Handing over of the shears

On the 14th of August 2015 there will be a change in ownership of Edinburgh's oldest bespoke tailors.

Established in 1720, the company evolved over time, finally amalgamating to form Stewart Christie & Co Ltd. in 1933.

For the past 44 years the business has been owned and managed by Mr Duncan Lowe, who is the fourth generation of his family to work there as a merchant tailor. Mr Lowe was brought into the business by his father when in his early twenties, and has driven the business forward over time, carefully maintaining the company reputation as the premier Edinburgh bespoke tailor, country outfitter and supplier of sporting clothes and highland wear.

Ensuring the future of the business has been of chief concern to the owner, and this has now been achieved with the sale of Stewart Christie to Edinburgh based trio Dan Fearn, Vixy Rae and David Bassett - after an initial introduction made through the Incorporation of Edinburgh Tailors. Continuing to serve as a director of the firm will be Terence McClelland – head cutter and tailor who has been with the company nearly 20 years. “Continuity within the company through retaining skilled and experienced staff is important for all of us”, assert the new owners, adding “so too is the fact we can continue to call on Mr Lowe during the inevitable period of transition.”

Formerly lead designers at Walker Slater, both Victoria and Daniel with over 20yrs experience, have admired the heritage and reputation of the company for many years,

"It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to take on and grow a businesslong established as Edinburgh's premier bespoke tailors" enthuses Daniel, "we all feel an immense sense of pride embarking on this journey, together with support from Mr Lowe, and it is an honour to be custodians of such a long respected company."

The new team will be taking the company forward into the 21st century, by enhancing the store, establishing online retail, and developing a luxury own label brand.

"We all have a very similar work ethic and a common vision," comments Vixy, "developing Stewart Christie as a luxury brand, using local fabrics and British manufacture, we will celebrate and support Scottish and British craftsmanship in as many lines as we can." Existing brands will be balanced by increased own label product and new niche brands sought, to create a unique emporium for both ladies and gentlemen.

The company, housed in a Georgian building in the heart of Edinburgh’s New Town (a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site) offers two floors of retail space in addition to the all important workroom, cutting bench and offices. The lower ground floor sales area will undergo a complete renovation and refit, and when ready, will accommodate the new ladies wear collection and bespoke service. The ground floor will be reconfigured over time to encompass the classical ideas of a gentleman's tailor and outfitter. "We will retain as much of the character as possible, and reference the origins of the company, making full use of the archives we possess" adds David, "the historically important archive resources will also be used in the development of the Stewart Christie brand and will be a source of inspiration for us all. It is important to update the company, whilst remaining faithful to traditional techniques and craftsmanship and embracing the unique heritage Stewart Christie boasts."