Joe Mathews career is a particular london story, one where Savile Row mets The Arsenal. Having just turned 17 and looking for a summer job, Joe was chatting to his dad’s mate Graham at a Gunners match. Graham, then manager of Dege and Skinner suggested he help in the shop at 10 Savile Row, an offer Joe jumped at. 

Meeting customers and helping with deliveries around town had it’s perks and trips to the Dorchester were always an excitement. The summer job ended up lasting more than 2 years by which time Joe knew Savile Row was the place for him.

For Joe, tailoring runs through his blood. His father has been working as a military coat maker since the mid sixties and suggested that Joe train to become a cutter, an idea that much appealed. Again back at The Emirates Stadium watching a ‘Man U’ game Joe was lucky enough to bump into Alan Bennett owner of Davies and Sonand for my money one of the best cutters on the row.

Joe was delighted to be offered an apprenticeship as a cutter by Alan and started right away. The art of transforming a flat piece of cloth to the finest of fitting suits is a skill that Savile Row has been passing down for generations. Alan learned his direct measurement method from one of the Skinner family.

Joe started by watching Alan draft patterns and would then strike them out from the cloth. Fittings with customers are a vital part of the bespoke process and taught Joe how to make the necessary adjustments to all aspects of a tailored suit. After six years Joe felt confident enough to cut on his own and now that retirement is in the air for Alan, the firm that is Davies and Son will be sure to continue with Joe and others in the house.

Joe and Alan used our most iconic designs, the Gallant Check and Blue Overdrive to make these bespoke designs. To see more of his work, pop into Davies and Son at 38 Savile Row, Mayfair.

P.S. 
We have just sold out of our beautiful Gallant Check design, but do check out the rest of our cloth collection here.