Get ready to be amazed by the incredible transformation happening on Savile Row, the iconic street known for its bespoke men's suits! A new era is upon us, and it's led by a young, talented female tailor who's shaking things up.
In the heart of London, where Hollywood's finest have found their perfect suits, a revolution is brewing. Savile Row has been a tailoring mecca since the 19th century, but it's always been a predominantly male-dominated industry. That's where our story gets interesting.
Meet Hattie Glendenning, the 27-year-old powerhouse behind HAX, one of Savile Row's youngest tailoring houses. She's not just redefining the art of handmade suits; she's making it accessible and tailored to women, a demographic often overlooked in this industry. Hattie's journey began as a teenager, working on weekends in Savile Row, and now, she's dressed celebrities like Sophie Turner and Lady Amelia Windsor in her unique creations.
"For a long time, the tailoring world felt stuffy and inaccessible," Hattie shares. "There wasn't much for women, and the price points were astronomical." But Hattie is changing all that. She's offering a personalized service to her female clients, an experience that's both relaxing and empowering.
The process starts with a consultation. Hattie takes measurements and discusses every detail - from color and silhouette to the fabric's feel. "Do you want it to be sleek or rigid? We're creating a piece of armor here," she explains. Most of her fabrics come from Dugdale, a British cloth merchant that reworks archival fabrics from the mid-19th century, adding a touch of history to every suit.
Whether you're after an oversized power suit or a subtle yet commanding cinched bar jacket, Hattie's got you covered. "The options are limitless, and creativity knows no bounds," she says. One of her clients even walked away with an Austin Powers-inspired gingham flared suit! Hattie prides herself on never making the same suit twice, ensuring each piece is as unique as the person wearing it.
Her shop sees a diverse range of clients, from young adults buying their first suit to prepare for their first job to couples shopping for their wedding outfits, and even older clients who appreciate the tradition of made-to-measure tailoring. While her business has attracted many women, men also frequent her shop, especially grooms-to-be. "It's so special to dress someone for their wedding," she says. "You go through this entire process with them, and then sadly say goodbye when they leave with that beautiful suit. But sometimes, they walk back through that door for another special occasion."
Savile Row's history is as fascinating as its present. Originally an extension of the Burlington Estate, created in the 1730s, it was a stylish residential street, home to wealthy military officers and statesmen. The need for precise tailoring drew experts from the North of England, and the rest, as they say, is history. Ironically, this street, named after Lady Dorothy Savile, the wife of the 3rd Earl of Burlington, has primarily served men. One of the first shops to blend Savile Row's tailoring with couture for women was Hardy Amies, which opened in 1945 and became Queen Elizabeth II's official dressmaker. However, it wasn't until 2016 that Savile Row saw its first female-owned tailor, Kathryn Sargent.
Today, Hattie Glendenning believes made-to-measure suits for women are essential. "If you look back, women have always had their clothes made specifically for them," she says. "Modern shopping habits and off-the-rack fashion have changed that, but bespoke tailoring is a confidence booster." From perfectly fitted trousers to jackets tailored to individual busts, Hattie's clients experience a sense of relief and empowerment.
And here's where it gets controversial... In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Hattie's success raises important questions. Is the tailoring world ready for more female-led businesses? Can we expect to see more innovation and accessibility in an industry that has, for so long, been exclusive? These are questions we should all be asking. So, what do you think? Is the future of tailoring female-led? Let's discuss in the comments!
