This is my first post and I would like to start by expressing my admiration for the encyclopaedic knowledge demonstrated by many of the participants of this forum.

As a brief introduction, I have had about five suits, plus jackets and trousers, made by a Savile Row firm (actually situated away from the Row proper, but a part of that universe). That was about ten or fifteen years ago. The prices, alas, have gone up enormously, but I would like to form a new connection with a tailoring firm. The one I used then appears to have changed completely and I am looking for someone else. My tastes are towards the traditional (braces, waistcoats, long-lasting garments, not “super-numbered” cloths).

I have done some research and selected a few candidates, based on current prices and mentions in the Richard Walker book The Savile Row Story, published in 1988, as I would prefer to deal with a well-established firm. The selection is somewhat haphazard, given the limited information I can get, but this is the best I can do on my own. I have called most of the firms in question to check their prices. They all profess to be able to make a suit respecting the customer’s wishes and peculiar tastes. The house styles, in as much as they exist, seem to tend towards “a bit of waist”, “somewhat flared skirts”, in a generally traditional way. The prices (two piece, VAT included) range between £ 1,950 and £ 2,225. I live in Paris, so travelling to London for fittings is a feasible proposition.
The firms are, in alphabetical order:
- Benson & Clegg (Mr. Ken Austin), 9 Piccadilly Arcade.
- Jarvis & Hamilton (they share premises with L.G. Wilkinson. Joce & Co., who used to share the same address, do not seem to exist anymore), 11 St. George’s Street.
- Jones, Chalk & Dawson, 6, Sackville Street. (They incorporate Meyer & Mortimer, as well as Ward & Kruger.)
- L.G. Wilkinson, 11 St. George’s Street. (Cf. Jarvis & Hamilton above)
- John Lester, within Harvie & Hudson on Jermyn Street.

For what it’s worth, I gather that both Benson & Clegg and Jones, Chalk & Dawson have more than a single cutter/proprietor, while the others appear to be one-man bands. I have read some favourable mentions of both Benson & Clegg and Meyer & Mortimer (Jones Chalk & Dawson) in this and other threads.

Finally, my question, with many thanks for any input you may provide: Does anyone have any direct experience or second-hand knowledge that may help me make an intelligent selection amongst the above? Quality and durability of the garments, conscientiousness of the cutter/tailors, as well as “unflashiness” of style, would be primary considerations. Any negative factual information would also be welcome, in order to avoid making a costly mistake.

Again, thank you.

Last edited by Frog in Suit (2007-04-25 10:08:29)