Elite Traveler Summer 2019

by Emma Reynolds STYLE DESTINATION

History of Savile Row Bespoke tailoring harkens back to the 17th century, when highly skilled craftsmen and cloth suppliers set up shop here and created suits for royalty, politicians and wealthy businessman. It’s said the term ‘bespoke’ was shortened from the phrase ‘to be spoken for’ when certain pattern cuts and textiles were reserved for individual clients. Many Savile Row tailors have been outfitting the British Royal Family for centuries — a handful of tailors hold Royal Warrants dating back to the early 1800s.

SAVILE ROW

The final say on trends starts and ends on Savile Row — it’s here, after all, that Henry Poole & Co invented the tuxedo. Many make the pilgrimage to the cobblestone-laden street in London’s West End neighborhood in search of the perfect bespoke suit

Henry Poole & Co storefront, first erected in 1806

Tailoring process Bespoke suits traditionally take anywhere from 60 to 100 hours to craft. Tailors consider what ready-to-wear suiting cannot, including your exact measurements, preferred and individualized silhouette, cloth exclusive to your suit and even more minute details like the degree of the slope of your shoulders and the circumference of your arms and legs. After taking your measurements, your tailor will cut a pattern from scratch. Though it may take a few meetings (and up to a year to receive), a bespoke suit is exclusive to you — and well worth the wait.

Gieves & Hawkes yacht jacket, $4,590, by special order, Gieves & Hawkes in London, +44 207 434 2001, gievesandhawkes.com

A Henry Poole & Co suit being cut and measured by a tailor

Ettin $2,25 Lond

ger Heritage Westminster briefcase, 0, by appointment, Ettinger in on, +44 208 877 1616, ettinger.co.uk

George Cleverley Churchill Oxford shoes, $1,425, George Cleverley in London, +44 207 493 0443, georgecleverley.com

Sartorial style The history of Savile Row is nothing without Beau Brummell, who was the sartorial advisor to the Prince Regent in the early 1800s and often dubbed ‘the godfather of Savile Row.’ He introduced dandy fashion to the masses with a minimalistic yet masculine elegance defined by structured suiting and understated prints. He also made men’s trousers as we know them popular, as well as the traditional suit and tie, breaking down the barrier between the common man and the aristocrat. Since this time, the Prince of Wales check, herringbone, pinstripe and nailhead have been popular textile choices.

Behind the scenes at the making of a Gieves & Hawkes suit

Photos Paul Marc Mitchell, shutterstock.com