Discover the inspiring story of a renowned tailor who survived Auschwitz and went on to dress six presidents, coach designers, and create thousands of suits for TV shows and movies.
Martin Greenfield, a renowned tailor, has crafted suits for a diverse clientele ranging from President Dwight D. Eisenhower to Hollywood stars like Leonardo DiCaprio and sports icons like LeBron James. His exceptional skills have earned him the title of the nation’s greatest men’s tailor, admired by those in power and fashion circles alike. However, the origin of his expertise remained a mystery for many years, hidden in his traumatic past at Auschwitz.
Before he became Martin Greenfield, he was Maximilian Grünfeld, a young Jewish prisoner at the Auschwitz concentration camp. His pivotal moment came when he accidentally ripped a guard’s shirt while working in the laundry room. The guard’s brutal reaction led Max to learn how to sew from a fellow prisoner. He repaired the shirt and cleverly concealed it under his prison uniform, using it as a symbol of privilege to navigate the horrors of the camp.
Max’s strategic use of sewing skills and salvaged garments allowed him to move freely around Auschwitz, even gaining access to extra food at times. By intentionally ripping guards’ uniforms and secretly collecting pieces of clothing, he built a hidden wardrobe that became crucial for his survival during the Holocaust.
Today, Martin Greenfield’s success as a master tailor is not only a testament to his exceptional craftsmanship but also a reflection of his resilience and resourcefulness in the face of unimaginable adversity. His journey from a teenage prisoner in Auschwitz to a celebrated tailor serves as a powerful reminder of the human spirit’s capacity to overcome even the darkest of times.
Source: The NY Times
