Watch out for the Banshee of Saville Row
Tailoring has long been associated with men. That the perfect gentleman can simply be cut out from a sheet of wool or cotton, and his elegance from silk. The gap for exquisite handmade suits for women, done by hand and not an army of worn-out machines has always lingered, although the choices plaguing fast fashion have done a marvellous job at telling us otherwise.
Woman’s wear, even nowadays, still opts at promoting a more ‘feminine” physique through tuille, organza, cotton and so on. These materials contour curves and dictate that hourglass figure, regardless of any numerical measurements on the tape. Whilst this suits some, others are looking for a sleeker aesthetic, something projecting power, wisdom an aura of mystery. Think one of those grand libraries rich with century old architecture, their ladders reaching the farthest ends of the shelves, or the glistening black fencing wrapped on the threshold of terraced houses on the streets of Kensington. Something elegant, yet in its own way humble. Think of all of this as a single entity, and you get Banshee of Saville Row. A newcomer on the global fashion scene, having recently made their debut on London Fashion week at four years old. They specialise in tailoring for women, and proudly state their place in the world of ‘Slow Fashion.’ Their designs are all handmade meaning that whatever you chose, there will be a forever lasting warmth in your chest when you consider the hours spent expertly threading even the most minor details, in a suit which although has its most basic lines replicated, the craftsmanship will always be one of a kind. Offering a sense of exclusivity, the titans of the fashion industry bleed over to produce.
The styling, coupled with the garments and the labyrinth backdrop emphasises the drama that comes with wearing such a statement piece, its cinematic and almost nostalgic qualities that even the onesie-warriors can appreciate.
The founders Ruby Slevin and Rocco Tullio - a husband-and-wife team with both Italian and Irish roots- have lived in the world of Fashion longer than their treasured brand and wish to immerse offer ‘the finest traditional tailoring techniques and powerful female symbolism and mysticism.’ Concepts both their styling and designs share in every one of their shoots.
Their range is currently limited to half a dozen suits, all with their own story and individual message intended to appeal to a variety of patrons looking to embody the brands promise for empowerment. These include the Black Cat – a velvet and satin number, the Fox- a little something for those silk lovers with a soft spot for red, the Night Owl – the fox’s green counterpart and a personal favourite, the Gazelle, the She Wolf, the Quick Brown Fox and the Circe. Yet, although all these jackets have their own story, their own essence like an artisanal bottle of perfume, they remain versatile. They could be coupled with a pair of Bermudas and still be captivating. Perhaps sandals, or trainers, dare I say crocs?
That is something worth noting. Even from the name, Banshee – a mythical creature, juxtaposed against a notoriously “posh” street in London, reflects the brands rebellious intentions. To fight those stereotypes that make us roll our eyes and do things our way regardless of what anyone else thinks. That is the message running in the seams of this luxury brand, and it won’t be long before they catch the attention of some big names, and the Banshee of Saville Row takes a long haul from the streets of London, over to the red carpet of Los Angeles.
