In today’s world of fast fashion, is there a place for a handcrafted $50,000 coat? To answer that question, Meg Noonan takes readers to the Sydney studio of John Cutler, a fourth-generation tailor; to the mountains of Peru, where villagers shear vicunas (a rare animal known for its soft fleece); to the fabulous Florence headquarters of Stefano Ricci, the world’s greatest silk designer; to the esteemed French textile company Dormeuil; to the English button factory that makes products out of Indian buffalo horn; and to the workshop of the engraver who made the 18-carat gold plaque that sits inside the collar. These artisans create a rich tapestry of bespoke tailoring, which began in 17th-century London, but their dedication to their craft is about more than tradition; they believe that their way is best — for customers, for the environment, and for the workers involved. Fascinating, surprising, and entertaining, The Coat Route is a timely love song to things of lasting value in our disposable culture.