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 why is he known on Smith Street?
Tony Apidopoulos, known as Tony the Tailor, is a long‑time Fitzroy tailor who started his business in 1976. He became a local icon on Smith Street by precision‑making thousands of garments — most notably Victoria Police uniforms — and sewing for a wide range of customers from housewives to executives.
How long has Tony the Tailor been in business and when is he retiring?
Tony began his tailoring career in 1976 and has worked with traditional machines for decades. According to the article he will create his last stitch next month when he retires at age 71.
What kinds of services and products did Tony the Tailor provide?
Tony made bespoke suits, motorbike breeches and thousands of Victoria Police uniforms. His shop handled fittings for constables through to deputy commissioners and offered general tailoring services for everyday and professional customers.
What will happen to Tony the Tailor’s shop after he retires?
The article says the farewell sign is up, the remaining reels of cotton have been sold, and the shop — largely unchanged since the 1970s — will be handed to new owners after Tony retires.
Is Tony’s retirement connected to the Victoria Police uniform overhaul?
Tony’s retirement coincides with Victoria Police preparing its first major uniform overhaul in 30 years, with darker, New York–style uniforms due to be introduced next August. The article notes the timing but does not state that the overhaul caused his retirement.
What does Tony the Tailor’s story tell investors about small retail businesses on Smith Street?
Tony’s long career illustrates how a small, specialised retail business can become a local institution even as the Smith Street retail landscape ebbs and flows. His story highlights the value of reputation, niche skills (like uniform making), and strong customer relationships in sustaining a small shop over decades.
What is Tony’s personal and career background before opening his shop?
Born in Greece in 1940, Tony took on a tailoring apprenticeship at 17. He emigrated to Australia at 20, worked in a tailoring factory, then at Berensen Tailors where he learned to make police uniforms, and in 1976 opened Tony the Tailor.
What are Tony’s plans after retirement and how does he feel about leaving the business?
Tony plans to travel and spend more time with his family. The article describes him looking forward to retirement without regret — proud of his work and content after a lifetime at the sewing machine.
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