In the heart of London lies Savile Row, a historic street known for its bespoke tailoring since the 19th century. This area has dressed countless stars like Charlie Chaplin and Daniel Craig. However, it’s not just a place for tradition; innovation is thriving here.
A standout is HAX, a tailoring house that’s shaking things up, especially for women. Hattie Glendenning, just 27, runs this young business and has already dressed celebrities like Sophie Turner. “Tailoring has often felt exclusive,” she shared in an interview. “Women haven’t had many options.” Hattie aims to change that, making the process more inviting and personal. She believes it’s crucial to create a comfortable environment for clients, which allows their personalities to shine through in their suits.
At HAX, custom suits kick off with a consultation. Hattie measures clients and discusses choices like color and fabric. “Is it going to be sleek or more structured?” she asks. Her materials mainly come from Dugdale, a British merchant that provides high-quality fabrics. “The right cloth can make or break a suit,” she emphasized. Clients have the freedom to choose from a wide array of styles. Hattie once created a fun ’70s-inspired suit for a client, showing that tradition doesn’t stifle creativity.
Glendenning serves a diverse clientele, from young adults buying their first suits to couples shopping for wedding attire. The bond formed during these custom fittings often leads clients to return for future milestones. “We share a journey during these special moments,” she remarked.
Savile Row’s history adds another layer to HAX’s story. Established in the 1730s, it catered to the elite, eventually becoming a hub for precise tailoring. Interestingly, despite its male-dominated clientele, the street was named after Lady Dorothy Savile. It wasn’t until 2016 that the first female-owned tailor, Kathryn Sargent, opened her shop here.
Today, Glendenning champions the importance of made-to-measure suits for women. She noted how traditional custom tailoring used to be common, but now many women settle for ready-made options. “Bespoke is a confidence booster,” she believes. The smiles of her clients as they admire their perfectly tailored suits speak volumes.
In a time where fashion often feels impersonal, Glendenning’s work at HAX reminds us that tailoring can be a deeply personal experience, celebrating individuality and craftsmanship.
