HAX: Redefining Women's Tailoring on Savile Row

HAX, a new tailoring house in London's historic Savile Row, is transforming the bespoke suit experience for women under the leadership of 27-year-old Hattie Glendenning. Known for its rich history in high-quality menswear, Savile Row has often been perceived as exclusive, particularly for female clients. Glendenning aims to change this narrative by offering a personalized and accessible approach to made-to-measure suits.

Female Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional SuitingCNN

Glendenning, who began her tailoring journey as a teenager, emphasizes the importance of personal consultations with clients. Each suit creation starts with a detailed discussion about measurements, color, silhouette, and fabric preferences. “This is like a piece of armour we’re creating,” she explains, highlighting the significance of comfort and individual style in her designs. Most of her fabrics are sourced from Dugdale, a British cloth merchant known for reworking archival materials, which Glendenning considers essential to the quality of her suits.

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HAX attracts a wide range of clients, from young adults preparing for their first job to brides seeking wedding outfits. Glendenning finds joy in the tailoring process, often infusing unique personal touches into her creations. Her designs vary from traditional power suits to whimsical styles, showcasing her creativity. “The options are endless, and the creativity can roam free,” she states, reflecting on the expansive potential for customization.

Female Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suiting

Savile Row has been synonymous with bespoke tailoring since the 1730s, originally serving affluent military officers and statesmen. Despite its male-dominated history, the street was named after Lady Dorothy Savile, the wife of the 3rd Earl of Burlington. The first establishment to blend Savile Row tailoring with women's couture was Hardy Amies, which opened in 1945. However, it wasn't until 2016 that the area welcomed its first female-owned tailoring shop, marking a significant shift in the landscape of bespoke tailoring.

CNNFemale Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suiting

Glendenning believes that made-to-measure services are essential for women, as historically, women had their clothes custom-made. The rise of fast fashion has shifted preferences toward ready-made garments, but Glendenning asserts that bespoke tailoring serves as a "confidence booster." She notes that her female clients often express relief upon finding suits that fit perfectly, emphasizing the emotional connection to tailored clothing.

Female Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suiting

In discussing her work, Glendenning remarked, “It’s really important to sit down with someone, to make them feel relaxed. It’s quite a personal process.” This sentiment underscores her commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all clients, regardless of gender.

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• “For a long time it felt like the tailoring world was quite stuffy,” — Hattie Glendenning, Founder of HAX

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• “Bespoke is a confidence booster,” — Hattie Glendenning, Founder of HAX

Female Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suiting

• “The options are endless, and the creativity can roam free,” — Hattie Glendenning, Founder of HAX

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HAX is not only redefining women's tailoring but also fostering a more inclusive atmosphere in a historically exclusive industry, marking a significant evolution in Savile Row's tailoring tradition.

Female Tailor Revitalizes Savile Row’s Traditional Suiting