Lifestyle
A Hidden Gem | Bespoke Tailoring by Savileroy, New Delhi
In small town India of the 70’s and early 80’s, neighborhood tailors were a part of the extended family. They would regularly drop by for an occasional chat or a cup of tea, make small talk with the family and generally share updates about the neighborhood. And work would happen in between. They would take measurements, come back for trials if required and deliver as per the occasion – school uniforms, shirts, trousers, basic formal and regular wardrobe essentials. The fabrics were basic and the stitching as good as an undemanding customer could expect.
Imported fabrics were rare in those days. Either a relative would get them from abroad during their India visit, or the resourceful few could get hold of the ones smuggled in from Nepal. But tailoring that special suit or tuxedo was always meant to happen during a big city trip to Calcutta, Delhi or Bombay. The privileged few who went to England to study (mostly doctors & lawyers) came back with their prized collection of suits, trenches and overcoats, and their acquisitions usually had a back story or an anecdote which made it all the more interesting. Europe was clearly unaffordable unless you were born ultra rich. Others who could afford it or were in jobs that allowed a rare international trip, would look forward to getting them stitched in the back alleys of Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong. And that really summed up the quintessential Indian gentleman.
The 90’s and the prêt-à-porter revolution took away some of the sheen around local tailors. This, when the average disproportionate Indian still had difficulty slipping into a ready-to-wear garment. Many tailors closed down to seek alternate employment for survival. In most cases, the new generation showed little interest in pursuing the craft and taking the family name forward and migrated to bigger cities, taking up factory jobs instead. Only a handful of them managed to survive; some because they knew little else and a few others who were fiercely passionate about their craft.
One such passionate soul is a Kashmiri tailor who migrated to Delhi in the 90’s. While one had heard about him before, a tweet from the British High Commissioner to India, Mr. James Bevan caught our attention. He tweeted, “Getting new suits made today. #Indian tailors are quick and professional. But making me look stylish may be beyond even them!” We wondered, “why would a top British diplomat who has access to the best bespoke tailors of Savile Row and has travelled around the world, get suits done in India?” On probing further, Mr. Bevan mentioned about “an excellent Kashmiri tailor who has worked for several High Commissioners before”. He was kind enough to share the details of this tailor who goes by the rather curious name of Savileroy, referring to him as “a Kashmiri friend who is a true artisan”.
After fixing an appointment over the phone, we headed out to meet Mr. Savileroy. The narrow lanes of New Delhi’s Jangpura area led us to a modest third floor home where he lives with his family. The winding staircase led us to a spartan room with just a carpet and cushions lined along the walls. As we settled down to have our conversation over some steaming kahwah (traditional green tea infused with cinnamon, cardamom, saffron & rose) and cookies, we couldn’t help but think that here was a man who is arguably one of the most famous tailors the world may never have heard of.
His real name is Abdul Majid Butt. Ask him why he is called Savileroy and he says it was the British in Colonial India that gave his grandfather the name, inspired by the famous London street Savile Row. And it stayed that way, ever since. The enterprise was formally started by his grandfather in Kashmir in the year 1842, and was known as A.Salama back then. When the Britishers used to visit Kashmir during summers, some of them got suits stitched by him, and the impeccable detailing, cuts and quick doorstep service caught their attention. Slowly word began to spread. We were shown a laminated handwritten recommendation letter by an English woman from Sialkot (Punjab) praising his grandfather’s work, which dates back to September 20, 1933. Several other recommendations from the likes of Major Warriman of Queen Victoria’s Own Corps of Guides from the 1940’s, Count D’Aspremont Lynden, the Belgian Ambassador in Delhi from the 1950’s are also displayed proudly.
As business grew, Savileroy set up shop near Residency Road, Srinagar, a market area that was frequented by most foreign tourists. Things looked good for a while, but the build up of militancy in the region created havoc in the Valley and sadly their establishment was burnt down in the early 90’s. One could see the pain and anger in his eyes as he narrated a bone chilling incident when he was hauled up by militants along with a group while returning from a hospital. Narrowly escaping death, he decided to leave everything behind in the Valley and come to Delhi with his family.
Over the last two decades in New Delhi, Savileroy has built an impressive clientele mostly comprising of dignitaries and diplomats. He proudly shares a folder containing photographs and recommendation letters from his many famous clients like Tony Blair, Cherie Blair, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw, General Sir Mike Jackson, GE’s Scott Bayman, Chelsea Clinton, British High Commissioners Sir Rob Young & Richard Stagg and the English cricket team. He gets referral orders for international delegations and customers in UK, Europe, US and Canada over the internet. Once you are a client, he will always have your measurements and details in his records. He has very few Indian clients and counts Karan Thapar, Shyam Benegal and Suhel Seth, as some of them.
