
Celebrating the rich history of tailoring cultivated on the banks of Savile Row, three heritage brands share their stories as they evolve with the culture of Britain’s iconic gentlemen’s attire.
Words by Molly Tabitha Hickey. Photography by Buster Grey Jung.

Campbell Carey – Creative Director of Huntsman
Throughout its 175 years, Huntsman has set the standard for exquisite British tailoring, anchoring the timeless in the contemporary. As proud pioneers of Savile Row, Huntsman has set the pace of change within the industry, inviting an audience that reflects the expansion of modernity. As Campbell Carey, Creative Director of Huntsman, observes: “The narrative has remained the same, it’s how, and to whom we tell that story, that’s changed.”
Huntsman’s loyalty to its founding principles of uncompromising quality and tradition has earnt them an outstanding reputation, further strengthened by their agility in embracing technological and cultural shifts. “We use the same methodology that Henry Huntsman used when founding the business in 1849. Striving for excellence remains key for us, and that only comes with nurturing talent and passing on the skills to the next generation.”
The care taken with each client is reflected in the 80 hours of handwork invested to create the perfect bespoke suit. This, coupled with Huntsman’s distinguished taste, has led them to be entrusted with outfitting the most discerning clientele. As Carey states, “Huntsman has long been synonymous with bespoke tailoring of the highest calibre.”
While upholding this dedication to quality craftsmanship and classic style since its establishment, Huntsman has consistently found opportunity in cultural and technological shifts. “Huntsman has been the ‘first’ amongst our contemporaries many times over – we were the first to offer ready-made clothing on Savile Row, the first to work with manmade fibre cloth, and the first to open a permanent residence in New York City.” By boldly embracing the modern, Huntsman has expanded its audience, gaining international recognition and becoming an icon that reflects both cultural evolution and Britain’s global identity.
“Huntsman’s clients range from royalty to film stars, including Queen Victoria, Clark Gable, Grace Kelly, Coco Chanel, Hubert de Givenchy, Bill Blass, Lucien Freud, Brad Pitt, Elizabeth Taylor, and Edward Enninful – to name just a few. The brand also served as the inspiration for the style and location for the Kingsman films that starred Colin Firth and Taron Egerton.” Huntsman is also recognised as a forerunner in shedding the ‘somewhat stuffy’ appearance often associated with Savile Row, helping to broaden appreciation for enduring style. Carey reflects: “Despite the slightly intimidating exterior, our store is very welcoming inside, and you will be looked after by our team of highly trained and experienced staff. Our clients are from all corners of the globe and all walks of life. In my 26 years on Savile Row, Huntsman is the most diverse house I’ve experienced – both inside and in the clientele we attract.”
The Autumn Winter 2024 collection exemplifies the company’s dedication to serving the modern gentleman – one who appreciates tradition while embracing contemporary style.
“Autumn Winter 2024 has been inspired by a weekend away in the glorious British countryside and, therefore, encapsulates all eventualities for the wardrobe that one may require for such an invite.” Featuring rich textures and deep hues of luxurious fabrics, paired with sleek lines and elegant cuts, the collection exudes class and sophistication. It is a testament to Huntsman’s unparalleled craftsmanship, attention to detail, and timeless style, supporting the dynamism of modern life while speaking to the enduring charm of classic taste.
Huntsman continues to define sartorial excellence for the modern gentleman. Their prestige as a bespoke tailor shines through their extravagant ensembles, instilling confidence in clients as they are outfitted for the most refined occasions. Unwaveringly iconic, the tailoring house is poised to deliver decadence for generations to come.

James Fox – Head of Marketing and E-Commerce and Crockett & Jones
Authentically British, Crockett & Jones is a family-owned and family-managed manufacturer of fine footwear for the versatile gentleman. Their recent collection continues their legacy, infusing enthusiasm for modern twists and innovation with inspiration drawn from their forefathers, as well as Scotland’s wilderness and history. “We tread a fine line between having one hand firmly on the past – on what has been – ensuring we remain faithful and committed to the needs and desires of our consumers, while keeping one eye locked on the future, slowly and gently developing new styles and soles, creating new lasts, and introducing new materials,” James Fox, Head of Marketing and E-Commerce and Crockett & Jones, expresses.
Firmly rooted in their dedication to quality and heritage, Crockett & Jones recognise and contribute to the talent within Britain’s cobblery. “We are doing everything we can to remain 100 per cent made in England. This is to keep the essence of our products as authentic as they have been since 1879.” The provenance of the company is core to their ethos and is reflected throughout their activity, demonstrated through extensive research and development efforts aimed at refining the practicality and comfort of their footwear without compromising durability. “All product development comes from open discussion amongst the key stakeholders in the company, and from market research and experiences that we have picked up on through countless conversations during the year. The process begins with an idea for a new style or new component, such as a sole, or a concept that might create a collection. This then moves to the pattern room, where testing a pattern or new style begins. Once we know a pattern is viable, it moves to PO [Product Owner] testing or sampling. Usually, it takes multiple rounds of sampling before we get to a final sample and specification that we are happy to take to market.”
Amongst their innovations are technologies such as the super-lightweight welted rubber and SUPERFLEX wax-impregnated leather soles, both manufactured in their factory in Northampton. They are also renowned for spearheading new style concepts that integrate classic elements with opportunities arising from their expanding material repertoire. “For this Spring Summer 2024 that has just gone, we have the new boat shoe. ‘Falmouth’ is our interpretation of a summer boat shoe. Remaining faithful to our manufacturing expertise, this new style is technically a hybrid ‘loafer-come-Derby,’ featuring our new wedge rubber sole. The new wedge sole has since been used in other styles, with more to come for Spring Summer 2025!”
This thirst for refining their clients’ experience and ensuring that fine footwear and its craftsmanship persists alongside the ever-unfolding ‘modern’ does not come at the expense of their passion for iconic classics. Many of their designs have been in the collection for more than thirty years, with some dating back to the 1960s which, as Fox comments, “makes them as iconic as the Porsche 911!”
Fox continues: “The company has evolved dramatically, but in so many ways are still heavily linked to its inception. The process in which the shoes are made remains essentially unchanged – a proven and tested method that is still standing the test of time.” Many of their products have become reference points for value and quality, establishing Crockett & Jones a reputation that has earned loyalty among customers across generations. “Today, many of our products and their names have become icons, personalities even. Customers, on regular occasions, walking into [our] store no longer ask for ‘a penny loafer’ but they ask for Harvard or Boston, Oxfords, Connaught, Hallam, or Audley. Our list of these best-selling iconic shoes is rather long, showing the depth and breadth of the Crockett & Jones collection.”
With Scotland indirectly laying the foundation for many of these long-standing best-sellers, Crockett & Jones’ Autumn Winter 2024 collection pays homage to the landscapes of Ayrshire and the Isle of Arran. “In Scotland, we were surrounded by peace and tranquillity, with only the calming sounds of nature breaking [the] silence. As we took in rolling Bens and glass-like Lochs, it soon became apparent that the very essence of where we were had paved the way for previous collections of a similar ilk. These are collections that Crockett & Jones’ forefathers once regarded as ‘practical footwear’: functional, fit-for-purpose and, more importantly than ever, sustainable. Four decades later, we were back. The great outdoors inspired much of our [country’s] footwear for many years, and for Autumn Winter 2023 and Autumn Winter 2024, we brought together that dynasty with comprehensive winter collections.”
Balancing this enthuse for honouring both the past and future, Crockett & Jones have firmly established themselves in the present. With each generation, their robust values remain the same: to produce some of the finest high-quality footwear that represents both value for money and sustainability.

