Savile Row Bespoke Showcases at ‘The London Cut’ in Japan

Savile Row’s relationship with Japan dates back to 1921 when the founding father of Savile Row, Henry Poole & Co dressed HIH Emperor Hirohito when the then Prince Imperial paid a state visit to London. Poole has also dressed Japanese icons such as Baron Okura, Jiro Shirasu and Japanese Premier Yoshida which illustrates their long standing relationship and their dedication for becoming involved with UK-Japan 08.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of trade relations between the UK and Japan and will be celebrated with a season of cultural activities in Japan. Australian Wool Innovation (AWI) has partnered with the Savile Row Bespoke Group presenting two events in March to mark their support of the trade UK-Japan 2008 celebrations and will showcase the highest level of British tailoring.

Last night, AWI hosted a reception together with the Tailors of Savile Row and the British Ambassador Sir Graham Fry at No 1 Tokyo to commence these activities.

Following this event the renowned London Cut exhibition which will be held at Isetan, Japan’s leading department store from the 19th of March 2008. The exhibition creates a platform for promoting the elegant and eccentric craftsmanship of the elite tailors from the famous London Row bringing together modern suits cut specifically for the event with historical pieces selected from the archives of the great houses on Savile Row. The exhibition will present Savile Row suits that are cut and exquisitely styled from the finest Merino wool fabrics.

Mark Henderson, Chairman of Savile Row Bespoke and CEO of Gieves & Hawkes believes the strong link and longevity of the relationship between Japan and the UK comes from the Japanese consumer insistence on ever finer wool fabrics and fibre, and Savile Row’s ability to cut and style unique and beautiful Merino wool garments.

The windows of Isetan Man will be dedicated to showcasing the prestigious garments that will be shown at the British Ambassadors Residence. The cloth that each suit is cut from will be stretched on canvas to serve as a backdrop for the masterpieces shown in each window. Twenty five immaculately tailored Savile Row suits will be hand selected by James Sherwood, Curator of The London Cut and displayed in Isetan’s seventh floor exhibition space for the public to admire. These magnificent ensembles will include Gieves & Hawkes Bespoke Midnight Velvet Cocktail Suit, Dege & Skinner Cricketing Blazer and White Flannel Trousers, Norton & Sons Bespoke Short White Tropical Dinner Suit and Huntsman Bespoke Evening Tails, all key components of a well dressed Gentleman’s wardrobe. These tailored masterpieces will be complemented with three antique pieces, a smaller selection of historic garments than those that have traditionally been shown at the previous shows due to security of the exhibition space.

Peter Ackroyd, Director General of The British Weaver’s Association commented that working with Savile Row in the world’s most demanding market for fine wool fabrics is a pleasant challenge for the weaver’s in England and Scotland, providing discerning Japanese consumers with fabrics that emphasise bespoke originality, finesse and luxury.

The London Cut exhibition will be in a setting on a par with the high standard set by Florence and Paris however James Sherwood has worked alongside Steve Lidbury on the art direction bringing something new to the show. The exhibition setting will use steel freestanding picture frames in which each superbly tailored suit will stand. Steve Lidbury Design is a Tokyo based consultancy led by a British born designer and is a leading example demonstrating the trade links between the two countries.

“Savile Row produces the world’s most respected bespoke tailoring, showcasing Australian Merino wool at its finest. AWI is proud to continue a strong relationship with the Savile Row tailors, which was established in the early 1800’s with the first trade of wool to England.” explains AWI’s General Manager, Pascal Senkoff.

“We have recently commemorated 200 years of Australian wool trade to the UK with Savile Row and we are now pleased to be joining them again to support the 150th anniversary of trade between the UK and Japan.”

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