Savile Row Shop
A historic tailor at No. 11 Savile Row that inspired a global spy franchise.
The shop at No. 11 Savile Row is a historic high-end fashion house and bespoke tailor founded in 1849 by Henry Huntsman. While renowned for English bespoke menswear, cashmere ready-to-wear collections, and leather accessories, the building gained global fame as the real-world facade for the Kingsman shop in Matthew Vaughn's blockbuster franchise. A plaque displaying 'Kingsman' remains by the door to honor this cinematic connection. The house is a founding member of the Savile Row Bespoke Association, dedicated to protecting traditional working practices.
Quick Facts
- Location
- No. 11 Savile Row, London
- Affiliation
- Savile Row Bespoke Association (Founder)
- Public function
- Bespoke Tailoring House & Ready-to-Wear
- Key figures
- Henry Huntsman
- Colin Hammick
- Campbell Carey
- Dario Carnera
- Johnny Allen
Lore & Background
Director Matthew Vaughn first conceived setting his film within a tailor's shop after visiting this location for a fitting. Vaughn has been a customer since age eighteen, when his mother brought him to order his first bespoke suit. The production utilized both the actual shop front and interior as settings. In 1921, two stags' heads overlooking the shop-front were acquired by chance; a customer left them while out for lunch and never returned. The house has dressed royalty and, during the First World War, made dress uniforms for British officers.
Reader's Guide
The bespoke process begins with a consultation with Johnny Allen, Bespoke Clients Manager, to finalize stylistic decisions and fabric choices. A cutter then takes an average of 30 different measures before drafting a traditional brown paper pattern. This is chalked onto the chosen cloth, cut out, and sewn into a raw three-dimensional form by a dedicated coat maker. After the first fitting, the garment returns to a two-dimensional form for re-cutting based on refined patterns. A second fitting follows, where structure is added, sleeves are set-in by hand, and lining is felled. Every suit takes over eighty man-hours to produce.
Did You Know?
- Gregory Peck commissioned over 160 suits from the house between 1953 and 2003 for use on screen and off.
- In 2007, the house purchased the world's only bale of 11.9 micron wool to create 'Opus', a record-breaking Super 240s cloth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the real-world location of the Kingsman shop?
The physical address is No. 11 Savile Row in London, which acts as the exterior setting for the agency's headquarters on screen. Although it operates as a legitimate luxury clothing store, its fame skyrocketed after appearing in Matthew Vaughn's movies.
Who founded the historic tailor at this address?
Henry Huntsman created this tailoring establishment way back in 1849, decades before the spy franchise was ever imagined. His original company laid the groundwork for the structure that now doubles as a movie location.
Is the Savile Row Shop still operating today?
The business is currently active and continues to provide custom suits and leather accessories to customers worldwide. It balances its modern commercial duties with respect for its cinematic history.
Why is there a Kingsman plaque at the entrance?
Visitors will find a sign at the doorway bearing the agency's name to celebrate the building's contribution to the film series. This marker ensures that fans recognize the specific site used during production.
What industry group is this historic house affiliated with?
This location helped establish the Savile Row Bespoke Association, an organization focused on preserving classic tailoring methods. Their membership status proves their dedication to quality workmanship independent of movie fame.
More in History & Traditions
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