Our friends at the Bespoke Tailors’ Benevolent Association put a few questions to this year’s Savile Row Bespoke diploma graduates, Zsanett Meszoros of Gieves & Hawkes (pictured, top), and Charlie Button of Henry Poole & Co (pictured, bottom right). Read on for an insight into how Zsanett and Charlie came to choose a career in bespoke tailoring, who and what has inspired them, and where they see the future taking them…

Zsanett

“I was initially drawn to bespoke tailoring through my background as a seamstress in Hungary. 

“After studying a bit of tailoring at Newham College and visiting Savile Row, I realised that bespoke tailoring was my true calling. During my apprenticeship, I focused on coat-making, which I found most interesting. Although I plan to learn trouser-making on the side, I don't aspire to become a cutter. 

“Through my apprenticeship, I acquired skills in speed, accuracy, and accepting the repetitiveness of the job. I love the constant learning opportunities in this craft. 

“The tradition and rules behind jacket and coat-making fascinate me the most about bespoke tailoring. My apprenticeship transformed my understanding and appreciation for the artistry of bespoke tailoring, and I'm proud to hold the knowledge of this traditional craft. A specific moment that showcased my growth was completing a jacket on my own when my master was on holiday. It boosted my confidence. 

“Two influential figures in my journey as a coat maker are Andrew Gomez and David Bailey, both experienced coat makers at Gieves & Hawkes. My advice for aspiring coat makers is to shadow a tailor and see if it's their true calling. 

“Achieving my certificate of apprenticeship left me relieved, happy, and proud. I still have more to learn and look forward to specializing in trouser making and exploring embroidery techniques like gold work.”

Charlie

“Like many tailors, I first stumbled into the craft by accident. With a budding interest in clothes and a DIY spirit, I cut up and stitched together one of my father’s old suits and a few things found in charity shops. It wasn’t until years later that I found myself walking down Savile Row and realising that there might be some distant possibility of turning this hobby into a career.

“I took the bespoke tailoring course at Newham College and landed a couple of internships, including an invaluable six months spent training with an independent coat maker, Natasha Mokshanaj. I loved coat-making but was steered into cutting when I got my big break at Henry Poole, where I was taken on initially as a striker. On reflection, I’m probably better suited to cutting, and I enjoy the variety and challenge of working with a team of tailors as well as with the customer to create something special.

“I was lucky enough to become apprenticed to Tom Pendry, a senior cutter at Henry Poole, who has always been very generous with his time and knowledge. I am now taking my own customers and travelling to undertake trunk shows for the company. I feel proud to have achieved the Savile Row Bespoke diploma, but I also know I still have so much to learn. This feels more like a starting point than the finishing line.”