Richard James

Overview

Richard James is a Savile Row tailor and menswear brand specializing in bespoke, made-to-measure, and ready-to-wear suits with slim, modern cuts and bold colors. Founded in 1992, it operates shops on Savile Row and in New York, with ready-to-wear available through retailers like Harrods and Barneys. The brand has dressed celebrities including David Beckham, Tom Cruise, and Sir Mick Jagger, and won British Fashion Council awards for menswear and bespoke design.

History

Richard James was founded in 1992 by designer Richard James and business partner Sean Dixon on Savile Row, introducing contemporary tailoring to the street. It opened a second Savile Row shop and a bespoke location on Clifford Street in 2007, plus a New York flagship. The brand earned British Fashion Council's Menswear Designer of the Year and Bespoke Designer of the Year awards.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Bespoke and made-to-measure suits are crafted in-house at Savile Row workshops in London. Ready-to-wear collections are produced to brand specifications, likely in the UK and Italy. International trunk shows occur in New York and Hong Kong.

Notable Products

• Modern Classic Suit - Slim, waisted tailoring signature style with bold color options.
• Bespoke Dinner Suit - Custom tuxedo worn by celebrities like Tom Cruise.
• Floral Silk Ties - Patterned accessories emphasizing the brand's colorful aesthetic.
• Tailored Shoes - Unfussy elegant shoes designed for slim suit cuts.

Reputation

Richard James is praised by tailoring enthusiasts for revitalizing Savile Row with slim modern fits and vibrant colors, attracting a celebrity clientele. Professionals note its award-winning design and high-quality construction, though bespoke remains a smaller operation compared to ready-to-wear. It faces less criticism, seen as a bridge between tradition and contemporary menswear.