Female Tailor Revolutionizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suits
Since the 19th century, Savile Row in London has been celebrated for its bespoke men’s tailoring. This historic street has produced remarkable suits worn by Hollywood icons such as Charlie Chaplin, Fred Astaire, and Daniel Craig. Recently, a new wave of innovation has emerged from one of Savile Row’s youngest tailoring houses, HAX, led by 27-year-old Hattie Glendenning. Glendenning is changing the landscape of handmade suits, especially for women.
Innovating Savile Row’s Traditional Suits
Hattie Glendenning began her tailoring journey at Savile Row as a teenager. Her reputation has grown, as she now dresses celebrities including Sophie Turner and Lady Amelia Windsor. In a recent interview, Glendenning expressed her desire to create a welcoming atmosphere in her shop. “It’s really important to sit down with someone and make them feel relaxed,” she noted. She aims to make the bespoke experience more accessible.
Personalized Tailoring Experience
At HAX, every suit starts with a personal consultation. Glendenning measures clients and discusses important design factors such as color, silhouette, and fabric preferences. She believes that crafting a suit is akin to creating a piece of armor. Most of her materials are sourced from Dugdale, a British cloth merchant known for its archival fabrics from the mid-19th century. “We would be nowhere without the cloth we use,” she acknowledged.
- Customized options for suits include:
- Oversized power suits
- Cinched bar jackets
- Fun retro-inspired styles
Glendenning’s creativity knows no bounds. She has crafted unique designs, including a ’70s-inspired gingham flared suit for a client. Every piece is distinct, designed to reflect the client’s unique style and purpose.
A Diverse Clientele
The clientele at HAX is broad, serving clients ranging from 18-year-olds preparing for their first job to brides and grooms shopping for their wedding outfits. “It’s so special dressing bride-grooms,” she shared, noting the bond formed during the suit-making process. Often, clients return for new occasions, demonstrating the lasting relationships built through this bespoke service.
The Evolution of Savile Row
Historically, Savile Row began in the 1730s as an elegant area for affluent military officers and statesmen. It gained its reputation for precise tailoring, attracting skilled professionals from Northern England. Interestingly, despite predominantly serving men, the street was named after Lady Dorothy Savile, the wife of the 3rd Earl of Burlington.
While Hardy Amies was one of the first to merge Savile Row tailoring with women’s couture in 1945, it wasn’t until 2016 that the first female-owned tailoring shop was established by Kathryn Sargent. Today, Glendenning believes that made-to-measure suits for women are vital. She notes a historical trend of women having their clothes tailored, contrasting with today’s reliance on ready-made garments.
Empowering Women Through Tailoring
Glendenning views bespoke tailoring as a confidence booster for her female clients. She emphasizes the importance of perfectly fitting garments, stating, “It’s like a sigh of relief” when clients receive their tailored suits. By redefining the traditional suit-making process, HAX is paving the way for a more inclusive experience in Savile Row’s tailoring world.
