erringbone, chevron, pinstripe, shears and measurements… Each workday begins in the early morning for Savile Row's youngest Master Tailor. By 9:30am his cutting is done and Steven Hitchcock begins seeing customers, typically working straight through until 5:00 in the evening.

At age twenty-six, Steven represents the latest generation of Savile Row's distinguished tailoring community- a community he was literally born into as both of Steven's parents worked on the Row for years. Following in his father's footsteps, Steven explains: "My father has influenced me over the years even before I became a Savile Row tailor and since." With respect to the other influences in his work, Steven adds: "The one person that I admired as a tailor was Tommy Nutter, whom I met several times in the early Nineties. His ability to change the outlook among Savile Row tailors, and his guidance to me as a new apprentice is preeminent."

Steven at ease in his Shop

Steven began his career working as an apprentice coat maker then cutter at Savile Row tailor Anderson and Sheppard, where his father has been for over 35 years. During his apprenticeship, Steven learned the 'art of soft tailoring'. The actual method behind soft tailoring involves the cloth being draped over the shoulders, cutting on the bias (diagonally across the grain of fabric), and employing a minimum of interlining. Soft tailoring produces a suit of unparalleled comfort, fit, and style. A soft tailored coat or suit fits better the more it is worn, and will last a lifetime.Taking the coveted knowledge of the art of soft tailoring along with him after nine years with A & S, Steven struck out on his own.

He freely professes a preference for the old school soft tailoring technique, yet with a contemporary outlook, and explains why: "The reason for this is the standard of the old school tailoring which gives you the quality finish, but with the new modern materials- which are lighter -it is important to add the contemporary elements to the work that I do. Although, with the soft tailoring technique I prefer to use cloth that is 10 oz or more in weight as it produces a better finish."

Looking ahead, Steven expects to expand his business over the next few years, as he believes people are increasingly comfort conscious in matters of dress. Combining the best of old and new, he's confident his work achieves the maximum of comfort without losing the stylish and elegant, look and feel. Not surprisingly, Steven has some pretty strong feelings about being a Savile Row Tailor. For him, the mere mention of `the Row' conjures up associations of the highest quality and personal service available anywhere.

Over the years, Steven has dealt with a wide array of personalities, from politicians to pop and movie stars. Respecting his clientele's privacy, Steven stays mum on specific names but admits he's outfitted some of the most widely known people on the planet. His one piece of advice for anyone considering a career in tailoring is to "start young and get a four to five year apprenticeship with an established and reputable firm."

Our one piece of advice to anyone considering classic Savile Row bespoke with contemporary zeitgeist: check out Steven Hitchcock.

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