Revenga Chemisiers Genevois: The last bespoke shirtmaker in Geneva

In a quiet corner of Geneva, at the address Rue de Saint-Victor 4, where precision meets soul passion, lies Revenga Chemisiers Genevois, a family-run atelier dedicated to preserving the art of bespoke shirtmaking. Founded by Josefa Garcia Lozano, together with her two sons and inspired by her grandmother Antonia Revenga Gil, a tailor from Zamora, Spain. Josefa left behind a career to return to the needle and thread, driven by a longing to keep tradition alive and personal.

Today, Revenga stands as Geneva’s last bespoke shirtmaker, a distinction they carry with pride and purpose. Blending Mediterranean warmth with Swiss rigor, the brand’s identity is shaped by contrasts: soul and system, emotion and engineering. From precise hand-drawn patterns to hosting trunk shows with world-class artisans, Josefa and her sons David and Julio Pérez Garcia have built a brand that values not just the shirt but the story behind it.

In an exclusive interview with the mother-and-son duo behind Revenga Chemisiers Genevois, we explore how family heritage shapes their craft, what truly defines a perfect bespoke shirt, and why Geneva’s last shirtmaker continues to attract clients from Tokyo to the Bahamas.

What inspired you to start Revenga?

Josefa Garcia Lozano: Revenga was born from a deep desire to reconnect with my roots and honor the legacy of my grandmother, Antonia Revenga Gil, who was the tailor in our village in Zamora, Spain. From a very young age, she taught me embroidery and sewing by her side. After many years working in other sectors in Switzerland, I eventually followed my heart back to garment-making. My two sons and I worked together to bring this dream to life, and Revenga Chemisiers Genevois was born. It is both a family story and a tribute to artisanal excellence.

One moment that Josefa is fond of is receiving the keys to their workshop, the very space that would bring Revenga to life. Another came when a long-time client brought in his son, passing down not just shirts but a tradition. These are the moments when tailoring transcends craft and becomes something meaningful and enduring.

As stated, Revenga is the last bespoke shirtmaker in Geneva, and being the last of its kind gives a strong sense of purpose. For Josefa and her family, it means safeguarding a fading tradition, showcasing the invisible work behind each creation, and reminding the world of the enduring value of quality over quantity.

Under your leadership, Revenga has gained a reputation for excellence. What do you believe sets your atelier apart from others in the industry?

Julio Pérez Garcia: At Revenga, what sets us apart is a balance we’ve naturally found between Mediterranean soul and Swiss precision. Our roots bring warmth, a sense of welcome, and an emotional connection to the craft. And our environment here in Geneva demands rigor, discipline, and a deep respect for quality. That duality shapes everything we do, from how we take care of our clients to how we cut and finish each bespoke shirt. We also stay open to others and to the world. We host trunk shows with remarkable artisans from abroad, creating meaningful conversations around craft. And in Switzerland, you must master every detail, not just technique but values, trust, and organization. That constant demand for excellence keeps us sharp and honest.

What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading Revenga as the Master Shirtmaker, and how do you ensure the brand stays true to its heritage while embracing innovation?

Josefa Garcia Lozano: Honestly, it’s not about one big achievement. What makes me proud is being able to keep this workshop alive, day after day, without compromising what we believe in. We work in one of the most expensive cities in the world, doing something that takes time, skill, and care and we’re still here. Still creating, still growing. 

“But more than anything, I feel proud to be continuing something that started with my grandmother. She passed this love of the craft on to me, and now I get to share it with my two sons. That’s rare. There’s something deeply meaningful in keeping that thread going across generations.” - Josefa Garcia Lozano

Can you walk us briefly through the process of creating a bespoke shirt from start to finish at Revenga? How long does it take?

Josefa Garcia Lozano: The process begins with a conversation and understanding the client’s personality, lifestyle, and expectations is essential. We then take a series of precise measurements, usually around a dozen. I then draw and cut a personal pattern by hand on kraft paper. We often make a toile, a test version of the shirt, especially for first-time clients. Once we’re happy with the fit, we cut the chosen fabric and begin assembly, using a blend of handwork and machine stitching. A first shirt typically takes between 6 to 10 hours, with two or three fittings. Once a pattern is finalized, future shirts take around 4 to 5 hours to complete with the same level of care.

