An audience of two-hundred leading lights of the British tailoring trade, plus friends and proud family members gathered at the historic Merchant Taylors’ Hall on July 11th to witness the presentation of the 2025 Savile Row Bespoke Association diplomas.

The occasion was kindly hosted by the Bespoke Tailors’ Benevolent Association and the diplomas were presented by Savile Row Bespoke Association (SRBA) Chairman Mark Henderson and Henry Poole's Managing Director Simon Cundey.

The apprentices that graduated this year – each of whom can now practise their craft to the standards of Savile Row– are Gerson Henao Hoyos (Coat Maker of Henry Poole & Co, whose Master was Maria Gomes – pictured top), Wendy Barberi (Coat Maker of Henry Poole & Co, whose Master was Aidan Traynor – pictured top), Oliver Newton (Coat Maker of Norton & Sons, whose Master was Georgie Shand – pictured, second, with Mark Henderson and Simon Cundey) and Mateusz Gutowski (Trouser Maker of Huntsman, whose Master was Marija Mikstaite – pictured, bottom, with Mark Henderson and Simon Cundey). The Masters act as the apprentices’ principal tutors.

SRBA Chairman Mark Henderson also spoke, congratulating the new diploma holders on their dedication and patience and acknowledging that their learning had been severely impacted by the effects of the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. He also thanked the judging panel, which comprised Joe Morgan of Chittleborough & Morgan, Dario Carnera of Kent & Haste, Saad Ktifi of Dege & Skinner, Philip Parker of Henry Poole & Co, and Victoria Townsend, founder of The London Academy of Bespoke.

Special tribute was paid to both Philip Parker and Victoria Townsend for their outstanding contributions to the SRBA apprenticeship scheme. Philip was instrumental in establishing the programme in 2007, helping to shape a rigorous training pathway that has now certified over one hundred apprentices, and Victoria now plays a key role in its delivery and oversight.

Following the presentation of the diplomas, guests enjoyed drinks in the beautiful courtyard before sitting down to dinner. The evening concluded with music and dancing - a fitting celebration of craftsmanship and the bright future of Savile Row bespoke tailoring.

Pictures by Luke Alland - @theexiledbrit