 |
Ray StowersFounder of the studio "Stowers Bespoke"
Date of Birth: .
|
Content:
- Ray Stuer and Stowers Bespoke: A Tailoring Legacy on Savile Row
- Stowers Bespoke: A Cut Above
- Diverse Clientele and Specialized Requests
- Stuer's Role and the Importance of Relationships
- The Art of Tailoring: A Lifelong Pursuit
- Savile Row's Changing Landscape
- Authenticity and the Future of Savile Row
- Celebrity Endorsements and the Appeal of Stowers Bespoke
- Mastering the Female Form
- The Importance of Fabric and Fit
Ray Stuer and Stowers Bespoke: A Tailoring Legacy on Savile Row
Ray Stuer, the founder of Stowers Bespoke on Savile Row, the world-famous "Golden Mile" of tailoring, has been crafting impeccable suits and garments for discerning clientele for over two decades. His work has graced the wardrobes of Hollywood actors, Arab sheikhs, and anyone who appreciates exceptional craftsmanship and exquisite fabrics.
Stowers Bespoke: A Cut Above
Stowers Bespoke distinguishes itself by offering more than just tailoring; it provides comprehensive wardrobe consultation tailored to each client's lifestyle. Unlike many ateliers that adhere to a single silhouette, Stuer emphasizes individuality and creates a personalized wardrobe that caters to the client's habits, tastes, and aspirations.
Diverse Clientele and Specialized Requests
Stuer's clientele includes a diverse range of individuals, from business executives and sheikhs to an emerging generation of discerning young professionals. Notably, he has accommodated unusual requests, such as the creation of a suit with a concealed gun pocket for a client with "serious" demeanor.
Stuer's Role and the Importance of Relationships
Stuer, the founder and face of the company, is responsible for building relationships with clients, which he believes form the foundation of his work. As a former cutter, he still takes measurements when necessary, but his primary role is as the company's "language," fostering trust and understanding with his clients.
The Art of Tailoring: A Lifelong Pursuit
Mastering the craft of Savile Row tailoring requires dedication, meticulousness, and a lifelong commitment to improvement. Stuer's business partner, Brian Jeffrey, has spent over 50 years honing his skills and continues to seek new knowledge.
Savile Row's Changing Landscape
Stuer initially left his position at Gives & Hawkes to open his own atelier when a few loyal Middle Eastern clients followed him. The availability of a location on Savile Row was not immediately crucial for him, as his clients valued his service and quality above all else. However, he recognizes that the atmosphere on the street has shifted, with fewer genuine ateliers and an influx of businesses selling ready-to-wear garments or outsourcing their manufacturing.
Authenticity and the Future of Savile Row
Stuer laments the devaluation of the "Savile Row tailor" moniker due to these developments. He believes that true tailoring is about quality, exclusivity, and the understanding of each individual client's needs. Stowers Bespoke maintains a strict limit of 200 bespoke suits per year to ensure the highest level of craftsmanship.
Celebrity Endorsements and the Appeal of Stowers Bespoke
While word-of-mouth is a primary means of attracting clients, the fact that Stowers Bespoke has dressed celebrities like Daniel Craig, Russell Brand, and Arab sheikhs demonstrates its versatility and ability to cater to diverse tastes.
Mastering the Female Form
Stuer acknowledges that tailoring a suit for a woman is more complex than for a man, not only due to the increased number of curves but also because of the wider range of design options. Additionally, women may sometimes have an unrealistic perception of their body size, making it challenging to guide them towards the most flattering fit.
The Importance of Fabric and Fit
According to Stuer, the key components of a well-tailored suit are the cut, fit, and fabric. While fabrics can be expensive, ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 per meter, Stuer maintains that the right choice is crucial. He exclusively uses English-woven fabrics, believing that they are superior in quality and suitable for the bespoke products he creates.
