HS History

Founded in 1968 by Richard Lim, High Society Bespoke Tailoring emerged on Wilshire Boulevard as one of the first Korean-American owned ateliers in Los Angeles, reflecting Lim’s desire to honor age-old tailoring traditions while introducing subtle, modern details. From the very beginning, Lim established genuine relationships with clients (many of whom returned for decades) building trust through personal fittings and a commitment to quality craftsmanship. Under his guidance, skilled artisans were brought from Korea to work alongside local cutters and tailors.

At the heart of High Society’s success lies a truly bespoke workflow: after an initial one-on-one consultation, each client selects from fine English and Italian mills, then proceeds through multiple fitting rounds to refine every contour and drape. Tailors with over forty‐five years of experience handle every step, from drafting precise flat sketches to cutting, sewing, and hand-pressing the finished pieces. This artisanal approach means each garment can take several weeks, but clients value the investment in time: they leave not just with a suit, but with an quality object that embodies their style and the atelier’s expertise.

Over the decades, High Society’s atelier has counted among its patrons luminaries such as Prince, Ray Charles, and Warren Beatty. The atelier’s meticulous craft also graced the silver screen: High Society custom-made pieces appear in films like Drive, where a commissioned “Scorpion Jacket” exemplified the brand’s silk-and-embroidery prowess. Beyond Drive, the shop contributed to wardrobe for Young Guns and Ocean’s Eleven, underscoring its role in Hollywood storytelling through sartorial detail.

Today, Richard’s son, David Lim, leads High Society with a modern perspective, streamlining appointments, introducing sustainable production practices, and collaborating with artists to create seasonal ready-to-wear and curated design objects alongside the bespoke line. David maintains the signature silhouette DNA: sharp shoulders, nipped waists, and clean lines, while experimenting with novel fabrics, unexpected linings, and multifunctional details that speak to contemporary lifestyles. The brand’s flagship retail space now intermingles artisan garments with studio-quality lifestyle pieces (pottery, stationery, and small-batch objects) inviting clients to explore High Society’s world of considered design beyond clothing. Through this blend of heritage and innovation, High Society continues to honor its origins even as it crafts the future of bespoke, ensuring every client feels both uniquely styled and perfectly fitted.