Time may have stood still for the past 35 years in an unassuming tailor shop in Fitzroy, but Tony Apidopoulos certainly hasn't.
TIME may have stood still for the past 35 years in an unassuming tailor shop in Fitzroy, but Tony Apidopoulos certainly hasn't.
While the retail landscape of Smith Street has ebbed and flowed around him, Tony the Tailor has been at his old-fashioned machines for years, precision-making thousands of Victoria Police uniforms and sewing for everyone from housewives to executives.
Next month, after decades in the trade, the tailor will create his last stitch in time when he retires, aged 71.
The farewell sign has been hung out, the remaining reels of cotton sold and Mr Apidopoulos's shop, barely changed from the 1970s, will be handed to new owners.
Daughter Angela Pantazakos said it might be time for the emotions to start flowing.
''It really is the end of an era ? he's one of the icons here on Smith Street,'' she said.
Mr Apidopoulos was born in Greece in 1940 and his father died early, leaving his mother with four children and a young relative to raise on her own.
Her son, Tony, decided to take on a tailoring apprenticeship at the age of 17.
''He came from such a poor background that he wanted to be able to clothe his family,'' Mrs Pantazakos said.
''He loved the suits, the whole tailoring business, making something from nothing and making it beautiful.''
At 20, Tony and his mother emigrated to Australia.
The young man, who didn't speak English, found tailoring work in a factory for several years before moving on to Berensen Tailors, where he first learned to make police uniforms.
In 1976, he decided to go it alone, starting Tony the Tailor at 119 Smith Street, before moving to his current shop at No. 313.
His wife, Christine, has been heavily involved all the way along. ''I come here to this shop in [May] 1979 and in August 1979 I start the police uniforms and the motorbike breeches,'' Mr Apidopoulos said.
He is one of a small handful to still make the uniforms. Thousands of police have come through the store for their fittings, from constables all the way up to deputy commissioners. ''Can't remember, can't count it,'' he laughs when asked how many uniforms he's made.
Working with police is undoubtedly his favourite part - ''because I like the job ? they respect you, they like you''.
Mr Apidopoulos's retirement comes as Victoria Police prepares for its first major uniform overhaul in 30 years. Darker, New York-style uniforms are set to be introduced next August.
Mrs Pantazakos said her father takes great pride and satisfaction in his business.
But after so many years of needle and thread, Mr Apidopoulos is looking forward to travelling and spending more time with his family.
''I spent my whole life here, walking up and down,'' he said, looking around without a hint of regret.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
Who is Tony the Tailor and what is his background?
Tony the Tailor is Tony Apidopoulos, a Fitzroy-based tailor born in Greece in 1940 who apprenticed in tailoring at 17, emigrated to Australia at age 20 and went on to build a decades-long tailoring business on Smith Street.
How long has Tony the Tailor been in business on Smith Street in Fitzroy?
Tony started his own shop, Tony the Tailor, in 1976 at 119 Smith Street and later moved to No. 313 — meaning he’s been serving Smith Street customers for decades and is widely regarded as a local icon.
What kinds of tailoring services did Tony the Tailor provide?
Tony has provided traditional tailoring services including custom suits, motorcycle breeches and thousands of police uniform fittings — working with customers from housewives to executives and ranks from constables to deputy commissioners.
Why is Tony the Tailor retiring and when will he close the shop?
After decades in the trade Tony is retiring aged 71; the article says he will create his last stitch next month, with a farewell sign displayed and remaining supplies sold as he hands the shop to new owners.
What will happen to the Smith Street shop after Tony retires?
According to the article, Tony has sold the remaining reels of cotton and the shop — largely unchanged since the 1970s — will be handed to new owners when he retires.
How is Tony connected to Victoria Police uniforms and what’s changing there?
Tony is one of a small handful of tailors who have made thousands of Victoria Police uniforms and handled fittings across ranks; his retirement comes as Victoria Police prepares a major uniform overhaul — introducing darker, New York-style uniforms next August, their first big change in 30 years.
What legacy does Tony leave on Smith Street and in the local community?
Tony leaves a legacy as a Smith Street icon: a long-running, old-fashioned tailor shop that served generations, made police uniforms, and embodied craftsmanship and community respect according to his family and customers.
How does Tony plan to spend his retirement and how does his family feel?
Tony says he looks forward to travelling and spending more time with family after a lifetime of work; his daughter Angela describes his departure as the end of an era and his wife Christine has been heavily involved in the business over the years.
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