Working Style deal suits 100 IRB men

Working Style Directors, Andrew Cole (L) and Chris Dobbs with one of the suits they have made for the IRB. Photo / Dean Purcell.

An Auckland tailor has won a contract to make 100 customised suits for the International Rugby Board to wear during the Rugby World Cup.

Chris Dobbs, of Working Style in Parnell, sealed the deal after beating leading European tailors for the contract.

Dobbs said the six-figure contract would boost profits but it is dressing the IRB for its biggest event that has made the Kiwi businessman "really proud".

This is the largest contract Working Style has ever worked on, and Dobbs has been preparing for the "massive task" since June last year.

The suits are all made from the same steely grey material with a "greenish tinge", which Dobbs says creates a "dazzling paua shell" effect.

The IRB board has been fitted in between meetings held in New Zealand but the remaining members of the organisation have sent their measurements through to Dobbs from Dublin.

"The IRB needs to be confident its members are wearing the very best New Zealand has to offer. The board looked at a number of different suppliers for the contract but chose Working Style because of our reputation and what we can deliver in terms of quality and styling."

Dobbs said this contract allowed him to promote his company and New Zealand products on the global stage.

"These are high-powered businessmen and rugby is a strong corporate game. To choose a local brand over a European one means they felt we're slick enough to do the job."

Dobbs would not disclose the actual amount the contract is worth but said "it's well into the six figures".

IRB spokeswoman Nicola Alesbrook said that Working Style delivered world-class quality.

"The attention to detail has been impressive. They took on board our look, feel and colour scheme for both the suit and the lining. Working Style has meticulously covered every aspect of the process and delivered on all our requirements."

Working Style makes suits priced from $1500 through to $10,000 for clients throughout New Zealand.