Reflecting on things – Mark Powell in his Soho Store
Mark Powell, is somewhat of a modern day maverick, he can often be seen striding around the streets of Soho, almost resembling a great kindly monarch prevuing over his kingdom and acknowledging his subjects as he goes. Additionally, and in complete honesty, it has to be said Powell is one of London’s most iconic and influential bespoke tailors. Renowned for his nostalgical and classically inspired tailoring, combined with experimental cuts and styling, he was one of the first tailors to successfully bridge the gap between the traditions of Savile Row and modern street style.
Over the years he has dressed literally every leading zeitgeist celebrities including George Clooney, Harrison Ford, Mick and Bianca Jagger, David Bowie, George Michael, Bryan Ferry, Naomi Campbell, Tom Jones, Take That, The Kray Twins, Ant and Dec, Daniel Radcliffe, Usher, Frank Lampard, Morrissey, Neil Tennant from The Pet Shop Boys, The Killers, Paul Weller, Keira Knightley, Rupert Friend, Martin Freeman and Jonathan Rhys Meyers, now that’s what you call a celebrity rota and what you’d give to be at a party with all those in the room !
Away from all of this celebrity nonsense, Mark is a true craftsman and this has seen him work with everyone from Marks & Spencer to Mulberry in the past, who have sort him for his signature balance between true Savile Row tailoring and contemporary vision. Lets see what the man who is never short of a thing to two to say, makes of the questions from Clothes-make-the-man.com –
If you could have invented anything what would it be ?
Shoes, I love them.
If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
Only having one day left to live
What would be the one piece of clothing you would rescue from your home in the event of a fire ?
My brown double breasted alpaca and cashmere Ulster coat.
What inspires you ?
Great style, old Hollywood movies and Soho for its diversity.
Bunny Roger
Who is your style icon ? Why ?
Amongst many, one would be Bunny Roger for his neo-Edwardian style.
Tell us something no one else knows ?
Sorry, I can’t, it’s a secret.
What piece of style advise do you live by ?
Always wear a suit with a tie, can’t stand the current relaxed look without one.
Who would do you ideal diner guest and why ?
Ava Gardner because she was very beautiful and headstrong which I like in a person.
What piece of clothing best describes you ?
One of my bespoke suits because they’re unique, stylish and characterful, like me.
How did you get into the industry, what was your big break ?
I got into the industry from my personal interest in tailoring, people started to ask me where my suits were from so I started making them for them. My first big break was opening my first shop, Powell & Co. in Archer Street, Soho in 1985.
A young but still very dapper Mr Mark Powell