Walking into Stephen Kempson London, located on the Saugatuck River, is an enjoyable experience in and of itself. The atmosphere is sophisticated yet welcoming. A massive wood presentation table, designed by Stephen Kempson himself, draws the eye as you walk through the door. To the right is an open work area where clothing is stitched and seamed before your eyes. Walk a little further into the showroom, and you will come to a fully stocked bar, luxurious seating area and an outdoor patio.
Stephen, owner and founder of bespoke clothier brand Stephen Kempson London, is an expert at first impressions, and his showroom is no exception.
“It’s a different shopping experience,” says Stephen, who is known across the industry as one of the finest personal tailors in the country. “We’re lucky enough to have this beautiful space that people can come in and enjoy,” Stephen adds, “But we also work very much in the convenience of someone’s home.”
To some people, the idea of a custom suit or custom-made clothing is intimidating, but Stephen makes the process enjoyable and easy with his wealth of knowledge and welcoming personality.
“It’s important to have a level of confidence when you put something on,” Stephen says. “I strive to take someone a little bit out of their comfort zone in the sense that maybe I suggest something they wouldn’t normally pick up or buy when they walk into a store. But there’s nothing intimidating about the process—walking in here, being able to sit down and have a glass of wine—it should be fun.”
Stephen’s love for clothing started at a young age after he realized becoming a professional soccer player might not be in his cards. At 16 he started working for a small family tailoring business near his home just outside of London. He watched the tailors work and found it fascinating how a piece of cloth turned into a suit. He later went to work for one of the finest fabric houses in Paris, Dormeuil, and luxury fashion companies such as Sulka and Brioni before starting his own business in 2001.
“There was a part of me that was always an entrepreneur,” Stephen says. “I felt that I had, over the years, gained enough experience and really understood the luxury side of the industry. I thought I could take that experience and education and turn it into a business.”
One of Stephen’s goals is to help build a wardrobe that is consistent in fit and style.
“Everything in your wardrobe should feel the same way to give you the same confidence,” he says.
Stephen stresses the importance of a wardrobe that makes you feel confident and stylish.
“The service I provide is very personal. I try to understand my clients’ schedules and help them prepare when it comes to their wardrobe so they don’t have to think," he says. "The wardrobe then becomes an additional confidence factor.”
Stephen always takes a client’s personality and preferences into account.
“I fit the mind, then I fit the body.”
Stephen encourages clients to bring in existing suits or other clothing items in need of tailoring. If you are looking for something special, he also offers custom pieces.
“I try to give guidance, but when it comes to the garment itself, it’s your suit, and you should be able to have as much input as you want. I love when a client says, ‘I want to have some fun with this.’”
Stephen only works with the finest materials.
“Most of our materials are either from Italy or England. Very little comes from other places," he says. "My shirting fabrics mainly come from Italy or Switzerland. These mills make fabric for top names like Hermes, Gucci, Brioni, Kiton and Brunello Cucinelli. I’m lucky enough to be one of the smaller independent resources around the country to offer the same luxurious fabrics as the luxury houses offer.”
After more than 30 years in the industry, Stephen is still passionate about his work. He has outfitted stars in Hollywood, including Pierce Brosnan for his wedding and leaders in business, entertainment and media across the country. Stephen travels to Italy, Northern England and London multiple times a year for fashion shows, to visit fabric mills and for inspiration.