Lock & Co. Hatters
Lock & Co. Hatters represent Britain’s history and future of millinery, proudly practising, preserving, and nurturing centuries-old traditions, expertise, and provenance since 1676. The family-owned business maintains a strong ethic of care for their employees, customers, and society at large, dedicating itself to social responsibility and environmental conscientiousness, which they describe as “a stepping stone between what has been and what is to come.”
Throughout its 347-year history, Lock & Co. Hatters has been at the heart of Britain’s hat-making craft. The story begins on St James’ Street, where the Lock and Davis families began to interact through millinery, eventually leading to marriage and the establishment of what is now the oldest hat shop in the world. By 1781, Lock & Co. Hatters had become the hatters of choice for Lords and other prominent figures, establishing an international reputation as they began receiving orders from New York.
The hatters at Lock & Co. are responsible for introducing various styles and materials that have shaped the fashion of headwear, including the iconic ‘Coke’ and ‘Bowler’ hats, as well as the fine silk shag, or ‘hatter’s plush,’ that gives the top hat its signature sheen, first introduced in 1797. In addition to setting trends, Lock & Co. Hatters have incorporated innovations from others in their trade, such as the conformateur – a device used to measure the head size for fitting – a service they offer complementary to anyone interested in procuring a hat. Many of these tools, alongside other artefacts from their history, can be found in their Heritage Room at 6 St James’ Street.
Amongst their clients are notable figures for whom their iconic status became synonymous with their headwear, including Nelson, Charlie Chaplin, and Winston Churchill, demonstrating the power of a fine hat. Their dedication to quality and philanthropy has also solidified an ongoing relationship with the Crown, beginning with Queen Elizabeth II, for whom the company, alongside Crown jewellers, Garrard & Co., designed the fitments for the coronation crown. They have carried a Royal Warrant since 1956, first appointed by the Duke of Edinburgh and upheld by the Prince of Wales and His Majesty King Charles III since.
Lock & Co. Hatters continue to define headwear for the modern age, collaborating with brands such as Vivienne Westwood and A Bathing Ape to bring fresh perspectives to classic styles and inspire new designs within their couture and bridal collections. Their contemporary relevance is also reflected in contributions to iconic films like Kingsman, The Darkest Hour, and James Bond.
Alongside preserving the art of millinery, Lock & Co. Hatters understand the value of sustainability, both environmentally and in sustaining the craft for generations to come. Since 2018, they have partnered with suppliers committed to responsible sourcing, ensuring that all animal-derived materials come from countries with enforceable animal welfare legislation, and that hides are sourced as by-products of the food industry. “We recognise the importance of championing and supporting British craftsmanship and artisans, and, wherever possible, we choose to work with suppliers within Great Britain,” states Lock & Co. Hatters.
Their charitable contributions and partnerships span healthcare, research, and training, further demonstrating their commitment to values such as respect for people and their well-being. Lock & Co. Hatters proudly welcome a diverse clientele, offering a broad selection of styles – from bucket hats and baseball caps to the more traditional pieces that were once de rigueur among the English aristocracy. As the company proudly states, “As the Home of Hats since 1676, we offer quality products, exceptional service, and a wonderful ownership experience to everyone, everywhere.”
Lock & Co. Hatters embody the enduring heritage of Britain’s bespoke formal wear, seamlessly adapted to the modern age. They continue to celebrate artisanship, embrace and define contemporary styles, and integrate quality craftsmanship with evolving tastes, ensuring their legacy remains as relevant as ever.
This feature is part of The Britannia & Éire Issue. Purchase your copy here.
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