Dege & Skinner, one of the last traditional bespoke tailors on Savile Row at number 10, shares its rich heritage, royal and military ties, and exciting new directions in an exclusive interview with Managing Director William Skinner.
Dege & Skinner is one of the last true bespoke houses on Savile Row. What's the story behind the brand?
"It's a long and evolving story! Established in 1865 and still owned by us, the original Skinner family, this year we celebrate 160 years of bespoke tailoring excellence.
During our long history of bespoke tailoring, there have been so many highlights. Royal Weddings and two Coronations. The pleasure of dressing our wonderful customers as they attend high-profile social engagements. Our bespoke tailoring and shirts regularly appearing in well-known films and on television.
As well as the significant investment we continue to make in our apprenticeship programme, to ensure that Savile Row and its fine bespoke tailors continue to thrive and remain attractive as a shopping destination for new and younger customers.
Here in central London, you can stroll along Savile Row, stop, and gaze down into artisan bespoke tailoring workshops such as ours, where our team of highly trained coat makers, trouser makers, waistcoat (vest) and alterations experts all ply their expertise. It's what makes Savile Row such an attractive destination for people of all ages, seeking out the very best in bespoke tailoring and, in our case, bespoke shirts too."
You've made uniforms for the military and royalty, how has that shaped your approach to tailoring?
"We've held a Royal Warrant of Appointment to the British Monarch, firstly Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and now His Majesty, King Charles III for a number of years now and continue to look after a number of military regiments, attending Royal Military Academy Sandhurst during term times to measure and fit the officers of the future.
That heritage informs our tailoring, but in all honesty the team of cutters are young and creative, plus our customers trust us to make them look good, so we make all manner of things, from formal wear such as morning dress to more casual and leisure wear, such as travel shirts and even summer shorts and nightwear."
You've recently started creating bespoke suits and uniforms for women, what led to that shift?
"We've always cut and made for a number of women, particularly in the bespoke shirt-making department based here at 10 Savile Row. However, most recently we've been tasked with the creation of specific military uniforms for women who have been accepted into certain military and ceremonial roles for the very first time."
If you're inspired by the legacy and craftsmanship of Dege & Skinner, you can visit them at number 10 Savile Row or read about their bespoke tailoring and shirt-making services online. For bespoke tailoring, you can either visit number 10 Savile Row or make an appointment for one of the regular trunk shows held by Dege & Skinner to meet global demand for their clothing. Discover the timeless elegance and personalised service that have made Savile Row iconic for over 160 years.