First Female Tailor to Open on Savile Row
18-06-2025
Originally from Leeds, Kathryn studied fashion at UCA’s Epsom campus in 1994 and started as an apprentice trimmer at Savile Row tailor Gieves & Hawkes after graduation. She was appointed as the tailors’ Head Cutter in 2009, making history as the first woman to achieve this position on Savile Row.
“When I was younger I used to the watch the Clothes Show and I decided I wanted to be the next Vivienne Westwood,” said Kathryn, who is now 41. “Before I came to UCA I had never even used a sewing machine. All the other students on my course were studying womenswear, but I liked the craft of pattern cutting behind a good suit. The course gave me an insight into the industry with the masterclasses and visiting lecturers making the course real.”
After completing a placement on Savile Row in her final year at UCA, Kathryn spent weekends and holidays shadowing cutters and tailors. Here she found her inspiration for her final collection in her degree, which was recognised with an award at Graduate Fashion Week.
Kathryn’s shop on Savile Row will be sister to her established atelier on Brook Street, tailoring for both men and women.
“I am delighted to be opening a shop on Savile Row,” said Kathryn. “As a tailor it has been a long held ambition of mine, and throughout my career, I have upheld the excellent values of Savile Row. I am thrilled to be making history, although for me being a woman is incidental, I am a tailor first and foremost.”
Kathryn’s approach to her craft, from the initial consultation to the finished garment, is tailored to the wearer, their lifestyle and requirements.
William Skinner, Managing Director of Dege & Skinner and Chairman of Savile Row Bespoke Association commented: “It’s fitting that the first woman to be appointed as a Head Cutter on Savile Row is returning, to open a shop of her own and is testament to the continued appeal of Savile Row as the sartorial home of high quality, hand-crafted tailoring.”
Kathryn Sargent at 37 Savile Row is open for Spring/Summer ’16 as a seasonal residency.
