichever your social status or career or life is, there is something for everybody.
So where are the diplomats I ask! “I would recommend fabrics that are subtle and non textured in nature, but yet classy in a wide range of hues. Almost all diplomatic missions have a standard dress code in place. We craft fit-for-purpose pieces that combine style and functionality, ensuring our clients enjoy maximum wear and lasting value.’ Eighth Wonder isalso into leather products such as briefcases, laptop bags, duffel bags, as well as other small leather products.
He further adds; ‘We offer bespoke shoe services. Our team works with you to design your perfect pair — from the style of shoe down to the smallest details such as the sole type, lace colour, and insole lining. Each pair is then crafted to your exact specifications, whether you prefer timeless dress shoes or refined casual styles.’
Merits of bespoke
The advantages of going custom speak for themselves. What are the advantages that a client has between picking from here other than from Downtown markets, Muhwezi tells me; “We do not compromise on quality. We aim to produce the highest quality products tailored to our clients’ needs. Our focus is on excellent craftsmanship that our clients will find value out of. It is good quality materials coupled with top-notch craftsmanship. We also have a dedicated and committed service culture. It’s what we live for. Our turnaround times, if we say that you will have your product in five days, be sure we will live to our word”
Get in touch:
📍The Orchid, Plot 8 Kintu Rd,Nakasero, Kampala, Uganda
📧 Perez@eighthwonder.ug
📧 info@eighthwonder.ug
🌐 www.eighthwonder.ug
📞 0759114300/ 0782114300
“I discovered The Eighth Wonder boutique by chance, but was immediately drawn to enter by the beautiful products displayed. After learning from Perez that they source their materials from arguably the best fabrics in Italy, and seeing how these products come to life in the back of the shop, I decided to have tailored suits made, and I’m so glad I did! The range of options is phenomenal, the craftsmanship exceptional, and Perez is an outstanding professional and stylist who guides you throughout the entire process. I look forward to many more visits and purchases at Eighth Wonder and would wholeheartedly recommend it.”
-H.E. Giulio Michele Girardelli –
Deputy Ambassador, Embassy of Italy, Kampala
