John Davis is the current owner of bespoke tailoring service Tobias Tailors who has been active on the row for more than 50 years. He is low-profile while well recognized by many his peers (bespoke tailors).
It is great to talk with this great tailor.
Could you tell us more about yourself except a bespoke tailor?
I have a wonderful daughter who is eventually going to take over our business.
My hobbies are photography and playing Bass in bands.
What is your learning experience in tailoring?
I did my Savile Row apprenticeship at Kilgour, French & Stanbury twice, first as coatmaker, later as a tailor.
Who are the most admired cutters or tailors in you mind?
I have warm memories of David Clegg, Mr. Bricker and Michael Fish sadly no longer with us.
When choosing a tailor for the first time commission, what is your suggestion?
Do your research. The most expensive is not necessary the best.
Why does Italian tailoring have such a strong influence around the world and English cut is less and less.
Italian tailoring has a strong influence for off the peg from the large famous brands and these brands set the scene form most consumers.
However there are some fabulous Italian bespoke tailors just as there is some fine Savile Row companies.
What is your housecut?
The housecut has been influenced from working with different houses during my career.
Our housecut is very similar to old Kilgour French & Stanbury style with a bit of Mr. Fish and Tommy Nutter thrown in. Clean shoulders, structured coat with shaped waist.
What fabrics are your favorite?
We love Flannel and Tweed.
Especially Donegal.
What is your focus now?
I put all my energy on training my daughter to become a fine Savile Row tailor.
More and more houses in Savile Row offer MTM service, does it deviate from the luxury feeling of Bespoke?
It’s the bigger houses that offer MTM but the smaller houses concentrate on Bespoke. Without the luxury glamour, the price of their MTM service may be challenged hard.
As people outside of UK, how can we get your service?
We currently make exclusively for Savile Row houses.