Savile Row in Mayfair, London is synonomous with men's tailoring. It is where many of the rich and famous come if they require a hand made bespoke suit. The word bespoke comes from the words 'to be spoken for' refering to the cloth for the suit.
It is not a very long street but it is unique in that it only has men's top of the range clothing and tailoring shops there.
I loved the last sentence of their advertising 'Ladies bespoke tailoring by appointment only'. Not quite an invitation to pop in and browse.
All the cutting and sewing takes place in the basements of the shops which you can see into from the street level.
I loved the last sentence of their advertising 'Ladies bespoke tailoring by appointment only'. Not quite an invitation to pop in and browse.
All the cutting and sewing takes place in the basements of the shops which you can see into from the street level.
Just around the corner from Savile row is Burlington Gardens where you will find Ede and Ravenscroft, the oldest surviving family owned tailoring firm in England or maybe the world as the family can be traced back to the 17th cent.
A close up of the plaques outside reveals that they are the robe makers to the Royal family. However not all is well on the street as across the raod is a shop which is more familiar in the shopping malls and High Streets - Abercrombie and Fitch. There have been protests from the tailoring trade that this shop does not belong amongst these highly recognised specialist shops. A demonstration was held outside the store on 23rd April (St George's day) by some very well dressed toffs!
(photo from Chaps magazine)
Linking with 'Our world Tuesday'
What an interesting post, it is all a men's world the tailoring I see. But I like those special shops. The Abercrombie shop is coming to Amsterdam too. They have taken one of the prettiest buildings in a shopping street, which I have my doubts about.
ReplyDeleteThe tradition lives on and that is great. It is refreshing to know that not everything is made in China.
ReplyDeleteI like how you can watch people at work making these fabulous garments. I wonder if they feel like fish in a bowl, though. :)
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that tailoring is what women do, but just like cooking, men are in it too!
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like a nice suit. The chain stores should relocate somewhere else. Not that I'm entitled to have an opinion, but there it is.
ReplyDeleteWow---you were definitely in a ritzy area.. I've read about Savile Row and also about Ede and Ravenscroft. Glad to see photos. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Betsy
Fascinating that the famous Savile Road is still fulfilling the same purpose after such a long time!
ReplyDeleteI wonder how much one of those suits costs... yikes!
Fascinating post, enjoyed that trip with you :)
ReplyDeleteHow fun to see photos of places I've heard/read about for years! So cool!! Terrific! Thanks for sharing! Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating insight into this elite part of the world. Thanks for sharing. (Like the view into the basement!)
ReplyDeleteGreat post!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteHa! I guess the patricians are not happy the plebeians can shop on "their" street. :))
ReplyDeleteFeels royal. Never been inside alike shop. Thank you for this interesting walk.
ReplyDeletedaily athens photo
I enjoyed these shots from saville road.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a very classy street I wonder how much a bespoke suit would cost?
ReplyDeleteI love those plaques on the shop front ... Very impressive!
Great photos. I like how you gave a general view and then focus on some of the interesting details.
ReplyDeleteGreat Information,Great Pics!
ReplyDeleteSo much history (and rivalry!) in these great shots.
ReplyDeletean interesting post. :) Did not know about this before. :)
ReplyDeleteI have spent many hours here with my Father delivering material to his customers.
ReplyDeleteMollyxxx
Wonderful post ~ fantastic photos and excellent info ~ 'great travelouge' about Saville Row (A Creative Harbor) ^_^
ReplyDeletethanks so much for coming by ^_^
Hi there - back home I see! I think it would be nice to be able to afford to shop on Savile row - but then decide not to!
ReplyDeleteHope you have recovered from the jet lag!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
The disappointing thing is an ugly man remains ugly even in such handmade suits, lol ! Nothing for Mr. G. anymore, he has worn a suit for ages, so now he prefers to wear jeans (but not handmade)
ReplyDeleteThe tailors would be artisans at the shops of this street. At this time of recession, I wonder how many people could afford to the bespoke tailored suit. Thanks for this interesting glimpse into a traditional posh world.
ReplyDelete