To book your bespoke appointment with Revenga Chemisiers Genevois, simply reach out via their website or contact them directly to begin your personalized shirtmaking journey.

What role does the choice of fabric play in the quality of a shirt, and how do you source your materials?

“Fabric is one of the pillars of an exceptional shirt. We work with mills like Alumo, Carlo Riva, Loro Piana, Grandi & Rubinelli and Tessitura Monti.” - Julio Pérez Garcia

Julio Pérez Garcia: Our atelier holds over 3,000 fabric references, including vintage bolts that are no longer produced. We guide our clients carefully based on wear, occasion, and personality, making sure each fabric choice supports the intended function and style.

Revenga also collaborates directly with elite European mills to maintain exclusive access to rare fabrics and preserve their exceptionally high standards of quality. The relationships they’ve nurtured ensure access to both innovation and timeless material options.

Could you explain the details that set your shirts apart from others, like collar styles, cuffs, and other subtle customizations?

Josefa Garcia Lozano: Every shirt begins with a fresh pattern, custom-drawn for the client. We adjust collar spread, cuff design, and overall proportions with millimetric precision. Two darts in the back are often recommended for a tailored silhouette that allows flexibility over time. Even button sewing styles such as zampa di gallina, are chosen individually. It’s these subtle layers that make each shirt feel uniquely personal.

On their website, you can explore the world of personalization through a detailed overview of their bespoke process, showcasing the many options available, from collar and cuff styles to fabric selections and hand-finished details.

Josefa tells us that clients often seek timeless business shirts, white or pale blue, with a refined poplin fabric, Italian-style collars, French fronts, and mother-of-pearl buttons. But seasonal shifts also bring demand for cotton-linen blends, particularly in summer. No matter the request, the goal is to guide each client toward the shirt that fits both body and lifestyle. She also finds joy in two key moments: the creative exchange with the client, and the quiet satisfaction when a shirt is tried on for the first time and fits just right. These moments of alignment between personality, intention, and craftsmanship, are what she treasures most.

You can read more about their bespoke tailoring process here.

What can a client expect when they first step into your atelier? What’s the experience like for someone ordering their first bespoke shirt?

Julio Pérez Garcia: When you step into Revenga, you enter a family workshop. From the start, we make time for real conversation. My mother listens deeply to understand not just fit, but how the shirt should feel and function. We take detailed measurements, sometimes build a toile, and draw your pattern by hand.

“Whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning guest, what you experience here is a slower, quieter process, intentionally human, personal, and built around you.” - Julio Pérez Garcia

How do you build a long-term relationship with your clients, ensuring their satisfaction with each new order?

Julio Pérez Garcia: It starts with listening. Some clients drop by for a coffee, others prefer discreet fittings. We adapt to both. We also keep detailed archives, paper patterns and spare fabric so we can repair shirts or replicate them exactly. Over time, many clients become friends. It’s that bond, built on trust and care, that defines our long-term relationships.

While they have crafted for notable figures in politics, diplomacy, and media, Revenga never names names. Discretion is part of the service. But if he could choose, Julio says Jeff Goldblum would be a dream client. Style-forward, confident, and unafraid of character. He’d make him a breathable summer shirt with flair, personality, and a generous collar.

Where do you see Revenga in the next years?

Josefa Garcia Lozano: We want to grow organically, expanding our Geneva roots while welcoming more international clients. Our trunk shows in Paris, Zurich, and Bern have helped us connect personally beyond Geneva. Looking forward, we’re committed to training new talent and keeping this beautiful craft alive for future generations.

If you're ready to create your own bespoke shirt, feel free to contact Revenga directly through their website to schedule your personal consultation.

As our conversation with Josefa and Julio comes to a close, one thing is clear; Revenga is a living story of tradition, family, and the kind of craftsmanship that leaves a lasting impression far beyond fabric and thread. In a world moving ever faster, their commitment to quality, sincerity, and individuality feels not just admirable, but essential.

Thank you, Josefa and Julio, for allowing us to share your story. See you in Geneva, and best of luck!

Pictures: Revenga Chemisiers Genevois