Uploaded March 2018 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In a city renowned for its bespoke tailoring, Savile Row reigns supreme. Still going strong, two centuries in, this innocuous West End street remains London's, if not the world's, sartorial arbiter for both the male and female of the species, through its unmistakable style and timeless panache.
"One Savile Row: The Invention of the English Gentleman", compiled by Gieves and Hawkes, heads the literary pack, and not just for gents. Holding no less than three Royal Warrants - those of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales - this venerable firm, which outfitted Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and innumerable blades since, carries on a tradition that is threatened with extinction: hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-crafted clothing that will last the wearer a lifetime. Its history alone is worth the price of admission.
Further down the street, such landmarks are to be found as Huntsman (whose lead cutter, Richard Anderson, has himself written a book, entitled, predictably, "Bespoke"), Hardy Amies, Henry Poole, Hayward, and Kilgour. There is also, of course, Anderson & Sheppard, whose own book, "A Style is Born" is itself a visual delight. Co-edited by Graydon Carter, no less, this handsome tome embodies everything a fine outfitter stands for (e.g. Alec Guinness, Noel Coward and Somerset Maugham).
Finally, there is the fashionisto, James Sherwood (not to be confused with the JS, of that ilk, who so inspiredly revived The Venice Simplon Orient-Express), whose "Bespoke: The Men's Style of Savile Row" tackles the entire street. As one-stop shopping, as it were, this one covers the gamut, a chapter per tailor, and is warmly recommended by a lifelong supporter (of the street, that is).
More video book reviews at thisoldHoarehouse.com
In a city renowned for its bespoke tailoring, Savile Row reigns supreme. Still going strong, two centuries in, this innocuous West End street remains London's, if not the world's, sartorial arbiter for both the male and female of the species, through its unmistakable style and timeless panache.
"One Savile Row: The Invention of the English Gentleman", compiled by Gieves and Hawkes, heads the literary pack, and not just for gents. Holding no less than three Royal Warrants - those of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales - this venerable firm, which outfitted Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and innumerable blades since, carries on a tradition that is threatened with extinction: hand-cut, hand-sewn and hand-crafted clothing that will last the wearer a lifetime. Its history alone is worth the price of admission.
Further down the street, such landmarks are to be found as Huntsman (whose lead cutter, Richard Anderson, has himself written a book, entitled, predictably, "Bespoke"), Hardy Amies, Henry Poole, Hayward, and Kilgour. There is also, of course, Anderson & Sheppard, whose own book, "A Style is Born" is itself a visual delight. Co-edited by Graydon Carter, no less, this handsome tome embodies everything a fine outfitter stands for (e.g. Alec Guinness, Noel Coward and Somerset Maugham).
Finally, there is the fashionisto, James Sherwood (not to be confused with the JS, of that ilk, who so inspiredly revived The Venice Simplon Orient-Express), whose "Bespoke: The Men's Style of Savile Row" tackles the entire street. As one-stop shopping, as it were, this one covers the gamut, a chapter per tailor, and is warmly recommended by a lifelong supporter (of the street, that is).
More video book reviews at thisoldHoarehouse.com
