Cad and the Dandy
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Tailoring |
| Founded | 2008 |
| Founders | James Sleater, Ian Meiers |
| Headquarters | , |
| Website | www.cadandthedandy.co.uk |
Cad and the Dandy is an independent tailoring firm based in London, UK with premises in the City and on Savile Row.[1] It manufactures high quality made to measure and bespoke suits costing a fraction of the price of a Savile Row suit.[2][3] The company was founded in 2008 by James Sleater and Ian Meiers, two city bankers who were both made redundant at the height of the credit crisis. In the companies first two years of business it has grown substantially, achieving a turnover of 1.3m in 2010 and attracting increasing local, national and international press coverage, including being listed by the Guardian in the Couvoisier Future 500.[3][4] In July 2010 the founders won the Bento Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Macworld Awards.[5]
History
In 2008, during the financial crisis, James Sleater and Ian Meiers independently began to conduct research into starting a tailoring firm trading off their family ties in the industry. They were introduced after they both had meetings with the same fabric supplier, and they decided to go into business together.[1] Since 2008, the firm has grown quickly, building up a network of seven self-employed tailors in the UK and employing 32 more in China, and conducting fittings all over the world.[1]
Cad and the Dandy began by conducting fittings in office space. Later, an arrangement with Chittleborough and Morgan of Nutters fame allowed them to take appointments on Savile Row and, in October 2009, they opened their first permanent store in the City of London.[6]
In 2010, Cad and the Dandy began an association with Chris Eubank, a former world middleweight and super middleweight boxing champion. Eubank was previously a regular customer and now designs a range of clothes exclusively for Cad and the Dandy. With him Eubank has brought many customers from the world of sports, music and fashion.[7]
Suits
Cad and the Dandy suits cost between around £400 and £1,000 and take roughly six weeks to make. Prices vary based on the cloth that is used as well as the amount of the suit that is made by hand.[3] The fully hand-made suits require around 50 hours of stitching, include a basted fitting, and conform to all the specifications for a bespoke suit suggested by the Savile Row Bespoke Association.[8][9]
All of the Cad and the Dandy suits are made from British or Italian cloth, and are constructed by tailors with Savile Row training and many years of experience.[5] The products have received positive reviews from style commentators and bloggers, who note the high quality of cloth and tailoring, the strong customer service and the flexibility in customisation options.[10][11]
References
- ^ a b c "Cad and the Dandy well suited to cutting it in the tailoring business". The Telegraph. 4 March 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Who Is The Best Dressed Banker?". Fresh Business Thinking. 21 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ a b c "The City boys offering a cut above". City AM. 24 September 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Future 500 - Fashion and Retail". The Guardian. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ a b "Macworld Awards: Winners Cad and The Dandy profiled". Macworld. 27 July 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Our New Shop". Cad and the Dandy. 7 October 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "The dandy bounces back off the ropes – now he's the daddy". The Independent. 18 July 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Cad and the Dandy's London Cut". St James Style Blog. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Garment Specifications". The Savile Row Bespoke Association. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Cad and the Dandy: Final Review". St James Style Blog. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 28 September 2010.
- ^ "Cad and the Dandy Part 2: Perfecting The Suit". Men's Flair. 8 March 2009. Retrieved 28 September 2010.