Talk to him about the craft and tailoring, and his eyes light up. Clearly, it is a passion for him and he admits having given up many financially lucrative offers to stick to what he does best. He is immensely knowledgeable about the subject and does fuss over intricacies like ticket pockets, working cuffs, tailored inner pockets, hand stitched lining and floating canvas construction. He proudly claims that he can replicate any type of suit by just looking at a photograph and give the exact cut, style and detailing that you would expect from the best bespoke tailors of Savile Row at a much affordable price. From hunting jackets to blazers, single or double-breasted suits, waistcoats, tuxedos, morning suits, dress shirts & trousers, women’s business suits & western dresses, he can make them all.
Service is entirely at the customer’s doorstep. Give him a call and he will come with a selection of material. His collection includes original Savile Row suit lengths, Prince of Wales checks, velvets, super 120 wool fabric and other assorted varieties. He takes the measurements and cuts the cloth pattern himself. The suit is then constructed at his workshop in old Delhi, where he has a dedicated team of around 15-20 craftsmen who have been old hands with the family. The suit is ready for trial in 2 days and the final product can be delivered on the 3rd day. Sometimes even earlier.
Nowadays he does get a fair share of orders online from old clients or through referrals and is happy that technology helps get him new business. I did recommend that he should have an active website and a social media presence through Facebook and Twitter, so that he can reach out to his clients around the world.
For his craft, Savileroy is not very expensive. A shirt costs Rs.1500 (US$27), and if you give the material, the tailoring cost is just Rs.400 (US$7). Tailoring cost (without material) for a suit with fused lining is Rs.6,000 (US$107) and for a floating canvas construction, it is Rs.8,500 (US$150). A complete two piece suit with material could cost anywhere between Rs.10,000-20,000 (US$180-360) depending on the fabric.
Meeting Abdul Majid Butt brought back memories of the 70’s and 80’s and the concept of family tailors. We talked about Kashmir, politics, his sons and about the craft that the family has so carefully nurtured over three generations. Whether his sons will continue the tradition, one cannot say. But as we parted, we promised to get some suits done. It was fascinating to see how content he was with his reasonable success, without any lofty ambitions of competing with the likes of other fellow Indians like Raja Daswani (Raja Fashion) and Manu Melwani (Sam’s Tailor).
Truly a master craftsman who deserves to be put on a pedestal and displayed to the world as one of the finest in the field – Savileroy is perhaps India’s answer to the best that Mayfair has to offer.
Zoravar Singh
November 20, 2013 at 10:59 am
Im looking for a good tailor in Delhi,and so far failed to find one(Vaish is just too expensive).This guy’s prices seem reasonable,so could you please give me his number?
sprezzadilusso
January 12, 2014 at 3:17 pm
Please drop a mail ID and we will connect you to him. Thank you.
Seema Mitra
January 12, 2014 at 1:03 pm
Having read about this great tailor in Mint, my son wanted a suit stitched by him for his graduation ceremony. I contacted him and after a brief affirmation that he would come over the following week, sent him my address. He promised, he would come over for measurements and all. I told him the dates also and he confirmed he was comfortable with them. I never received a call from him, but assuming he might be too busy, I called him 5 times and an appointment was fixed. He never turned up. Two hours after the appointment time, I called him and asked him politely if he was indeed interested in taking this up, he said Thank you and held up… Just wanted to share this as well after the wonderful stories that are already afloat… No reason was given for not taking up the job.
Seema , Gurgaon
sprezzadilusso
January 12, 2014 at 3:19 pm
That’s sad. Maybe it’s been a busy period and he runs it single handedly. But will certainly convey it to him.
bhavani
January 20, 2014 at 7:59 am
may I have the telephone number and the address please
sprezzadilusso
February 24, 2014 at 5:01 pm
We have mailed you the details.
Rolf Sleddens
January 31, 2014 at 10:08 pm
Hi, are you able to send me his address and contact details please? Kind regards, Rolf Sleddens
sprezzadilusso
February 24, 2014 at 5:03 pm
Hi Rolf – we have mailed you the details.
VS
March 9, 2014 at 2:26 am
Please pass on the contact information – I am visiting Delhi and would like to have a suit made. Thank you!
max
March 12, 2014 at 2:33 pm
hi – please can you pass on the contact information for this tailor? Thanks!
Aneesh
March 26, 2014 at 11:37 pm
I need to get a suit stitched for my job interview. May I have Mr. Butt’s contact details, please? Thank you.
