INSIDE STORY
David Ward fitting Hugh Bonneville for Downton Abbey where he played Lord Grantham
and qualifications unchecked , another tailoring star is born and signed off by the media to prey on the Row ’ s success while the Row itself struggles to maintain its own identity in its natural environment .
It is heartbreaking , yet sadly expected in this age where immediacy is king , that we can observe one of the last true citadels of British craftsmanship being distorted and pillaged in this way . It would appear there are more fake bespoke tailors in London than real ones .
As the craft continues to be exploited for its mastery and distinction and the
“ It would appear there are more fake bespoke tailors in London than real ones ” word “ bespoke ” that was born out of the tailoring industry is corrupted by the masses , selling everything from bespoke holidays to bespoke wallpaper , what of the Row ’ s future ? Will the term “ Savile Row Tailor ” become a reference to a bygone era , as tourist guides chaperone visitors to London streets to view what is left of this once incredible location that was swallowed up and devoured by the blandness of contemporary culture ?
At a grassroots level , there is a bountiful reserve of the right people coming into the trade to carry on the tradition of making
20 SAVILE ROW STYLE MAGAZINE