London shopping - Savile Row

Nowhere in the world oozes more male fashion style than Savile Row in London. This is where any self-respecting man should avail himself of a tailormade suit.

The term “bespoke” as applied to fine tailoring is understood to have originated in Savile Row, and came to mean a suit cut and made by hand… or from the phrase, “be spoken for.” This formerly meant “made by hand,” but since a court ruling in 2008… can now include machine made clothing – as long as it is uniquely made for the discerning client.

Savile Row is home to a number of well established, respected and almost revered tailor shops. Often featured in movies and television programmes, the street lives and breathes class and distinction.

In more recent times, modern clothes stores have joined the ranks and although purists will sneer at these newer “imposters,” it means that there is clothing for any budget.

Today though, let’s look at just a couple of the more well known offerings.

Gieves & Hawkes

Originally Gieves & Hawkes were two seperate businesses. Hawkes was formed in 1771 and Gieves in 1784. However, they became one seamless entity in 1974 and along with specialising in military uniforms, they also possess all three main Royal Warrants: The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh and The Prince of Wales.

Huntsman

In 1809, Huntsman was originally based at 126 New Bond Street. In 1849, the company was bought by Henry Huntsman, who promptly moved it to Albermarle Street. Here, the breeches maker earned the now ended royal warrant of Leather Breeches Maker to the then Prince of Wales (who became Edward VII), then Queen Victoria’s son Prince Alfred in 1876, and then by Queen Victoria in 1888. Huntsman moved to its current location at 11 Savile Row in 1919.

Abercrombie & Fitch

This New York supplier of classic American clothing has made their target the trendy man about town. A much more casual style of clothing is available here but without any scrimp on quality or style. A regular haunt for the rich and famous, this store has everything a jetsetting man would want for his lesiure wardrobe.

If you would like to include a trip to savile Row as part of your tailormade itinerary, contact us today.