Paul the Tailor Re-opens For Business

Andrew Bailey has been recently appointed to take over as head tailor for 'Paul the Tailor' of Patchogue.

Paul Carriero, founder of Paul the Tailor's, has passed away after a long illness. At the recently held re-opening ceremony, Jennette Carriero spoke fondly of her husband and starting the business with him many years.

"We came from Italy in 1962. My brother-in-law bought a business where Sweezey's used to be; it used to be Frank the Tailor. My husband went to work there too. He used to do professional work for men, ladies... all kinds of suits. After a few years, my husband took over the business. I used to come out and help him do some work. I would sew by hand," Carriero said.

Andrew Bailey has been chosen to take over the business but the name will remain 'Paul the Tailor'.

Originally from Jamaica, Bailey has been a tailor for 24 years. He learned the trade while living in Jamaica, eventually immigrating to the United States where he continued his studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. He was employed as a tailor at Karako's, Men's Warehouse, and Nordstrom's.

"When my husband got sick, he couldn't do as much work anymore. One day, he went to Nordstrom's to buy a suit and he met Andrew. He said 'this is pretty close to my own' because [Andrew] does very good work," Carriero said.

Village of Patchogue Mayor Paul Pontieri recalled getting his suits tailored by Paul Carriero.

"Paul the Tailor has been here for the better part of 50 years. It's great to see the store and the business continue. Paul was a unique character. He had a pair of scissors that every time he cut my jacket, he saved me ten pounds. I'm hoping Andrew can do the same," Pontieri said.