Words: Luke Brown
Photography: Christian Tuckwell Smith
You might expect the introduction of women’s suiting to one of Savile Row’s most historic names, Norton & Sons, to be helmed by a seasoned veteran with decades of experience, an extensive network of contacts, and an unassailable reputation in the tailoring world. An old guard, steady and unerring.
A Fresh Face on Savile Row: Hannah Bond
But why settle for that when a 24-year-old emerging designer and tailor, brimming with pedigree and creative brilliance, can lead the charge? Her name is Hannah Bond, and you’d best remember it, for her rise in the tailoring and fashion world is something we are watching with rapt attention.
So, as I strolled up Savile Row in late May, the sun setting and the warm afternoon giving way to twilight, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Why? That evening, I would be among the privileged few to preview Norton & Sons’ inaugural made-to-measure womenswear collection. It’s a perk of the job, but more importantly, I would be spending time with the visionary behind this milestone for the esteemed tailor.
“It’s been a whirlwind! We’ve been so busy preparing for the launch, but I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Hannah shares as we begin our conversation. “The women’s collection has been in development for over two years, so it’s been a long time coming, but I am thrilled to finally unveil it,” she says, her excitement and anticipation palpable.
Hannah Bond: A Rising Star with a Passion for Tailoring
Remarkably, Hannah only joined Norton & Sons two years ago, fresh from Nottingham Trent University’s fashion and design program, yet she was immediately entrusted with leading the creation of their womenswear line. Few indicators better signal the immense potential of this rising star.
Hannah fully grasps the magnitude of the opportunity. “Every designer dreams of creating their own collection, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have this chance so early in my career, especially at Norton & Sons,” she says, but she also acknowledges the challenges of breaking into Savile Row.
“Often, you need strong connections to join any of the tailors, which I didn’t have. I feel very lucky to have reached this point,” Hannah reflects. So where did she begin, and how did her background catapult her to the forefront of the world’s most renowned suiting locale?
“From my school days, tailoring, haute couture, and lingerie have been my three fundamental passions,” she recalls. This guided her to study Fashion Design at university, where she honed her ideas and philosophies. “My love affair with intricate craftsmanship led me to spend my placement year in couture houses and a luxury lingerie atelier. This experience with delicate, fine details is where I found my true calling.”
Starting Out at Norton & Sons
She also cites the late Alexander McQueen as a major influence on her creative direction, especially from a tailoring perspective. As she neared the end of her university studies, honing her skills, a remarkable opportunity presented itself. After winning an award, she met the presenter, Patrick Grant, the then director of Norton & Sons. Though she admits she knew little about Norton & Sons at that time, she seized the moment and enquired about an internship. Her boldness paid off.
“Patrick generously offered me an internship that was supposed to last three months, but it got extended to five. It was an incredible experience and afterward, I took a break over Christmas to figure out my next steps.” In January 2023, the position became permanent; a whirlwind few months had played out perfectly for Hannah.
Then came the key moment: James Sleater, the new owner of Norton & Sons, invited Hannah to head up the tailoring house’s first women’s made-to-measure collection. Naturally, she seized the golden opportunity. “I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given complete creative freedom - James has placed his faith in me,” she says with a smile.
It’s a testament to Hannah’s flair and creative genius that such a monumental prospect came her way. While she credits luck, it’s clear that opportunities like this are reserved for the exceptionally talented.
Bringing Norton & Sons’ Heritage into Women’s Tailoring
As we continue talking, she quickly steps away as the model arrives for a final fitting. Now, it’s time to see the fruits of her labour. As each outfit emerges from the back of the workshop, everyone is captivated by the elegant silhouettes and meticulous cuts of the jackets, trousers, and even shorts.
Though she is still adding the final touches, style and sophistication radiate from every garment. “With the entire collection, it is inspired by Norton’s history, as well as an appreciation of the menswear.
This approach is focused on creating a natural silhouette with a modern twist - natural shoulders, a slimmer waist, and clean lines. Despite our historic roots, our cuts are decidedly contemporary,” she explains, but going on to reveal that “although our focus has traditionally been on menswear, we’ve also ventured into womenswear through collaborations with esteemed designers like Alexander McQueen and Jenny Packham.”
With Norton & Son’s strong lineage of supplying clothing to a variety of sportsmen and adventurers such as Henry Stanley, as well as the likes of Churchill, Alfred Hitchcock, the Duke of Edinburgh and Cary Grant, Hannah drew on this provenance to inspire the womenswear. Most notably, her introduction of a stunning Safari jacket, which had to be built from the ground up.
Crafting Norton & Sons' Womenswear: Inspirations and Challenges
With the other jackets she could amend tailoring blocks (the basic body shape, but in fabric) that they already possessed, however “the safari jacket was completely new, and whilst we do them for men, the women’s one had to be designed from scratch, including getting a new block made. This is a very lengthy process, alongside having to make all the other designs!”.
She swiftly acknowledges the tremendous support and dedication of her team, stating, “without them, this collection would have remained a mere concept. Furthermore, Oliver Mumby, the Creative Director of Cad & The Dandy, has been an invaluable mentor, guiding me with unwavering support throughout the entire process.”
From the subtle denim suit and the bold chalk stripe to the statement cream dinner jacket and the stunning white and grey Houndstooth suit, Hannah has laid down the gauntlet. It is a spectacular announcement of her arrival on Savile Row.
Furthermore, this coincides with a strong period of growth for the company, which also includes Cad & The Dandy, a few doors down. “Norton’s expansion in the last year has been very noticeable, and I think with the launch of this, coupled with other mini projects that we have been doing, everything bodes very well for the future.”
The Future?
As for Hannah’s future aspirations, she articulates a refreshing vision. “With everything I’ve accomplished at Norton thus far, my goal is to continue growing and propel the business to new heights. I aim to reciprocate the loyalty the company has shown me by showcasing the finest work and further solidifying their legacy.” In a world fuelled by relentless change and forward-looking aspirations, Hannah’s dedication to Norton & Sons, a place that has shaped her profoundly, is inspiring.
Rather than seeking new horizons elsewhere, she focuses her ambition on enhancing the very foundation that has nurtured her. As the debut of her collection approaches, Hannah epitomises the new wave of tailors on Savile Row. With great anticipation, we eagerly watch her role in propelling Norton & Sons to new heights, all while advancing her journey as a luminary designer and visionary creative.
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