The perfect fit
Raja Daswani, head of Hong Kong-based bespoke tailor Raja Fashions, explains why women’s suits are more popular than ever – and why every woman should have a ‘four-piece’ of her own
BESPOKE SUITS were once synonymous with male professionals, but not anymore. Thanks to high-profile trouser suit fans such as Hillary Clinton, Lady Gaga and Cara Delevingne, fine tailoring is rapidly becoming the domain of fashionable (and powerful) women everywhere.
At New York Fashion Week, Calvin Klein and Phillip Lim sent models down the runway in beautifully cut trouser suits worn with simple heels and minimal makeup, ensuring that all eyes were on the tailoring of the blazer and trousers, and the confidence they imbue.
“Ladies’ suits are not as easy as men’s suits,” says Raja Daswani, head of Hong Kong-based bespoke tailor Raja Fashions. Yet after years of dealing with a mostly male client base, Raja Fashions is now producing more ladies’ suits than ever before.
“This is a trend that has been ongoing for a few years,” says Daswani. “Ladies – particularly those working in the fintech sector – have become more powerful, and they want to wear good suits that reflect their position in the workplace.”
However, as Daswani points out, there is no ‘one size fits all’ template that works for women’s suits. Measurements change, and fashions evolve – and this is why there is no substitute for a bespoke tailored design.
A well-made suit will outlast any fashion craze, and it can be altered and updated over the years so that it always feels like the perfect fit. And best of all, you can be certain that each design and silhouette is completely unique to you.
According to Daswani, the four-piece suit is becoming increasingly popular among professional women: this includes a blazer, a skirt, a pair of trousers and a dress, all of which can be mixed and matched to create three separate outfits. And by getting each of these pieces created at once, there are huge savings to be made – after all, you are essentially buying three outfits for the price of one.
When it comes to fabrics and colours, Daswani always recommends that women opt for wool-based fabrics for winter suits, and natural fabrics such as cotton and linen for the warmer months. He also advises that fintech professionals start out with a conservative colour when choosing their first tailored suit.
“It all depends on the individual,” he says. “We have had ladies who like brighter colours, but then again, in the financial world they try to be a little more conservative, so you have a lot of blues, blacks and greys.”
These traditional colours can then be updated and personalised with a floral blouse, patterned tights, bold jewellery or statement heels.
“If you wear a darker coloured suit, we usually suggest that you pair it with a brighter coloured blouse,”he adds. “A lot of different things are possible.”
Raja Fashions offers tailored garments at highly competitive prices. Bespoke suits start at £350 for lightweight fabrics and £435 for 100 per cent wool. Raja Fashions’ premium suits go up to £2,500, but the same garment could cost £12,000 on Savile Row.
Tailors from Raja Fashions are in the UK every six weeks to perform fittings across London, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. For more information, visit Raja Fashions’ website at www.raja-fashions.com or email [email protected] to book an appointment.
Hong Kong main shop: 34-C Cameron Road, G/F, TST, Kln, Hong Kong.