Bespoke

The world of bespoke and luxury shopping has a long and aristocratic history. London, more than other capitals, has maintained this culture and today it still thrives in the historical St. James and Mayfair districts. These were developed after the royal court moved into St. James Palace in 1698 and then spread northwards as the area behind Burlington House was transformed into what is today Savile Row and Bond Street. Many businesses in this area hold royal warrants and have been trading since the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
These days anyone can frequent ‘luxury’ shops, it’s just a matter of having enough money, but this is not the case with bespoke tailors and shoemakers. To have things made for you takes time and today that shows you are in control of your own schedule, and have arrived.

Simon grew up close to London but it was not until he started university that he lived in the capital. All of a sudden Simon was surrounded by luxury shops: Liberty’s, Selfridges, Fortnum & Masons, Harrods, the jewelry, shoe and fashion shops of Bond Street; not to mention the glorious Burlington Arcade. He was fascinated by the city, especially the west end, with its old historic woolen merchants and tailors trimmers. Unfortunately most are now gone but these Victorian establishments were the cornerstone of the bespoke tailoring trade. Beasley’s in Ganton Street for canvases and trimming, Hunt and Winterbotham in Golden Square for woolens and worsteds and of course Berwick Street for all types of wonderful fabrics. Simon's fascination with the bygone world was beautifully translated into prints and designs for his Sherlock Holmes inspired degree graduation collection.