Velvet Waistcoat By Mark Powell

Powell started his fashion career at King's Road retro boutique Robot in the late 1970s and developed an interest in made-to-measure when commissioning garments from the Robot outlet in Floral Street, Covent Garden.

In 1984 Powell opened his first shop, Powell & Co, in Soho's Archer Street, stocking suits and menswear in the style of the sharp East End characters of his childhood. This was the first manifestation of what was later to become known as "gangster chic"; among Powell's clients were the incarcerated Krays.

By the early 90s, when he was operating from a top-floor studio in D'Arblay Street Powell had a customer base including Jagger, Ferry, Vic Reeves, who sported Powell's neo-Edwardian suits for his TV appearances, and George Michael, who wore a Mark Powell suit for his performance at The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.

Powell's suits have been worn by Mel B of The Spice Girls for the group's meeting with Prince Charles in 1997, Naomi Campbell, notably for her court appearances, and Keira Knightley.

Everything is hand crafted in Soho, London using mainly English cloth.

Made to order expect between 2-3 weeks.

Everything is hand crafted in Soho, London using mainly English cloth.

UK 8

Trousers