Welcome to a special feature on the Fielding & Nicholson website, where we delve into the heart of our brand’s journey, as narrated by our founder, Ian Fielding Calcutt, in a recent Menswear Style podcast episode. From our humble beginnings in the northwest of England to our rise as a beacon of bespoke tailoring on the international stage, Fielding & Nicholson has been driven by a commitment to excellence, craftsmanship, and a deeply personal service that distinguishes us in the luxury menswear market.
Over the past 18 years, we have dedicated ourselves to creating garments that embody the pinnacle of quality, utilising the finest fabrics from around the globe. Our expansion has seen us establish flagship showrooms not just close to the historic Savile Row in London, but also in key locations such as Manhattan, Zurich, and Manchester, reinforcing our commitment to accessibility and excellence in tailoring. This feature offers an intimate look at the ethos behind Fielding & Nicholson, showcasing the passion, dedication, and artisanal skill that have been the hallmarks of our brand’s enduring success. Join us as we recount the milestones and ethos that define Fielding & Nicholson, a testament to the timeless art of bespoke tailoring.
The Genesis of Fielding & Nicholson
The inception of Fielding & Nicholson was born from Ian Fielding Calcutt’s lifelong admiration for suits and the intricate world of bespoke tailoring. From an early age, Ian was captivated by the elegance and sophistication of well-crafted suits, a passion that was ignited upon observing the sartorial choices of the gentlemen in his vicinity. This fascination with smart, dandyish clothing and the luxury sector nurtured a dream that would eventually materialise into Fielding & Nicholson. The journey from being a suit admirer to the helm of a bespoke tailoring company was fuelled by Ian’s diverse career experiences, from retail to PR, and finally to a role that married his interests with his profession: tailoring.
The early days of Fielding & Nicholson were rooted in Manchester, a city known for its appreciation of style and fashion. It was here that Ian, alongside his business partner, laid the foundation for a brand that would soon become synonymous with luxury, attention to detail, and personalisation. Recognising the importance of location in the luxury tailoring industry, the brand expanded its presence to London, a move that not only signified growth but also placed Fielding & Nicholson within the epicentre of global tailoring. The decision to establish showrooms near Savile Row, and later in Manhattan and Zurich, was strategic, allowing the brand to cater to a discerning international clientele while staying true to the craft’s British roots.
This expansion was not just a testament to the brand’s growing reputation but also highlighted the universal appeal of bespoke tailoring. Fielding & Nicholson’s commitment to crafting pieces from the world’s finest fabrics, coupled with an unparalleled level of service, set the stage for a brand that was as much about creating garments as it was about embodying the essence of luxury tailoring. Through dedication, passion, and a keen understanding of the industry, Ian Fielding Calcutt navigated the brand from its early days to its current status as a distinguished name in bespoke tailoring.
The Art of Bespoke Tailoring
At the core of Fielding & Nicholson’s ethos lies a deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of bespoke tailoring, a craft that Ian Fielding Calcutt has dedicated years to mastering. Ian’s journey into the realm of tailoring was marked by an insatiable desire to learn, driven by an early love for suits and an appreciation for the luxury market. His approach to mastering this craft was comprehensive, involving not just an understanding of fabric and design but also the nuanced art of client management. Ian’s commitment to excellence saw him delve into every aspect of tailoring, from the intricacies of fitting and alterations to the history and evolution of suits. This thorough grounding in the principles of tailoring has been instrumental in setting Fielding & Nicholson apart in the luxury market.
Bespoke tailoring, by its very nature, demands a personal touch, something that has become a hallmark of Fielding & Nicholson’s service. Contrasting sharply with the impersonal and often transactional nature of mainstream retail experiences, Ian and his team have cultivated an environment where clients feel understood and valued. This commitment to personalisation extends beyond the mere selection of fabrics or patterns; it is about creating a garment that reflects the individual’s personality, lifestyle, and preferences.
An integral part of this bespoke experience is the emphasis on bespoke shirts, which play a pivotal role in complementing and enhancing a bespoke suit. Recognising their importance, Fielding & Nicholson offers a range of bespoke shirts, each meticulously crafted to match the quality and individuality of their suits. These shirts are not just accessories but essential components of a cohesive and refined look, tailored to fit the wearer’s unique measurements and style preferences. The attention to detail in these shirts — from the choice of fabric to the fit and finish — underscores Fielding & Nicholson’s dedication to delivering an unparalleled tailoring experience, where every piece is a testament to the artistry and elegance of bespoke tailoring.
Building a Brand in Luxury Tailoring
The trajectory of Fielding & Nicholson from a nascent startup to a distinguished player in the luxury tailoring market is a narrative of strategic growth, unwavering dedication, and a clear vision. What began in the vibrant city of Manchester has blossomed into an international brand, revered for its commitment to the quintessence of bespoke tailoring. Central to this ascent has been our unique approach to luxury tailoring, one that transcends traditional boundaries by integrating stylistic consultation into the heart of our service.
Our Unique Selling Points (USP) pivot on this blend of styling and tailoring. Unlike conventional tailors who may focus solely on the craftsmanship of garments, Fielding & Nicholson positions itself as a curator of personal style, guiding clients through the creation of a wardrobe that reflects their individuality, lifestyle, and aspirations. This holistic approach is underpinned by a belief that a truly bespoke experience should extend beyond the fit of a suit to the expression of a person’s essence through clothing.
The significance of offering a stylistic and personal service in luxury tailoring cannot be overstated. In a world where fashion is often mass-produced and impersonal, Fielding & Nicholson stands out by offering a sanctuary for discerning individuals seeking not just clothing, but a means to articulate their identity. Our commitment to this personalised journey—where every client’s story is woven into the fabric of their garments—has cemented our place in the luxury tailoring market as not just a brand, but a companion in the art of personal expression.
Challenges and Memorable Moments
Navigating the bespoke tailoring landscape has presented its share of challenges, from establishing a foothold in a market revered for its heritage to adapting to the nuanced demands of a discerning clientele. A significant hurdle was ensuring that Fielding & Nicholson’s ethos of personalisation and quality resonated within an industry steeped in tradition. Overcoming these challenges required a blend of innovation, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to our craft. By focusing on the unique aspects of our service and the unparalleled quality of our garments, we gradually built a reputation that stands on the foundations of trust, excellence, and a deep understanding of our clients’ needs.
Among the myriad of memorable moments that mark Ian’s career, one that stands out involves a client whose wedding suit we tailored. The gratitude and joy in his eyes upon seeing his reflection, perfectly attired for one of the most significant days of his life, underscored the profound impact of our work. It’s these personal connections, forged over fittings and shared stories, that truly define our journey. Each garment we craft is a testament to these relationships, moments that are as much a part of our fabric as the threads we weave.
Looking Ahead: Fielding & Nicholson’s Future
As Fielding & Nicholson strides into the future, we eagerly anticipate expanding our reach through international trunk shows and exclusive collaborations. Ian Fielding Calcutt envisions a world where bespoke tailoring and personal style are not just luxury privileges but essential expressions of individuality, continually pushing the boundaries of creativity and craftsmanship in the art of tailoring.
Fielding & Nicholson has indelibly marked the bespoke tailoring industry, blending tradition with innovation to redefine luxury tailoring. As we continue to tailor the future, our journey underscores the essence of preserving craftsmanship while embracing the new. Discover more about our story and vision in the podcast interview here, a testament to our commitment to excellence and personal style.