Home is…
Here in my cutting room on Savile Row. I live in Surrey and grew up in Dagenham.
What was your first job? I had an uncle who worked as a dressmaker and every holiday I’d deliver trousers to the shops we were working with. Creating has always been in the blood.
First memory of London?
When I first came to London, I hated it. I moved when I was 10 from the country-side, with big open cornfields. Moving into the city with tower blocks was a change.
Where do you go to let your hair down?
You know, I’ve done my fair share of letting my hair down all over the world. From Studio 54 to [Kensington nightclub] Yours or Mine, it was mind-blowing. I was in my 30s, travelling for my own company, going to see my clients in restaurants. Now, I blow off steam in my garden and I think it is the best for everyone that I don’t get too excited.
Which shops do you rely on?
I like Gaziano Girling very much for the most elegant and comfortable shoes. They tend to go well with my suits.
Best dinner you’ve had out?
I’ve been to all the top restaurants but I’d rather have a good fish and chips on the Brighton seafront at The Regency. It’s the best when you’re sitting and the sun is shining in the evening — you could be anywhere in the world.
Where would you recommend for a first date?
Well, in my time we would go dancing at The Lyceum. We would start the evening there, then around 10.30 we’d find a local inexpensive restaurant and then get the bus home. The money and technology just wasn’t there to do extravagant things, but dancing is dancing.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would get rid of these electric scooters and bikes on the roads. They are so frightening and dangerous. When I drive over Putney Bridge it’s like the Tour de France!
The first guy I saw wearing a suit with trainers was Paul McCartney and I thought that’s really cool
What do you collect?
I collect years! I’m sentimental about people and feelings, but not objects. I even throw away the celebrity pattern bags, I don’t keep them for the archives. You’re only as good as your next job so it doesn’t matter about the pattern you made 30 years ago. I’m not starstruck about celebrities. If you brought me in King Charles today, obviously I’d be very flattered, but at the end of the day I’ve got a huge responsibility to dress him perfectly.
What’s your idea of elegance?
Being natural is elegant, someone savvy who tries different things, like a suit with trainers. The first guy I saw doing that was Paul McCartney and I thought, that’s really cool.
Biggest extravagance?
I would say it is my new studio and shop. I’ve taken this beautiful building for my workshop because I want to be close to my tailors and where my garments are being made.
What’s your London secret?
Brompton Oratory. I’m quite religious even in my flying years! You don’t have to say set prayers, you can just be in the building and sometimes answers come.
Do you have a mantra?
My father told me years ago, once you’ve learnt your trade, you’re always your own master. You can pick up your tools and work elsewhere. That stuck with me.