Seema
April 12, 2014 at 6:11 pm
Hi, I am visiting Delhi and wan to get suits made for myself. Kindly share his contact details.
Peter
April 12, 2014 at 11:34 pm
could you give me pass me the contact information? Thanks in advance!
bhishma
April 26, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Hi please send me the contact details of this tailor at New Delhi, Savileroy . Reply would be much appreciated.
Sanjay
April 30, 2014 at 8:32 am
Canc. get Mr Butt’s contact details please? I need to get suits stitched in end of May. Thx
shantnu
May 14, 2014 at 8:18 am
Can you please mail me his contact details ?
shipra
May 22, 2014 at 12:13 pm
Can you kindly share the contact details of Mr Butt as I need to get some formal office wear, unfortunately there aren’t any bespoke ladies formal tailors
Ram P. Mony
May 26, 2014 at 3:57 am
Writing in from Afghanistan. I have been surfing the net for a good tailor who makes genuine bespoke suits (floating canvas type), and this Kashmiri gentleman seems ideal. I will be coming to India on a short business trip in the month of June and would like to use the opportunity to get a suit made by him. Could you please give me his telephone number and address?
sia
May 27, 2014 at 11:27 pm
Hi can I have Mr Butt’s contact information please. Thanks.
Savileroy (@savileroy)
May 30, 2014 at 9:37 am
Savileroy – The Bespoke Tailor savileroycashmir@yahoo.com 09811426261
https://twitter.com/savileroy
sprezzadilusso
November 11, 2014 at 9:17 pm
Thank you Savile Roy for making it simple for everyone to connect with you! I am so happy that there has been such an amazing response to this article.
rabab
July 15, 2014 at 2:44 am
Please could you forward me details as to how i can contact him?! Need to get a women’s bussiness suir made.. As i shall be sitting for college placements in a few days..
Akankshya
July 30, 2014 at 12:36 am
Please give me his contact details . Thank you !
Misha
November 4, 2014 at 12:24 pm
Hi can you please help me connect with Savileroy. Great blog!
sprezzadilusso
November 11, 2014 at 8:54 pm
Thank you. Do follow us and spread the word. Have already mailed you the details of Savile Roy.
Dr. Ron Oberstein
November 10, 2014 at 2:28 am
Hello…I will be in Delhi next week and would like to contact Savileroy so I can have some suits made. Can you let me know how to contact him. Thank you very much.
sprezzadilusso
November 11, 2014 at 8:53 pm
We have mailed you the details.
Kirti Ahuja
November 11, 2014 at 5:19 pm
please email me address and contact details
sprezzadilusso
November 11, 2014 at 9:19 pm
Hi. Have already mailed you.
James
November 18, 2014 at 4:03 am
Hello, could i get the address and contact details please?
Anish Bansal
December 3, 2014 at 10:39 pm
Please email me the contact details
Thanks
Jayesh Sharma
December 10, 2014 at 3:05 pm
Hi,
I will be in Delhi next week and have to get five suits made. Can i have the contact details please ?
regards
Jayesh
sonia behar
January 11, 2015 at 2:10 am
Does he stitch indian salwar kameez? and sari blouses. could you give me his contact details as I will be visiting india shortly
Steve
June 15, 2015 at 11:40 am
Hi. Could you pls send the contact details for the tailor in question?
Alex
July 5, 2015 at 3:19 pm
Could you please mail me the details?
Punit Kr.
July 28, 2015 at 6:22 pm
Hi
I need to change my winter wardrobe and need 7-8 suits done before it hits the crazy season. Can you please share address and contact numbers etc.
Would be really greatful.
Cheers !
James Cornell
August 10, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Hello to everyone who is reading this.
Was just wondering whether anyone can give an indicator of prices he quotes usually?
I met him recently and find his sales pitch a little bit too enthusiastic…
To make this comparable: suit /w floating canvas, one of his fabrics, pure wool super 100-120.
and price for shirt (his fabrics etc.) as well?
Thanks
sprezzadilusso
August 19, 2015 at 9:23 am
Hi James. The article does mention his prices. Just in case you missed it – for a suit it is US$180-360 depending on fabric and for a shirt it is US$27 with fabric. These are 2013 prices so may have gone up a bit.
Aman
October 8, 2015 at 1:26 am
Hi,
I am coming to India on October 24 and will be there for almost 3 weeks. While I am in India, I want to get couple of business suits stitched. Could you please provide me the contact details?
Thanks,
Aman
Sonia
October 12, 2015 at 10:58 am
can u kindly share the contact number and address of Mr Abdul??
Raj
October 16, 2015 at 6:35 am
Hi , could you provide his contact information. I will be traveling to New Delhi in a month.
