Kilgour

A ‘modern, discrete, purist aesthetic’ is the order of the day at Kilgour on Savile Row. The brand has undergone several name changes over the years. It was founded in 1880 as T&F French, before merging with A.H. Kilgour in 1923 to become French & Kilgour, then becoming French, Kilgour and Standbury in 1937 thanks to the impressive contribution to the company from staff members Fred and Louis Stanbury. In a move towards modernity under current Creative Director Carlo Brandelli, it rebranded yet again to Kilgour in 2003.

Today the name is synonymous with traditional Savile Row artisan skill mixed with a scientific and systematic approach and a flair for the fashionable. Carlo’s background in contemporary fashion design and his Anglo-Italian heritage has brought something fresh to the street which has attracted celebrity clientele with Jude Law and Daniel Craig among them. The slimmer silhouette that creates an athletic shape, lapels without notches or hidden fastening details have helped to invent a contemporary style for the brand that once famously created the tailcoat for Fred Astaire in Top Hat. The house signature is a one-button, single breasted suit in navy or charcoal grey.

The store design itself is representative of their chic approach to classic tailoring. More like an art gallery than a gentleman’s club with triangular glass display cabinets and granite plinths that are the only hint of texture in the smooth grey-lined rooms, a homage to the granite cutting tables used by the team in the in-house workshop.

As well as their bespoke offering, a process which takes approximately eight weeks, you’ll also find made-to-measure and ready-to-wear which is presented at London Fashion Week Men’s each season and boasts Selfridges, Harvey Nichols and Mr Porter as its exclusive stockists outside of their headquarters.