London’s Savile Row gains protections for bespoke heritage

Image courtesy of Huntsman Savile Row

The Westminster City Council is putting protective policies in place to safeguard the integrity and character of some of its iconic neighborhoods.

Savile Row, known for its bespoke tailors, and the antique dealers and art galleries congregated in Mayfair and St. James’ are facing pressure from other industries that want to move in on what have been their historic territories. Looking to keep these business areas intact, Westminster has enacted “Special Policy Areas,” valid from Nov. 10, that will give the council greater ability to reject proposals that do not fit with the neighborhood’s heritage.

Preserving positioning
This proposal is partly designed to keep international businesses from altering the makeup of significant spots in London.

“Like a good suit, planning policy should be made to measure,” said Cllr Robert Davis MBE DL, Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for the built environment.

“The 17.5 million people who visit London each year come to experience our capital’s distinctive character,” he said. “It’s unthinkable that world renowned destinations such as Savile Row, which is synonymous with quality tailoring, could become indistinguishable from any other high street around the world.”

In his statement, Mr. Davis referred to the tailors as “some of the capital’s most valuable assets.” He also noted that these special areas will help to maintain the expertise they are known for.

For Savile Row, this means limiting planning proposals to those who will use the space to sell bespoke, limited-edition, one-of-a-kind or unique products. In addition, potential occupants must leave the tailoring workshops that are traditionally located in the basement untouched.

Aside from being purveyors of bespoke merchandise, these storefronts train numerous apprentices, playing a part in retaining the skills into the next generation.

A major disruption to the Savile Row makeup came in 2012, when Abercrombie & Fitch moved onto the street.

Gieves & Hawkes’ Savile Row store

“I’m pleased that Westminster City Council have taken action to protect specialist traders on Savile Row,” said Mark Henderson, chairman of Gieves and Hawkes, one of Savile Row’s tailors.

“As one of the area’s oldest tailors, we’re proud of our road’s unique status, which attracts the best talent and brings us clients from across the world,” he said. “It’s a reputation that has been built through hundreds of years of history and combined experience which makes our trade truly irreplaceable.

“It would be a disaster if all that heritage were lost and the tailors lining our road today were replaced by retailers found on every high-street in the country. Special Policy Area status will help ensure we remain home to the world’s finest bespoke tailors.”

Aside from Savile Row, Mayfair and St. James’, Harley Street—home to medical specialists since the 19th century—and Portland Place will also be protected under this new policy, with their own tailored rules. St. James’ includes Jermyn Street, home to high-quality craftsmanship such as shirt maker Turnbull & Asser and Floris London.

London is home to more luxury retailers than any other European city, making the capital of the United Kingdom attractive for brands looking to cement a bricks-and-mortar presence in a strong market.

The “London Luxury Quarter — Global Destination Appeal” report, conceived by Heart of London Business Alliance and New West End Company and commissioned by JLL, appraises London’s prowess as a global destination with a flow of foreign visitors spending an estimate of $6.9 billion per year. While international markets are constantly evolving, London’s high streets have matured into a luxury destination offering affluent consumers a unique take on heritage, DNA and offerings (see story).

from Apparel and accessories – Luxury Daily https://www.luxurydaily.com/londons-savile-row-gains-protections-for-bespoke-heritage/
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