Thanks!
Varsha
October 25, 2015 at 10:27 pm
Can you please send me his contact details?
Tanushree
November 2, 2015 at 7:56 pm
Hi
I am looking to get some shirts stitched for my boyfriend and would be grateful if you would share the contact details, address etc. Also any idea what are the prices for getting a shirt stitched now?
Qazi Riaz Masood
November 26, 2015 at 10:21 am
Hi, can I have his email or phone number? I am looking to get a couple of suits stitched (canvas).
kim
January 3, 2016 at 9:50 pm
Hi, I’m going to Dehli soon and would like to contact him about womens shirts. DOes he do this? If so please provide me with the info. Regards, Kim
Prateek Kapoor
January 25, 2016 at 5:21 pm
I need the details sir
Raghav
January 28, 2016 at 12:35 pm
Had a really bad experience getting a custom suit stitched. Mr. Butt convinced me to get a fused suit made, and came over once for fitting and once for the final delivery – however the first time I wore the suit, I realized that there are a lot of chinks and it’s very badly stitched. Although I gave him a lot of feedback during the fitting, he ignored most of it and proceeded ahead with what his tailors had made previously. Lot of wrinkles on the trousers when I wear it and stand straight, and the coat is also not stitched properly – stitching is visible on external side of the coat, fabric wrinkles even when it’s hanging straight on a hangar- which is not there in any of my other bespoke suits. Have been trying to reach out to Mr. Butt but he doesn’t respond to calls now. He’s an excellent salesman and will convince you to get a suit made, however his tailors (he doesn’t work on the suits himself) don’t do a good job in my opinion – there are far better bespoke suit makers in Delhi as compared to Mr. Butt. I do not recommend Savile Roy to anybody looking to get a good quality custom suit made. My fabric is now ruined and the suit is un-wearable.
Raghav Khullar
February 1, 2016 at 3:24 pm
Had a really bad experience getting a custom suit stitched. Mr. Butt convinced me to get a fused suit made, and came over once for fitting and once for the final delivery – however the first time I wore the suit, I realized that there are a lot of chinks and it’s very badly stitched. Although I gave him a lot of feedback during the fitting, he ignored most of it and proceeded ahead with what his tailors had made previously. Lot of wrinkles on the trousers when I wear it and stand straight, and the coat is also not stitched properly – stitching is visible on external side of the coat, fabric wrinkles even when it’s hanging straight on a hangar- which is not there in any of my other bespoke suits. Have been trying to reach out to Mr. Butt but he doesn’t respond to calls now. He’s an excellent salesman and will convince you to get a suit made, however his tailors (he doesn’t work on the suits himself) don’t do a good job in my opinion – there are far better bespoke suit makers in Delhi as compared to Mr. Butt. I do not recommend Savile Roy to anybody looking to get a good quality custom suit made. My fabric is now ruined and the suit is un-wearable.
Nalin
March 3, 2016 at 10:46 am
Hi
Can you send me the contact details of this gentleman.
Daryl CZERNIEWICZ
July 29, 2016 at 6:01 pm
The author of this article does not post the contact details of the tailor on this site , do you wonder why? Well in the guise of ” E-MAILING ” you the contact details, he reaches a deal with the tailor to give him a percentage commission on what you pay. Instead I prefer Grovers tailors at Delhi’s khan market, they are located where mostly foreigners from embassies nearby get their suits made to measure and he had mine made 6 years back with genuine horse hair floating canvas and a very good fit tailored to make my Neanderthal frame look good, and I don’t ask for your email address and name either, by the way I’m English and live in Manchester, U K , I’m on face book and my name is Daryl Czerniewicz , I worked in India for a very long year plus as an actor ( it was fun, a real blast ) what you can do is purchase the fabric at one of the fabric craft shows that Delhi and Bombay have at different locations throughout the year where the prices are fixed on display and they don’t charge extra because you are foreign, India is great for silk or linen for men’s suits. Fabric at the craft shows is always good quality and half the price of the shops
Arpita
October 15, 2016 at 6:40 pm
Hi, could you please give me his number. I have provided my email id as well.
Abhay Beriwal
February 17, 2017 at 7:12 pm
Would love to know his details and hope to meet him soon. After 15 suits and 6 tailors in Delhi I am still to find someone who can match the suit I lost in travel crafted by a artist of a man in London during my stay there. It would be lovely to have his details and connect with him. Hope the link is still active.
Thank you before hand for sharing the details.
Jaswinder Singh
August 27, 2019 at 8:39 pm
We have really seasoned tailors who have developed this art. I would appreciate if I can get his contact number please. My email id jassikat@gmail.com